CLEANING THE TREES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20626, 26 July 1930, Page 5 (Supplement)

CLEANING THE TREES.

VALUE OF SPRAYING.

In addition to pruning the spraying and cleansing of the tree must have attention. Insects and diseases are so numerous that unless stringent means are taken to keep them in check the trees become injured and much cf tho fruit destroyed. Trees that liavo been affected by insects and diseases during the summer are almost certain to retain sorno of them throughout tho winter. Old trees, especially, often form breeding ground for pests, us tho branches, in many instances, boeoine covered with moss and lichen in which they secrete themselves. For winter dressing tho limo sulphato solution, Bordeaux mixture, red oil and caustic soda solution aro each useful emulsions when properly applied. Tho caustic solution, however, requires care in its application, on account of its burning properties. Tho hands and faeo should bo protected whi.lo spraying.

For scale or other inseefs, red oil applied at intervals during the winter and oarlv spring is an effective remedy, while for curl leaf that attack tho peach and kindred trees, as well as for other fungoid diseases, the lime sulphur solution or Bordeaux mixture applied during the winter and in spring just as tho buds aro about to burst info flower will do much to assist in keeping these diseases under control. In addition to destroying insects and checking diseases, spraying assists in cleansing the wood of parisitical growth. With old trees, especially, it is surprising (he effect that can be produced after two or three dressings, which cause tho tree quickly to assume a smooth, clean, healthy appearance.