TRANSPLANTING THE APPLE IN THE NORTHWEST. 415 



10. Question: How should top of tree for orchard planting be 

 pruned ? 



Answers: 



a. As a rule we take off all unnecessary limbs that grow toward 

 the middle of the top, and about one-half of the last year's growth ; 

 this should be varied to balance the loss of root. 



b. In young trees, cut out as many of the branches as will give 

 the tree a good top. . 



c. So as to leave limbs in proper shape. 



d. By pinching off terminals or light pruning where limbs cross. 



e. Leave central stem intact ; prune all other branches to the 

 extent of one-half of previous season's growth. 



f. Cut back about one-half of last year's growth. 



g. If trees have been properly trimmed in nursery, they will 

 need very little when setting out. 



h. Two-year trees, three to five limbs three inches to five inches 

 long; three-year-trees, three to five limbs two inches to five inches 

 long ; four-year-trees, trim all limbs of last, year's growth to two 

 strong buds, and all surplus growths entirely away. 



i. Pruned in fall (when roots are pruned). Reduce the top in 

 same proportion that the root system has been reduced. Always 

 leave a smooth, clean cut. 



j. Would cut back about one-half last season's growth. 



k. Head back all side limbs about one-half and leader or top 

 but little. 



1. Cut back two-thirds of last year's growth, waxing the tips. 



m. Cut off half of last season's growth. 



n. Cut back to about one-third of the limbs. 



o. Heighth of stem, from two and one-half to three feet. When 

 my tree is set with branches the heaviest on the sun side, I take off 

 any and all remaining branches that are on the northeast side close 

 to the trunk. I head in or clip the twigs on the sun side, especially 

 if there are openings to be closed up on that side. 



p. Merely cut back two-thirds of last year's growth. 



q. To symmetrical shape, leaving no crotches. 



11. Question: How deep should trees be planted in the or- 

 chard ? 



Answers: 



a. From four to eight inches deeper than they stood in nursery. 



b. From three to six inches deeper than they stood in the nurs- 

 ery. 



c. Six inches, at least, deeper than before. 



d. Four to ten inches deeper than grown in the nursery, de- 

 pending on soil conditions. The deep-planted fruit trees are most 

 permanent and desirable. This saves root-killing, so frequent in 

 northern orchards. 



e. About six inches deeper than they stood in the nursery. 



f. About three inches deeper than they stood in nursery. 



g. Four to six inches deeper than they grew in nursery. 



h. This depends on location and soil. Very high rolling or 



