CARE OF YOUNG TREES 



WILLIAM HOTALI^G, KIKDERHOOK, N. Y. 



Farmers' Institute Lecturer 



In the setting of orchards the first thing 

 of importance to get clearly in mind is 

 that for best growth and development trees 

 require the same conditions as do any 

 other plants. It necessarily follows that 

 the better the preparation given the soil 

 before planting, the more satisfactory will 

 be the condition of the trees during their 

 early life, all other things being equal. 

 Under certain conditions, to be sure for 

 example, when moisture and plant food are 

 sufficient and available young trees may 



really grow well even though almost no preparation is given. In 

 most cases, however,' it will pay to fit the ground as carefully for 

 planting young trees as for a crop of corn. 



LAYING OUT OECHARD 



There are a number of simple and easy methods of laying out 

 an orchard. If one wishes a rapid and efficient method and can 

 drive a horse straight, perhaps the most desirable practice may 

 be the setting up of stakes at desired distances on each side 

 of the field and furrowing straight from side to side. Cross- 

 furrowing may be practiced in like manner, and the holes may 

 afterward be dug where the furrows cross. If a little care is 

 taken, trees may be set very straight in this manner. The apple 

 orchard will probably stand as a monument to our memory long 

 after we are gone, and for a thing so permanent as this promises 

 to be, I believe we can well afford to take a little extra care in 

 the laying out, as it may mean the difference between shame and 

 pride during the remainder of our lives. 



Although somewhat slower, one of the best methods is that of 

 using stakes and a tape measure. It is generally desirable to 



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