RENOVATING OLD ORCHARDS 



I. e., not too scattered or Isolated or In the midst 

 of regular fields better adapted for other crops. 



(4) Vigor and good general health are of 

 great Importance. Many old trees are too far 

 gone with neglect, having been too long starved 

 or having their vitality too much weakened by 

 disease to make an effort for their rehabilita- 

 tion worth while. Good vigor, even though It 

 be dormant, is absolutely essential. Disease 

 weakens the tree, making the expense of 

 renovation greater. Moreover, all diseased 

 branches must be removed, requiring severe cut- 

 ting and often seriously injuring the tree. Dis- 

 ease too often stunts the tree to such an extent 

 as to make stimulation practically impossible. 

 Such matters should be carefully looked Into 

 before attempting renovation. 



(5) If the soil, site, and location are all un- 

 favorable or even If two of these are not good, 

 time and money are likely to be wasted on reno- 

 vation. What constitutes unfavorable condi- 

 tions In these respects has already been pointed 

 out In Chapter III. 



Practically the same principles of pruning, 



cultivation, fertilization and spraying apply in 



the management of the old orchard as In any 



other orchard. It may be well, however, to 



157 



