PLANTING A FRUIT TREE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 May 1940, Page 9

PLANTING A FRUIT TREE

SOME USEFUL HINTS. Early autumn is the best time to plant a fruit tree, for the soil is still warm and in good working order, and it gives the tree a chance to heal up its broken roots and to form a few new fibrous ones before winter rains make the soil cold and damp. Though two-year-old trees are quite good, it is really better- when planting only one or two to get properly formed specimens a year older. It means a year less to wait for a crop which is important. The hole should be large enough to allow the roots to be spread out without twisting in any way. and it should be fairly deep, the subsoil being broken up but left in the bottom and on top of it should be put any turf or grassy surface soil, forming a mound in the centre on which the base of the tree will be placed. Fit the tree into the hole, keeping the old soil mark level with the surface. If too deep put in some of the fine soil, but be careful not to plant deeply, for the soil has a tendency to settle down in time and it is not desirable to bury the roots too much. Before placing the tree permanently in the hole, with a sharp knife trim any bruised or damaged roots, and if the wound is large coat it with tar. Place the tree in the hole with its base resting on the top of the cone or soil, and throw some fine soil over it. Shake it a bit to work the soil in among the roots and add more soil, tramping it firmly. Continue to fill and tramp until the hole is full, and then leven off the surface roughly. If the tree is large and the position windy, a stake will be necessary, and it should be put in position before the tree.