Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1911-07-14
CARE FOR THE
YOUNG TREE
HOW TO SECURE THE TREE
BEST ADAPTED TO THIS
CLIMATE

The first two or three years of
an apple trees life, either i'll the
nursery or in the orchard, are the
most important years in the growth
of that tree. Al few things neg
lected or few things done at this
time will have a very marked ef-
feet upon the bearing tree. Two
little limbs allowed to form a
crotch may be the cause of one
half Of the tree breaking to the
ground when laden with fruit. A
little care taken during these first
years of the trees growth will give
you shapely, as well as strong
sturdy tree, one able to Withstand
severe winds and hold up heavy
loads Of fruit 1t Will give you a
tree that will bear more evenly
sized fruit. better grade Of fruit,
as we'll as more fruit. Therefore
during these years much thought
and careful attention should be
given the young tree.
The type of tree best suited to
the southern part of Idaho, is
tree built into what is known as
the vase shape, low headed type.
One that has from three to five
strong main branches that are we'll
distributed around the trunk as
well as up and down.
r,ho olx-on4 aooc of fbic fNna of
low headed tree over the tree hav-
ing strong growing central shaft
or stem are:
The body or bearing part OF the
tree is close to the ground there
by making pruning, spraying, thin
ming of fruit, and harvesting very
much easier and cheaper, and al
lows of better work being done.
The proping of heavy laden limbs
can be more easily and more cheap
ly done.
A low headed tree permits of
better and closer cultivation, as
the main branches have tendency
to grow upright. On the other
hand the branches of a tree hav-
ing a tall central stem or trunk
have dropping habit, which great
4v interiors with horse cultivation,
especially is this true when the
limbs are loaded with fruit.
Severe winds have far less chanc
of breaking the limbs of this type.
You will also find fewer wind
falls" in an orchard of low headed
trees. This is indeed very i'm
portant for this section of south
ern Idaho.
The danger from sun-scald is
greatly reduced as the low top pro-
tects the trunk from the direct |
rays of the sun. A sun scald in
jury is an ideal breeding place for
MANY injurious insects and fungi.
A low headed tree requires less
irrigation for the low branches
shade the ground directly under
the tree thereby reducing the loss
of moisture by evaporation.
To secure this type of tree you
must begin with the yearling tree,
or the nursery man must begin
the work for you if you purchase
two year old stock. Starting with
the yearling, whether in nursery
or orchard, select a good strong
bud within eighteen to twenty four
inches from the ground, then cut
away the top about one-fourth OF
an inch above the selected bud. To
make the cut. grasp the trunk OF
the tree below the place selected,
with one hand. holding it firmly
and with sharp knife cut up
wards. The knife should have a
keen edge as it is important for
the cut to be smooth. Never cut
downwards for that will leave the
top split and ragged which retards
the healing of the wound and fur
nishes hiding place for insects
and fungi. The time for this op-
GRAFTON is turing the spring
In the summer if you examine
the. young tree you will find 1t
y ell 'feathered out having from
.hree to a dozen sprouts scattered
40 and down the trunk. During
June and The first part of July, go
,ver the orchard carefully and Sc
ect, beginning with the top sprout,
hree or five that are about evenly :
distributed around the central stem !
ikewlse up and down the trunk
DO not select two coming out op- a
,csite each other for this would be W
'olce weak spot in later years. s.