Quality Fruit Trees Ly 

How to Plant a Fruit Tree 
Land Selection 
A few fundamental principles must be observed in planting 
fruit trees in order to obtain the best results. Foremost in im- 
portance is the selection of land best adapted for each type of 
fruit. 
Soil Preparation and Planting 
Either prepare the land as you would for any other farm crop 
or garden or arrange to mulch the trees after planting. If the 
mulch system is used, it is not necessary to cultivate land, before 
planting. 
It is a good plan to soak the roots over-night, submerged in 
water before planting, especially if there has been some delay in 
planting. Do not expose trees to sun, wind or freezing. Keep roots 
submerged in pail of water or covered with a wet sack while 
digging the holes. 
Dig the hole big enough to easily receive the roots comfortably 
without bending or twisting them. The bottom of the hole should 
have the soil loosened and pulverized for a depth of 2 or 3 inches. 
Remove all broken roots from the tree. Set the tree upright near 
the center of the hole, so that the graft is at least an inch below 
the level of the soil, spread out the roots evenly. Fill the hole 
three-fourths full of good top soil and tamp it firmly as you add 
each shovel full. It is of prime importance that the entire root 
system is in close contact with the soil. 
When the hole is three-fourths full, pour in two gallons of water 
and allow the water to soak in before filling the balance of the 
hole, the water will help to firm the soil around the roots, and 
provide moisture. If possible use only rich top soil to entirely fill 
the hole. Leave the surface of the soil loose. Caution: do not add 
any fertilizer or manure in the hole as you fill it—Manure and 
commercial fertilizer should be put on top of the soil only after 
the tree is planted, otherwise there may be some root damage. 
Be sure that your trees are so firmly set that they cannot be 
pulled up without a great deal of difficulty. When ground is com- 
pletely filled into hole provide for a depression around the tree 
to catch rain. 
Important: Remove label wires to prevent cutting limbs. To pre- 
vent damage from field mice and other rodents use hardware 
cloth to make a simple collar around the base of the tree. The 
collar should be securely closed and approximately 14 inches high 
and bottom placed tightly against the ground. 
Care of Stock on Arrival 
If you cannot plant your trees as soon as they arrive, put them 
in a cool cellar and dampen roots. When planting is going to be 
