Establishing the Apple Orchard 151 



to 28 or even 25 feet. Orchardists should bear in mind, 

 however, that trees set too close together very seriously 

 handicap orchard operations, for branches interlock when 

 full growth is attained. 



TIME TO PLANT 



The time of planting depends entirely on local condi- 

 tions. Fall plantings may offer one distinct advantage if 

 the trees become established before winter sets in and are 

 able to start growth early in the spring. However, if the 

 winter is cold, dry, or otherwise unfavorable, the fall 

 planted trees may be seriously checked in their early 

 growth. For this reason spring planting is preferred in 

 most northern regions. In the southern latitudes, late fall 

 or early winter is usually considered, safe. 



If there is any question, it is safer to plant in the 

 •spring as soon as the soil can be placed in good tilth. 

 Trees should be kept dormant until setting. 



SETTING TREES 



The use of the plantflSg-board is important in securing 

 perfect alignment. (See Fig. 2>) Such a board is usu- 

 ally 4 or 5 feet long, 6 inches wide and 1 inch thick with 

 a notch in one side at the center and a hole in each end. 

 In using this device, the notch in the, center is first placed 

 tightly against the stake which stands where the tree is 

 to be set. Other stakes are then driven through the holes 

 in either end and the board is later removed to permit the 

 digging of the hole. After the hole is dug, the board may 

 be placed over the pins and the tree set so as to gccupy the 

 same position in the notch as did the original stake. 



