322 



FRUIT GROWING 



while young to keep them in good shape, heading back some of 

 the long growths and perhaps to open the heads on thin branches 

 and to encourage growth in certain parts. 



In setting the tree it should be placed a little deeper in the soil 

 than it was when in the nursery. The hole should be amply large 

 so that plenty of top may be placed about the roots. The soil 

 should be well tramped down over the roots to cause the rapid 

 formation of root-hairs. If the season be dry, watering at setting 

 time is very helpful. Loose soil should always be left on the 

 surface. The distance apart for planting orchard trees varies 

 with the variety, soil and climate. Apples are planted from 



FIG. 214. 



FIG. 215 



FIG. 214. The main pruning of trees should be done in the winter. About half the 

 new growth on the top is cut back to reduce the height of the tree and keep the fruit from 

 breaking the limbs. This tree was "headed" about eight inches from the ground. (New 

 Jersey Station.) 



FIG. 215. It is well to practice some summer pruning on all kinds of orchard trees. 

 This work is chiefly done with the fingers. It consists in removing sprouts on the trunk and 

 lower limbs and any other places on the tree. (New Jersey Station.; 



twenty-five feet each way to forty feet each way. Peaches vary 

 in distance from fifteen feet to twenty feet each way. 



Methods of Pruning. Pruning should be practiced only by 

 those who have had special instruction. There are several things 

 to be remembered: (1) Never cut a large limb if the removal 

 of a few small limbs will do (Fig. 214). (2) The pruning should be 

 annual to keep the trees in best condition, and to avoid having to 

 cut large limbs. (3) Remove limbs that interfere or tend to rub. 

 (4) Cut the limbs as close as possible, never leaving a stub. This 

 will allow nature to heal the wound and prevent decay. (5) 

 Always make the cuts as smooth as possible, never allowing a limb 

 to split down while being cut. (6) Large wounds should always 



