52 Fruit-growing in Arid Regions 



them out a little. The hole should be large enough to 

 let the tree stand two or three inches deeper than it stood 

 in the nursery. In localities where strong winds affect 

 the growth of the tree, the heavier part of the root system 

 is turned in the direction of the prevailing winds. Where 

 the-wind is not a factor, the heavier part of the root system 

 is turned toward the southwest. The top may be leaned 

 to overcome the influence of prevailing winds, or to the 

 southwest to protect the body from the sun. In our 

 hot climate the trees show an inclination to grow heavier 

 in the northeast side, and leaning the tree to the south- 

 west or placing the heavier part of the root system or of 

 the top in this direction helps to overcome this tendency. 

 With the tree in position, the fine top soil is pushed 

 back in the hole and worked in about the roots by a slight 

 churning motion of the tree. In this process the tree 

 will work upward somewhat, and the planter must allow 

 for this in placing the tree. With the roots well covered 

 and the top soil slightly tramped, the water is turned 

 in the furrow to complete the settling. After a thorough 

 watering, fresh soil is thrown about the crown of the tree, 

 and the furrow is left open for a second watering ten 

 days or two weeks later. After the second watering, it 

 is advisable to fill this furrow and to water from the side. 



