The Nevada journal., 1860-01-13
How to Plant Trees in California

very important branch of California
industry. OF the suggestions con-
tanned in the article, we have nothing
to say, but give it to ouc tree growing
readers that they may compare it with
their own experiences:
We often discuss this matter with
nurserymen and orch ardists, and find
there arc about as many ways prac-
ticed as there are different kinds Of
soil and varieties Of trees. This gues-
ton is one OF vital moment, anl de-
mands the serious consideration of
every man who intends to plant trees
either for an orchard on a large scale
or small garden for family use.
Look we'll to the foundation, is a
lesson taught in the sacred writings TO
those who arc building house; but
fruit trees of many species will live
longey than most houses remain un-
changed, and therefore we should look
well TO the foundation of the tree. If
a young tree be broken off, or if the
wind aud storms shall sweep away the
branches of the tree after it has stood
several years, it can be again newly
formed, and even as perfect as before,
if the foundation of the tree is right
4. e., if proper care was taken in plant
ing, so as TO give strong and well
adapted foundation. Here lies the
whole secret of success in planting an
orchard.
The first great object with those
planting trees, is to select suitable soil,
and then properly prepare that soil.
Every fruit orchard in a climate like
that of California, whether apple, pear,
peach, plum, cherry, or even the small
Ter fruits, should be subsoiled, and re-
peatedly plowed and cross~plowed, at
the outset, before any trees are plant
cd. Many persons prepare the holes
for their trees and set them out, and
afterwards prepare the ground be-
tween the rows. This is not well; for
the work can he done much more per
fectIy before planting. BY this means
the roots of every tree will have free
access and scope, and there viii be 10
check by delay or injury to the tree
after it begins to make its growth.
K is best to begin right. Once well
done, is best done If fruit growers
would bat visit each other and inquire
into the plans of each, as to planting
and pruning. they would find that
those who have the most and finest
trees, were those who had done the
work the best. 1t is strange that
Haany persons. who purchase large
numbers of trees each year, should
not realize that tree is not worth
purchasing that is not worth being
well cared for.
There is enc very great error
among purchasers of fruit trees, and
also of grape vines and plahts of all
kinds. They think they can attend
auctions, and purchase at so much bet
ter rates and so many more trees
getting more trees orthe same amount
of money. At the same time entirely
forgetting, that if they bay more trees
they will be at greater expense to
plant them; while at the same time
one half of them are so dried up by
exposure, from being so long out of
ground, that they will not live; and if
they do live, they are not good, thrift
ty, or well formed trees, but Of char
acter such as would not he selected
by the same purchaser from a nursery
at any price. We venture the asser-
ton, that many persons who buy at
auctions solely, purchase trees which
they would not take as gift at a
nursery; but, under the excitement of
the auction room, they are induced to
buy, and having done SO. they go to
the expense of setting out--cven when
they havo no faith that the tree will
either live or pay the cost OF planting.
Such policy is bad one.
"We feel we have a right to give
counsel and advice, as we have spent
many years of our life in the practi-
cal duties of nurseryman and orch
ardist, and planted many thousands
of trees, and our experience has al
ways been, that it is much better for
every person to opractice the following
system, if they desire to complete sue
cess.
First, Prepare the land where your
trees arc to be planted, in the very
best manner, and have the holes all
ready for your trees, before you have
/ the trees lifted from the nursery.
| Second. Take ample time to visit
the regular nursery, and make youl
selections of the very best trees, hav-
lug reference 10 the form of the trees
always selecting straight trees, with
clean bark and low branched, and
well-formed beads. Have your trces
all carefully labeled with zinc labels
and wiled. Do this before tree is
.ifted-when you have selected all
you wish from a nursery. Then have
them carefully lifted cutting off all
lang. naked, or tap-roots. at proper
length, and preserving all fibrou;
roots. To do this well, select cloudy
and misty day-thus keeping the de-
icate roots from being dried up; and
if possible, lifting only such a number
as can be planted without long ex-
| ,,o-ura of tho rootC ont of tho coil -