PLANTING AND TRANSPLANTING : Page 84

Pruning Transplanted Stock. Suggestions with reference topruning are covered more fully in the chapter on "Pruning." Oneof the fundamental practices to be followed in connection with thecorrect transplanting of stock is to prune all branches and rootsproperly. Any branches that are crowding should be carefully prunedat the time of transplanting, especially if the transplanting is done inthe spring; otherwise it is a better practice to leave the stock standingin its new position during the winter and perform the necessary prun-ing of the top in the early spring or later winter months. An exceptionto this practice is the case of maple trees, which should be prunedbefore sap starts to flow in the spring. With trees and shrubs hav-ing a heavy top, at least one-third of the top should be removedat the time of transplanting, or before the stock has commenced tomake its new growth in the spring. This is done to offset the lossof roots incurred in moving and it is essential except with nurserystock which has been frequently root-pruned at the nursery. Allbruised and broken roots should be carefully pruned, with a cleancut, at the time of transplanting. Only in this manner will rootsheal and possible decay be avoided. Save as many roots as possiblewhen moving.