ORCHARD MANAGEMENT 125 



into bearing. Peaches are frequently planted as fillers in 

 apple orchards. 



In the equilateral triangular system (Fig. 87), the trees have 

 an equal distance for growth in all directions and are able 

 to use all of the feeding area. This method is also known as 

 the hexagonal, because the six trees surrounding one within 

 form a six-sided figure as shown by the lines in the diagram. 



f>lt] 



< ' ^ 



^ \ . x 



Fia. 87. Hexagonal or equilateral triangular system of orchard planting. 



Although it is a little more difficult to lay out an orchard by 

 this system, the effort is replaced later on by the greater ease 

 with which cultivating machinery, wagons, and the like, can 

 be turned in the orchard. 



203. Distance apart. There is no rule to follow in regard 

 to planting distance, since much depends on such factors as 

 the habit of growth of the variety, the type of soil, and the 

 amount of moisture available. Trees of upright form can be 

 planted closer than those of spreading habit. Trees on rich 

 deep soils should be placed farther apart than those on shal- 

 low or poor land, because on rich soils the trees grow larger. 

 Trees should not be planted so close together that they do 

 not have sufficient room for their normal development. An 



