FRUIT TREES

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 201, 22 May 1936, Page 18

FRUIT TREES

How to Plant When planting single fruit trees, dig a. hole about 3 feet across. Place the top spift on one side and looseu the subsoil with a fork. Fertile soil needs no manuring. A thorough application of wood ashes is always beneficial, especially for apple trees, which need plenty of potash to promote healthy growth. After loosening the bottom spit, tread it and replace sufficient of the top spit iu the hole, so that when the tree is placed in position the topmost roots are 2 inches below the surface of the soil. Examine the roots before planting and cut back to sound, firm wood those which are damaged. Also cut hard back any roots which lead straight downward. Then stand the tree in the hole and arrange the roots so that, they are spaced as evenly as possible. M’hen planting standard trees, drive in Hie stakes before filling in the soil, to prevent damage to the roots. Before placing the soil round the roots, see that, it is broken up finely. Shako the tree occasionally as tilling in proceeds to ensure that particles of soil percolate between the fibrous roots. Most trees have their roots in layers one above the other; endeavour to keep them in their separate layers when planting. It is essential that the soil be made firm by treading as iti is filledjn. M’hen planting fruit trees against a wait, keep the bases of the stems at least 12 inches from the wall. If planted closer they are liable to suffer from lack of moisture during summer. M’hen tying the stems to the supports, tie loosely at first so that the trees can sink with the soil as it settles; afterward the ties can be made secure.