Laying Down of Peach Trees. 
5 
either side of the tree at right angles to the direction in which it 
is to be laid down. Mr. Rickard pays no attention to placing the 
roots, claiming that in a few years the roots spread so that any 
evidence of training is lost. Others make a point of setting the 
trees close enough in the row so that when laid down the tops of 
one tree shall overlap the base of another. The roots are thus 
• afforded protection as well as the tops. 
The following data furnished by Mr. Rickard is given in 
detail as it represents the experience, not only of the largest 
grower, but of one who has had the longest experience in this 
method of growing peaches. As is true with many horticultural 
operations, there are different ways of doing the same thing, con¬ 
sequently other growers differ with these instructions in points of 
minor detail, but in general, the process must be the same. 
Yearling trees are set in the spring and they should be laid 
down the first winter, repeating the process each season during 
the life of the tree. In this instance no attention is given to 
training or placing the roots. As soon as the trees have shed 
their leaves and the wood is well ripened, they are ready for win¬ 
ter quarters. This is usually in the fore part of November, in the 
vicinity of Canon City. The first step in the operation consists in 
removing the earth from a circle about four feet in diameter 
around the tree. When sufficient trees have been treated in this 
manner to make the work progress advantageously, water is 
turned into the hollows. After the ground has become saturated 
the trees are worked back and forth and the water follows the 
roots, loosening the soil around them so that they are pushed over 
in the direction that offers the least resistance. When treated in 
this manner the trees go over easily and with comparatively little 
injury to the root system. That is, providing the trees have been 
laid down each year. It is difficult to handle old trees in this 
manner that have never been laid down, and usually it will not 
pay to try. 
After the trees are on the ground, further work should be 
delayed until the ground has dried sufficiently to admit of ease 
in walking, and in the handling of the dirt. The limbs may now 
be brought together with a cord, and so lessen the work of 
covering. 
After experimenting with many kinds of coverings, burlap 
held in place with earth has proved the most satisfactory. The 
burlap is spread out over the prostrate tree top, as shown in the 
photographs, taking special pains to protect the blossom buds 
from coming in direct contact with the earth covering. A light 
layer of earth is now thrown over the tree and the protection is 
complete. 
The critical time in growing peaches by this method is in the 
spring when growing weather begins. Close watch must be kept 
