Rensselaer Republican, Volume 21, Number 40, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 June 1889 — Planting and Care or Young Fruit Trees. [ARTICLE]

Planting and Care or Young Fruit Trees.

Much attention should be given to 4he preparation of the soil before the young tree is planted. The hole for receiving the tree should be large enough so that the longest roots may not be cramped and have at least six inches of good mellow soil in the bottom of the hole. After trimoff the broken and bruised roots, place the tree in the hole so that it may be but little iE any deeper than it stood in the nursery. Fill in a small quantity of good soil, throw some water in and thoroughly pack the earth around the roots of the young tree. This excludes the dry air or frost that would most certainly kill the young tree. Fill to two or three inches above the surface to give room for settling. Never use manure in contact with the roots of the trees. It will kill or greatly injure them. Large standard trees should, by all means, be staked and tied to prevent the wind from loosening the roots. If the roots becomes loose m the ground, air will be admitted, which will dry out the roots and kill the tree. Be careful that the bands you use to confine the tree between the stake do not chafe the tree. Examine your trees and see if they do not need some attention of this kind.

MULCHING.

Youug trees should be thoroughmulched or a cover of coarse manure, saw dust or small chips, six iuches deep should be placed around the tree for a space of at least three feet. This insures dampness and an even temperature. Failure to attend to this is secret of the ill success of many iu raising young trees. If you have not mulched your trees attend to it at once, don’t wait until your trees are dead and then lay the blame on tbe maa who sold the trees.

CULTURE.

The ground around youug trees should be thoroughly cultivated. No weeds or grass should be allowed to grow near the roots of young trees. If the ground is poor, give a liberal top-dressing of manure. Thorough mulching, however, is all that is needed to iusure good growth. Procure good healthy trees, plant on well drained soil, attend to these simple rules and yonr trees will grow.

R. P. BENJAMIN.