FERTILIZERS (Continued) 
of a tree. Regular commercial fertilizers in about a 6-8-4 analysis can 
be used, about one pound to each inch of caliper of tree. Application 
time either about October or March first in our section as well as other 
places comparable to the climate of south-eastern Pennsylvania. Or- 
ganic fertilizers which require decomposition such as bone-meal and 
cotton seed meal should be applied late fall to receive benefit for the 
following summer’s growth. As a general rule about one |b. of fertilizer 
to each inch of caliper of the tree should be sufficient. If your soil con- 
ditions are such that you require special and specific information your 
County Agent may be able to help you or we shall be glad to answer 
further questions by mail. Calcium or lime can be added to soils for 
best walnut production where the soils are decidedly on the acid side. 
As overdoses of lime will throw other chemicals out of balance in the 
soil it is best to keep the balance of acidity and alkalinity as near to 
neutral as possible unless the tree or crop requires a decidedly acid or 
alkaline condition. Moderation in the addition of the various chemical 
elements to your soil should be the practice unless, as stated before, you 
are definitely sure of a deficiency of certain elements. 

WHEN TO PRUNE TREES 
The best time to prune trees, we think, is during the spring sea- 
son, trimming the trees just before, or during the early part of the 
spring growing season. This encourages quick callous of the wound. 
All cuts should be made close to the tree trunk, or main limb. Stubs 
which stand out an inch or more do not heal over, but slowly decay, 
causing a great decayed spot on the tree. Thick paint on tree wounds 
retards callous growth. Use shellac, or a very thin coat of paint, or 
wax. If the scar is small, it will heal over quickly, and it is not neces- 
sary to cover the cut surface with paint. 
