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least, their young trees were severly damaged when a cold spell occurred early 

 during one recent winter, 



"Here are a few ideas for your consideration, 



"1. In the year of planting, the sum of the growths of terminal twigs 

 should be at least 36 inches. We would get this if 6 branches each should 

 grow 6 inches. Planting should be as early in the spring as the frost is out 

 of the ground and ground is dry enough. During the first year, the earth 

 around the roots never should be allowed to get dry before August. Slow 

 starting usually is due to drying of the tree before or after the fruit grower 

 gets it, 



"2. In each of the next 5 years, there should be growth of 15 to 18 inches 

 on 6 or more branches per tree. With fewer than 7 scaffold branches, the grw-rth 

 should average more than 18 inches. In colder areas of New York, 12 to 14 inches 

 is safer than 15 to 18 inches. Growth should be made from later April through 

 July. Growth in August or September increases the risk of winter injury. 



"3. Pruning should be the least that will produce a reasonable tree 

 structure. Most young trees are delayed in bearing and dwarfed by excessive 

 pruning, 



"4. Young trees need 4 to 6 sprays per year with non-injurious pesticides. 

 Close observation may save a spray or two, 



"5, Continuous moisture is essential till mid-summer. During the first 3 

 years, watering often pays. On most air blast sprayers a 1% inch hose can be 

 slipped on in place of one of the hoses that go to the nozzles, Abou't 10 to 1!^ 

 gallons should go into a hollow around the tree-trunk at a watering, BEFORE 

 growth has been checked by drouth. 



"6, If a tree is allowed to become stunted. It may take 2 or 3 years Co 

 •wake it up' , 



"7. The cost of bringing apples into bearing will be considerably less with 

 6 to 8 years of intensive care than if it takes 10 to 15 years," 



—William J, Lord 



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