CHAPTER XXXI 



RENOVATING NEGLECTED ORCHARDS 



In all the older apple-growing regions vast numbers of trees 

 both old and young have fallen into neglect for various causes, such 

 as lack of proper management, lack of interest, carelessness, dis- 

 eases, and insect pests. Many such trees can be brought back to 

 a yielding basis if intelligence is applied to the problem. 



Many of the older trees are very tall (often 35 feet or more), which 

 is probably due somewhat to the high-headed nursery stock com- 

 monly used in earlier plantings and also to the close planting 

 practiced years ago. In some cases the trees are covered with moss, 

 lichens, and old dead bark, probably harboring countless insects 

 and persistent diseases. Frequently there is an overabundance of 

 woody growth on the tree, and often shrubs, small trees, weeds, 

 etc. surround the trees. In fact, conditions for fruit production 

 are at their worst. 



Is renovation practicable? Many factors must be considered 

 before this question can be answered satisfactorily. 



1. Varieties. If the orchard is largely made up of undesirable 

 varieties, it may be best to leave it entirely alone, especially if the 

 trees are old, high-headed, long-armed specimens. To graft over 

 such trees would be a long, tedious, expensive job. In younger 

 orchards it might be better to correct the variety by top-grafting. 

 Where the larger part of the orchard is made up of a desirable 

 variety such as the Baldwin, it may be advantageous to mix varieties 

 somewhat by top-grafting, in order to insure proper pollination and 

 prevent self-sterilization. 



2. Location. Where the location or exposure of the orchard is 

 poor, it may not be worth while to bother with renovation. Orchards 

 on low lands, where they are likely to be injured by late spring 

 frosts, may not be worth attention, and southern exposures, where 

 sunscald and other troubles abound, may not be favorable. Cold, 



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