PRUNING THE DIFFERENT TREE FRUITS 



253 



ing peaches in solid blocks with the idea of a comparatively 

 long-time investment. Although the number of trees per acre 

 is less because of the greater planting distances, the total 

 3deld per acre, as a result of the larger trees, is higher and 

 the color of fruit is usually much improved. The initial in- 

 vestment is less for trees, and pruning costs are likewise 

 decreased. 



It is reasonable to suppose that, if enough more wood and 

 buds are left on a tree at least to double its yield, more mois- 

 ture and fertilizers will be needed. Thus the grower who has 

 been pruning severely, fertilizing little, cultivating moderately 

 well, and securing an average yield of 1% bushels per tree 

 will find himself in trouble if he decides to prune lightly and 

 does not adjust his other practices in proportion. If nitrates 

 have paid under the heavy pruning system, larger quantities 

 will be required if lighter pruning is practiced, the fruit should 

 be thinned more, early and thorough cultivation should be 

 given, and those cover crops which will make the most organic 

 matter under the local conditions should be used. In light 

 soils, especially, large amounts of organic matter should be 

 turned under, not only from a general fertility standpoint 

 but also as an aid in increasing the water-holding capacity of 

 the soil. 



Note that in all recommendations given it has been pointed 

 out that bearing trees should be thinned out moderately, and 

 that the limbs which are to continue the framework of the 

 tree should receive a light to moderate heading back. 



{h) Pruning Is Very Important in Restoring Old Orchards 

 to Fruitfulness. Many old peach orchards which have gradu- 

 ally become unproductive, with long, bare limbs extending 

 15 to 20 feet high, can be rejuvenated and made productive 

 by proper methods of spraying, pruning, fertilization, borer 

 control, and soil management. 



Many methods of rebuilding such trees have been advo- 

 cated. Under most conditions it is best to prune the whole tree 

 moderately the first year (Fig. 91). Trees headed back into 



