The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1898-07-20
Caring for Newly Planted Trees.

The sight of an uncared for planta-
ton OF freshly set trees Is one that too
often meets the travellers eye in his
journeying through the country. Last
fall took trip through Pennsylvania,
Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, and
of the many orchards seen but few
we're really receiving the care young
orchard should have from which good
results are expected. One great error
Is the starving of the trees. Sometimes
this is done by Withholding manure,
and often by permitting some other
crop to rob them. Worse than all is
the sight Of the robber when in the
shape OF some weed. How seldom it
Is thought of that the presence of
weeds indicates robbing of the food
of tree. There is some excuse for
the one who grows some useful crop
about his trees, though his course Is
wrong. The soil must be rich indeed
that can sustain crop of plants and
have food enough for the tree besides.
The providing of enough food for
tree, especially freshly planted one,
is of the first importance. Though the
ground may be fairly rich, it will pay
well to place a mulching of manure
about it, not only that more food may
be given it, but also that GOODNESS and
moisture about the roots may be pro-
noted. Young trees recently planted
require good deal Of care to get the
heads fairly started, besides that it is
often of substantial benefit to them to
have some pruning to help counter
balance the check caused by transplant
ing. Should tree push into growth
feebly after being planted it is usually
Of good help to it to lessen its top, even
though it had been done to some extent
before. This work should not be long
delayed, but should have attention as
soon as it is evident that there is not
strength enough in the tree to properly
sustain what branches are there. Cut
out some Of the weaker ones and leave
those which have made the best show
ing of foliage. BY lessening the num-
Der of twigs the roots may be able to
push along better those that are left.
Trees are often greatly retarded by be-
ing unstaked. Where cattle are, of
course some guards must be provided,
but where cattle are not, stake ia
usually of service. Besides the sup.
port to tree, it indicates it's presence
better to teamsters and others. But
aside from its benefit in this way, it be.
ing .called for is usually a sign of bad
planting. Trees of an age of from
three to five years, which those usually
set out are, need no stakes to keeI
them upright if we'll planted. The soil
should be 30 firmly pounded in about
the roots that the tree cannot move
Foresters and park superintendent
who plant trees by the hundred thou
sand, never think of stalking them, mol
do nurserymen, yet their trees are linet
up like troops on parade. Oflate it has
been generally conceded that it is q
planters business to provide means tt
keep his trees free from fungus and in
sect pests. If tree is worth planting
at all it is worth this. Get a sprayer OF
suitable power for the trees, and have 6
formula ready at hand that the proper
mixture can be made as soon as need
ed. 1t has been found that when in
sects or fungi are not present, it is JUS
as we'll to spray the trees, as prevent
i've, and because it was developed on 6
series of trials a few years ago tina,
sprayed trees appeared to grow fastel
than those not so treated.-Practical
| Farmer