GROWING YOUNG APPLE TREES 



Bearing trees have first priority to good management practices in the 

 conmiercial orchard and the non-bearing trees are apt to be neglected. The 

 practice of interplanting young trees in bearing blocks seems most frequently to 

 result in their neglect. 



The new plantings are the future livelihood of the grower. Early, heavy 

 production on young trees should be the prime objective. The loss of growth in 

 young orchards due to neglect represents a substantial financial loss to the 

 operators. 



Prepara tion of th e Site 



The method used to prepare the site for apple trees depends upon many factors 

 such as grower preference, steepness of slope, the presence of boulders and the 

 previous crop on the new site. Frequently, the orchardist clears a wooded area 

 or selects an abandoned field for the new orchard site. The previously wooded 

 area may have to be bulldozed and/or bog-harrowed. Brushy sites may be cleared 

 with a rotary mower. 



Tillage for preparation of abandoned fields for an orchard site generally 

 is unnecessary. Also, many of our Mass ichusetts fields either have steep slopes 

 or are extremely rocky, thereby, making tillage impractical. On such areas, the 

 best practice is to stake the fields for planting and then mulch the area where 

 the trees are to be located a year to two in advance of planting. Apply suffi- 

 cient mulch to suppress grass growth. In addition, by mulching, the soil will be 

 in better physical condition prior to planting. 



Soil samples should be taken to determine lime requirements. If large amounts 

 of lime are needed and it is economically feasible apply all at once. When the 

 site for the orchard is under cultivation or is to be plowed or bog-harrowed 

 prior to planting, it offers an excellent opportunity to incorporate the high 

 magnesium lime into the soil. 



Planting the Tr ees 



The trees should be set with the heavily branched side, in case of two year 

 old trees, towards the prevailing wind and with a slight slant in the same direc- 

 tion. Firm good soil around the roots and avoid unnecessary tamping that may 

 injure these roots. It is the practice of some growers to add lime when filling 

 the planting hole and to use loam from outside of the orchard. Care should be 

 taken to spread the roots when the planting hole is filled with soil. It is not 

 necessary to add water to the soil unless it is dry but it usually will improve 

 the soil-root contact. The use of nutrient solutions at the time of planting is 

 being advocated in some states but has not been used to any extent in Massachusetts, 



When planting trees on size controlling rootstocks, particular care must be 

 taken to purchase trees that are budded high so that deep planting in the orchard 

 is possible. This will prevent leaning and also suppress sucker growth from the 

 root system. 



