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        The pruning of plants including trees and shrubs serves these
        functions.  To  remove  dead,  decayed,  diseased  or  broken
        branches, to eliminate unwanted growth or suckers, to improve
        the shape of the plant and to produce new growth for flowers,
        blossoms and fruit.

        DO remove unwanted and diseased branches as close as possible
        to the truck.

        DON'T leave stubs protruding from the main truck after pruning.

        DO remove large branches using three cuts.  The  first cut is
        is made from underneath the branch to about  1/3rd of the way
        through.  The second cut is made from the  top  of the branch
        opposite the first cut, to sever the branch.   The  third cut
        is made to remove the stub.

        DON'T remove heavy branches by cutting  through  the branch in 
        one cut.  The  weight of the  branch  may cause splitting and
        tearing, which is both unsightly and allows disease and pests
        to enter the wound.

        DO make pruning cuts 1cm beyond a bud. Make sure that the bud
        faces the way you wish the new growth to go.

        DON'T make pruning cuts facing upwards,  but angle the cuts to
        allow water to run off the pruned surfaces.

        DO prune at any time to remove dead,  diseased,  unwanted and
        inwards growing branches.

        DON'T prune spring flowering plants in autumn  if  you want to
        have flowers in the spring.

        DO prune any plant after its normal flowering period.

        DON'T throw diseased prunings on the compost heap, but dispose
        of them preferably by burning.

        DO prune  inwards  growing  branches to maintain an open look 
        and to improve air-flow.

        DON'T prune leaving jagged cuts, but leave a cut that is clean
        and smooth.

        DO apply wound dressing to the final cuts if you wish however
        it is generally believed today that it serves no real purpose.

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