APPLE. 



169 



side by light summer pruning on the north side. Also, in set- 

 ting the trees, they should be slightly inclined to the southwest 

 and an effort made to keep them in that direction. 



Sprouting from the roots. In the case of young thrifty trees, 

 such as the Wealthy and some other kinds, even with trees up 

 to six inches in diameter, vigorous sprouts will often be pro- 



Fig. 80. Apple trees of various forms showing method of pruning 



for planting. 



duced from the trunk when the top is badly injured and such 

 sprouts will make profitable trees. This has been the experience 

 in Minnesota where trees have been killed back in severe win- 

 ters. 



Mulching. The advantage of a mulch around trees in ap- 

 ple orchards is not generally appreciated. It checks evaporation 

 and prevents the running off of water and allows it to soak into 

 the ground. It helps to equalize the moisture in the soil through- 

 out the growing season, and prevents root-killing in winter. It 

 is of the greatest assistance in rather dry locations, where its 

 use makes success possible with many varieties that otherwise 



