14 FRUIT GROWING FOR AMATEURS 



of bringing the roots of the fruit tree nearer the surface ; 2 inches 

 of soil covering above the uppermost roots is sufficient. It ia 

 obvious that only comparatively small trees can be lifted con- 

 veniently ; when they have become established root pruning 

 must be resorted to. If young fruit trees, and particularly 



Cutting the thick roots that have entered 

 subsoil 



those growing against a wall, were lifted or root pruned during 

 the first three or four years following planting, they would 

 make more shapely trees and bear heavier crops than usual. 

 If a tree is allowed to grow as vigorously as it will during the 

 early years of its life, it will probably never give satisfaction. 

 These remarks do not apply to standard trees in the orchard, 

 but to bush, and more especially trained, trees in the garden. 



