69 



Granted that a suitable location has been chosen and that care has been 

 exercised in the selection of the trees, both as to varieties and as to the quality 

 of the stock, the next thing is to get them well established in the place where 

 they are to grow. 



It is desirable, if at all possible, to have the ground well prepared the previous 

 season, as by so doing, delay and disappointment in the spring may to a large 

 extent be obviated. Frequently a few days' delay at the time of planting may 

 mean the difference between failure and success. 



Having decided upon the most satisfactory distance apart at which to set 

 the trees, which depends upon the variety concerned — the tendency frequently 

 being to plant too closely — the trees should be carefully pruned, taking off all 

 surplus and broken roots. In the case of peaches, the best orchardists trim 

 the tops to a whip not more than 12 to 18 inches in length. For apples, pears, 

 plums and cherries, a few short side spurs are preferable, as this usually allows 

 the formation of a more satisfactory head. The former practice was to head 

 the trees from four to five feet from the ground, and the majority of the eastern 

 orchards of bearing age, are of this character. No one advocates this method 

 at the present time. Low heading is the vogue as it has many advantages 

 over the old method and few disadvantages. 



A good large hole should be dug, and one of the various types of planting 

 boards should be used for accuracy in setting. When filling the hole, the first 

 few shovels of earth should be tightly packed and the top put in loosely to act 

 as a mulch in conserving soil moisture. It is needless to say that every care 

 should be taken to avoid unnecessary exposure of the roots to the sun and wind 

 while planting, as many trees are annually killed in this way. There is a satis- 

 faction arising from the realization of work well done, which much more than 

 compensates for a little extra time taken, even in the rush of a busy spring 

 season when calls are numerous on every hand. If possible, an extra mulch 

 of barnyard manure or straw, should be provided as an additional safeguard 

 until the trees become established. 



Cultivation should be begun as soon as practicable after the trees are set 

 out, and the more frequently subsequent cultivations are given, the better 

 will the growth of the trees be encouraged. 



For the first two or three years no great harm will be done by planting a 

 portion of the ground between the trees with some kind of a cultivated crop 

 which will not draw too heavily on the moisture or fertility of the soil. In the 

 West, however, where the largest planting of apple trees is now in progress, 

 the trees are for the most part allowed the entire use of the land, and clean 

 cultivation is the rule. This, however, can be carried to excess, encouraging 

 a late, soft growth, often resulting in severe winter-killing. The remedy for 

 this is to cease cultivating about midsummer and seed down with some one of 

 the approved cover crops, such as the clovers, tares or vetches, which will ripen 

 the wood, protect the roots of the trees, and when turned under in the spring, 

 add humus and nitrogen to the soil. The small grains should never be sown 

 in a young orchard, and the practice of doing this and seeding down for a number 

 of years, is largely responsible for the great number of sickly, unprofitable 

 orchards that are to be seen throughout many sections of the country. Many 

 landowners feel that they cannot afford to do without the small revenue which 

 they hope to derive from some catch-crop on their land while the trees are 

 growing, and as a result the trees suffer hardships from the cupidity of the 

 owner. As stated before, there are crops which may be used to some 

 extent for a year or two without much injury, but wheat and oats and hay 

 are not of this character and should never be employed. 



Pruning. 



Annual pruning should be one of the regular occupations of the up-to-date 

 fruitgrower. There are pruners and pruners. One man goes into his orchard 



