Among The Fruit Trees

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28937, 3 July 1959, Page 9

Among The Fruit Trees

Pruning is all important now. Spraying should also be in full swing—red oil for apples, pears, and all small fruits; lime sulphur for stone fruits and walnuts. PRUNING AND SPRAYING Pruning determines the shape of the tree and governs its fruitbearing capacity, while spraying is about the only means of checking the spread of disease and bringing something like health to the trees. The home gardener should not question the cost, which allows him the pleasure of robust, healthy trees with satisfactory clean crops. It is true that any time in July or August is suitable for the work, but provided calm weather prevails for the spraying, no time need be lost in getting to work. When one considers the probability of much pruned small wood falling to the ground and not being picked up, it shows the wisdom of applying the spraying wash before starting on the pruning. PLANTING In planting fruit trees, give some attention to the respective situations and soils. Stone fruits and pears need drier* roots and plenty of sun heat. Apples and plums should be placed in the more shaded positions. Do not plant a greengage plum without another English variety close to it for cross-pollination.