Jasper County Democrat, Volume 18, Number 63, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 November 1915 — Blasting Ground For Tree Planting [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Blasting Ground For Tree Planting

Much has been written on how to plant a tree or trees, but if the experiences of scores of famous drchardists have any weight on the topic, then the practice of using dynamite preliminary to planting young trees has fully proved its merits. The writer has personally seen specific examples of the value and excel lence of tree planting with dynamite on a private orchard in Delaware, the

difference in growth between the undynamited tree and the tree planted in blasted ground being so unmistakably In favor of the latter that no adequate comparison could be made. Furthermore, there are so many sane and logical reasons for this method of tree planting even the most skeptical could not fall to be convinced. Obviously when a tree has to use a large part of its energies in forcing its roots through the hard soil it cannot be expected to make the same rapid growth and come Into such

early bearing as a tree would that had had the ground in which it was planted thoroughly prepared by dynamiting beforehand. No tree should be planted over hardpan or impacted subsoil without first resorting to blasting, so that the soil may be made open and porous. Such blasting not only creates channels, Increases absorption of soil moisture and permits deeper rooting, but it also Induces better growth and larger yields.

Blasting for tree planting is best done In the fall, because at this time of the year it is easier to catch the subsoil lu dry condition. Blasting in the spring for spring planting, however, Is much better than planting in dug holes, notwithstanding the fact that the subsoil is apt to be wet or damp. If the holes are blasted in advance of the time of setting the trees they are left without further attention until

tree planting time, unless It Is desirable to add some manure or fertilizer to be diffused through the soil. This is an excellent practice, especially in poor soil. If the earth Is sour, sticky clay a few pounds of lime scattered in the hole will materially assist in flocculating the clay and keeping it permanently granulated and sweet. Immediately after the blast the soft blasted ground should be dug out down to the location of the charge, where a hole will usually be found about the size of a bushel basket. This

must be filled to prevent settling of the tree after planting. The roots should be placed in a natural position iu good top soil, covered with more top soil and treaded down firm. The hole can then be filled to a little above the surface with subsoil. The fact that nearly all commercial orchardlsts use this method proves that it pays in reduced first year loss, earlier fruiting and larger and better yields.

THE BLAST THOROUGHLY CRACKS THE SOIL. BUT USUALLY LEAVES A CAVITY OR POTHOLE AT THE BOTTOM—THIS MUST BE FILLED.

THE ROOTS ARE FIRMLY EMBEDDED IN RICH TOPSOIL, SURROUNDED BY MELLOW, WELL DRAINED SUBSOIL.