CHAPTER IX 



PLANTING 



Fall versus spring planting. There is much difference of opinion 

 among the authorities on apple growing as to the best season for 

 planting apple trees. The late fall is advocated by some, while 

 others are equally certain that the early spring is better. The chief 

 reasons advanced in favor of late fall planting are that roots of trees 

 set at this season become thoroughly established in the soil, and that 

 the cut surfaces on the roots become calloused during the winter 

 months, with the result that new roots are pushed out very early in 

 the spring. On the other hand, dry falls and dry winters will prove 



k 5 ft. * 



K 



to 



__1 



Fig. 31. A planting board 

 A very useful contrivance in setting an orchard 



fatal to many of the fall-set trees, and the stand will therefore be 

 imperfect. In the eastern and northern part of the country, spring 

 planting is usually preferred. 



Trees for planting should not be taken from the nursery row till 

 the leaves have fallen, and this is usually so late in the fall that the 

 weather is not suitable for planting. As previously stated, it is ad- 

 visable to purchase trees in the fall, so as to obtain a better assort- 

 ment and to have them ready for planting in the spring as soon as 

 the weather permits. Then if soil and weather conditions are 

 favorable in the fall after the stock arrives, the trees may be safely 

 and profitably planted where they are to remain permanently, 

 instead of being heeled in. If left till spring, the planting should 

 be done as soon as the ground can be worked without injury. If the 

 conditions in the fall are not right, spring planting is undoubtedly 

 the safer course. 



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