CHAPTER IV 

 Renovating Fruit Trees 



WHEN trees have carried heavy crops of fruit for a number of 

 years they often lose vigour, and fail to yield such satisfactory 

 results as previously. When this is the case there are two 

 courses open : one is to root out the trees altogether and plant 

 young ones, and the other is to renovate them by replacing the 

 old soil with fresh material. In many cases it is desirable to 

 adopt the latter plan ; in fact, it is often prpfitable to do so, 

 for trees so treated frequently take a new lease of life and pro- 

 duce good crops for many years. Pears, Plums, and Apples 

 all respond readily to this method. When it is desired to keep 

 old trees for sentimental or other reasons, one can frequently 

 do much to improve their general health by judicious and timely 

 treatment. 



New Soil for Old. In the first place 'the soil should be 

 removed for some distance around the stem of the trees, right 

 down to the roots ; it is desirable to remove it to the tips of 

 the roots, as the small fibrous roots are those that take up 

 nourishment and feed the trees. In the case of really old trees 

 it is not advisable to disturb the main roots ; but when deal- 

 ing with young trees, of which the roots are in a better state of 

 preservation, the soil may be taken from among them. Do 

 not allow the roots to get dry through exposure, but have the 

 fresh compost at hand to fill up at once. 



After the work of excavation has been done, it remains to 

 fill the vacant spaces with fresh soil, and this should consist 

 chiefly of turf loam, although old potting soil is often suitable. 

 Turves cut 4 inches thick that have been stacked for some 

 months are the best for the purpose. They are chopped up 

 thoroughly with a spade, and to each barrowload is added a 

 sprinkling of old lime rubble and J-inch bones ; bonemeal at 

 the rate of a 6-inch potful to each barrowload may be added 

 with advantage. The compost should be well mixed in an open 



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