TREES AND THE GARDEN. 205 



are more subject to fungus diseases. Therefore, in 

 selecting a site, one must be chosen with a gentle slope 

 sufficient to insure good soil and air drainage. Such 

 a site, with a soil of sufficient fertility and a good tex- 

 ture, constitutes the ideal site for a fruit garden. 



Age to Plant Trees. Trees are planted at different 

 ages, depending upon the kind. Peaches and cherries, 

 for example, are better at one year old, while apples, 

 pears and plums are generally planted at the age of 

 two or three years. 



Roots should be Cut Clean. As these trees are dug 

 from the nursery many of the roots are wounded, 

 while others are entirely cut away. At the time of 

 planting, therefore, the roots of all of the trees should 

 be carefully examined, using a sharp knife to make a 

 clean cut wherever the roots have been left with rough 

 jagged ends. A clean cut on all roots and branches 

 heals most readily. 



How to Plant a Tree. In planting the tree the 

 holes should be made a little larger than the natural 

 spread of the roots, and the trees set about two inches 

 deeper than they were in the nursery. The most im- 

 portant point in planting the trees is to see that the soil 

 is packed firmly all around and under the roots. This 

 is done to drive out all of the air spaces, and bring the 

 soil particles into closest contact with the roots, as it 

 must be remembered that the roots take their moisture 

 by osmosis. The last two or three inches of soil 

 should be left loose to act as a soil mulch. 



Distance between Trees. The distance apart that 

 the trees are planted will depend largely upon the kind 

 and variety. Thus, peaches are generally planted 

 20 to 25 feet apart, while apples are usually set from 

 30 to 40 feet. Whatever the kind of fruit may be, 

 the distance apart that the trees are set should be suffi- 

 cient to insure plenty of room and sunlight for the 

 tops, and a large feeding surface for the roots. 



Trees should be Pruned when Planted. After the 

 trees are set, the top should be pruned, cutting out all 



