In previous issues of the Pflyer we have talked about the mechanics of wrenching. Basically it is the process of using a tractor to pull a thin metal blade under the beds of seedlings to raise the beds and then drop them. Wrenching accomplishes different objectives - some of which are intended and some which are unintended. Intended results would probably be reducing compaction, stopping height growth, and forcing the tree to set a bud. Unwelcome results might be forming a restrictive layer beneath the wrenching blade, reducing caliper growth, and shocking the plant enough to interrupt the plant's normal carbohydrate producing mechanism.
Most people know that roots generally grow better in less dense soil.
But if you have had to wrench so many times to achieve the lower density that the plant can't produce the necessary carbohydrates to grow new roots then you won't achieve your goal. Therefore wrenching just like any other tool must be used judiciously to gain more than is lost. This year's sowing is growing well. We have begun the hardening process on all of them to get them ready for transplanting and for the winter. We are now spraying for Lygus bug - those little sapsuckers that cause so much damage to the buds.