CURRENT ORCHARD WORK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19698, 26 July 1927, Page 14

CURRENT ORCHARD WORK.

CONTINUING OPERATIONS.

The planting of new trees should be continued as soon as possible for the season is getting on. Plant only when the condition of the soil permits. Remember to spread the roots out evenly around the tree and, if necessary, in two layers. Place fine soil on the roots and tramp it fairly firmly if dry, but very little if it is wet. The top two or three inches'of soil should not be firmed at all. Remember that the trees should be planted at approximately the same depth as they were before. Prune the trees immediately after planting if it has not been done before. Do not forget to stake the trees securely to prevent their being blown over by the wind. In these columns previously the sloping stake was advocated, but' it was omitted to mention in which direction the stake should slope. This might be considered to be of little consequence, but nevertheless it is of fair importance. The stake should slant in the direction from which the prevailing wind (at this time of the year) blows. The idea of this may be seen clearly in practice. Pruning operations should be continued and the work brought up-to-date as soon as possible. By this time the greater part of the work should have been attended to, but there are still certain trees to be dealt with.