TREE-PRUNING DEMONSTRATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2302, 14 July 1921, Page 3

TREE-PRUNING DEMONSTRATION.

Yesterday afternoon Mr J. W. Whelan, Government Orchard Instructor, gave a demonstration of fruit-tree pruning at Mr R. J. Thompson’s orchard. There was a fair attendance, including a number of senior scholars from the local State School. Mr Whelan explained that the latest method of pruning was on wliax was know as the lateral system, and demonstrated the diffei’ence between same and the system previously in vogue. By tho lateral system the growth of fruit buds was encouraged, whereas it had been proved that the od system encouraged a stronger wood growth. Mr Whelan’s demonstration of the correct method of pruning apple and peach trees was watched with interest, and, during the progress of same a number of questions were answered, and the instructor’s reasons for making the different cuts explained. Mr Whelan also gave a demonstration of the correct method of planting a tree. A fair sized hole should b<> dug, at the bottom of whmh a mound should be made on whicjfr the tree should be placed. T!n. s will give the roots a downward tendency; the roots should bey (tombed out as equally as possible round the tree, and be covered with fine earth. Lumps of earlh near tho roots should be avoided, as same arc liable lo ereato air pockets. V hen the hole has been refilled, it should he stamped down sufficiently to keep the tree firm in the ground. Before the'tree is planted, the roots should he examined, and if any are found to be damaged, the portion so affected should be cut off, otherwise disease would probably develop. Thu cutting off of those portions of tho roots would not in any way affect the growth of the tree. To get the best results from trees, they should he pruned hard when planted, and for the first year or two. This would mean practically no fruit for the first throe years, but the bearing of the tree after that perifU would be much greater than would be the ease if the tree was allowed tf. bear earlier.

At the conclusion of the demonstration, Mr Whelan was accorded a very hearty vole of thanks.