- - AGRICULTURE CORE CURRICULUM - -

(CLF6000) Advanced Core Cluster: ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURE

 (CLF6550) Unit Title: PRUNING OF TREES AND SHRUBS 

____________________________________________________________________________
 (CLF6599) Topic: PRUNING OF TREES       Time              Year(s) 
                    AND SHRUBS UNIT EXAM   1 hour              3 / 4 
____________________________________________________________________________

Mark the following statements true or false:

 1. T F Both the size and the shape of plants can be controlled by
          careful pruning.

 2. T F Pruning always changes the natural shape of a plant into an
          unnatural shape.

 3. T F Pruning is most often done to help a plant retain its natural
          shape.

 4. T F Regular pruning reduces the likelihood of a plant being damaged
          by diseases and pests.

 5. T F A properly pruned tree cannot be damaged by severe winds.

 6. T F In general, the best time to prune a woody plant is late winter
          or early spring.

 7. T F No pruning should ever be done during the spring and summer.

 8. T F Hedge shears are the first pruning tool that a gardener should 
          buy.

 9. T F Three-legged orchard ladders offer the greatest stability for 
          pruning from a ladder.

10. T F Pruning equipment should be stored outside near the plants so it
          will be handy when the gardener wants to prune.


Define the following terms:

Thinning -





Heading -




Drop Crotching -




Apical Dominance -




Central Leader -




Modified Central Leader -




Open Center (or Vase) -






Match the tool with the correct pruning job.

_____ Handheld pruning shears        A. Cutting large branches or trunks

_____ Chain saw                      B. Removing small overhead or 
                                        hard-to-reach tree branches

_____ Hedge shears                   C. Cutting stems up to 1/2 inch in
                                        diameter

_____ Lopping shears                 D. Clipping hedges

_____ Extension-pole saw             E. Cutting stems up to 1 1/2 inches in
                                        diameter


Give a brief answer to the following questions:

1. Give one reason why early autumn is not the best time to prune woody
   plants.




2. Give one reason why staking a young tree may be advisable.



3. What is the purpose of drop crotching a tree?





4. List three (3) reasons to prune trees or shrubs.






5. Should pruning wounds be painted over with various materials? Why or
   why not?





6. What are the two (2) basic methods of pruning?




7. If a chain saw is being used for pruning, what are two (2) safety 
   precautions that should be used?





8. If you want to develop a bonsai plant, what time of year should pruning 
   be done? Why?








1/14/91 CLH/clh

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