SETTING TREES 35 



base of tree trunk, the trouble is probably the fun- 

 gous disease called crown gall ; if found on the roots 

 of apple trees, an insect called the woolly aphis is to 

 blame. 



USEFUL SIDE SHOOTS. 

 A tree out of place is a nuisance ; in its place it is a blessing. 



Do not let manure come in direct contact with the roots of 

 young trees. Apply manure as a mulch. 



An assistant is very helpful when setting trees. Two men, 

 or a man and a boy, can work together to good advantage. 



Better not dig holes much in advance of the tree -setting. 

 Soil dries out quickly, and roots need moist earth around them. 



Thrifty young trees are more apt to live than the larger, older 

 ones. Young roots are smaller, and more apt to be all taken 

 up in transplanting. 



How deep should trees be set in the ground ? A little deeper 

 than they were set when growing in the nursery. Deep enough 

 so that the joint between stock and scion is covered. 



For measuring purposes a wire is better than a rope or cord, 

 because it will not stretch. Stick a bit of solder on the wire, 

 exactly where each tree is to come. String or bits of cloth tied 

 on, are apt to slip. 



As the tree-setting progresses, it is a good plan often to 

 "sight" the rows across from side to side, both ways, to make 

 sure that everything is exactly straight. The eye is an excellent 

 detector of unsuspected crooks in rows. 



In exposed situations or in windy localities, it is a good plan 

 to incline the newly-set tree slightly toward the northwest or 

 whichever point of the compass the strong winds come from. 

 The trees will straighten as they grow. 



One or two old blankets will come in handy when setting 

 trees. As fast as an armful of trees is dug from the heeling-in 

 place, wrap the roots in a blanket until all are planted. Don't 

 let the roots lie around in sun and wind, unprotected. 





