Polk County observer. (Monmouth, Polk County, Or.) 1888-1927, 1913-04-18
veil adapted to peaches, and the trees

we'll adapted to peaches, and the trees
live longer than upon the sandy soils.
The purchase of trees for peach grow
ing is troublesome and puzzling one
to many fruit growers
In general way it makes very lit
tie difference where the trees are grown
if they are well grown and are free
from injurious insects and diseases.
Some believe that peach trees grown in
the south and set in a locality con-
siderable distance to the north are like
ly to start into growth too early in the
spring, but this will not be the case,
even the first year, if the trees are
properly handled. Temperature large
ly determines the time when the trees
will start into growth. The top of a
peach tree may be placed in green
house in winter and brought into bloom
with the roots frozen solidly outside
or the roots may be kept warm in the
greenhouse and the top exposed out"
side, with the result that the portion OF
the trunk inside will send out new
growths, while the part exposed to low
temperature will remain dormant
One should aim to avoid buying trees
which are grown in a locality where
any serious disease, such as peach vel
lows or root gall, is known to be
established 1t is very desirable also
to secure trees free from scale. but
this is not as important as the diseases
mentioned. as the scale can be control
led by proper spraying, and this opera
ton will be necessary each year, even
if stock free from scale is set.
Do not order trees from an agent
who represents a firm Of whose rela-
bility you are not certain. and it is bet
ter in any case to order directly from
the nurseryman.
When to Order Trees.
Trees are graded by nurserymen in
two ways-by height and by caliper.
The height is measured from the point
where the tree was budded, and the
caiper is the diameter Of the trunk
three inches above the bud" The
latter is the more accurate and better
system Of grading.
Ordering the trees is a matter which
is often neglected until a short time
before the trees are actually needed for
planting. This is a serious mistake.
One should decide upon the varieties
and the number Of trees to be planted.
and the trees should be ordered not
later than February.
If there is no local nursery where
good trees can be obtained write TO
some reliable grower and ask him If he
can supply you. You will then receive
reply as to whether the trees desired
can be supplied, and IL so you can
place your order II you are planning
to purchase considerable number Of
trees a good method is TO order by
.amples by requesting the nurseryman
to ship you samples Of the kinds Of
trees you desire Always order a few
more trees than you actually need.
This will permit Of discarding any poor
or injured ones.
Have your trees shipped to arriye'a
considerable time in advance Of the
day or week In which they are to be
set and heel them in" You will then
have your trees at hand ready 10 set
when the conditions for planting are
best. II one understands ''heeling
them in" properly. so they will not be
damaged during the winter. II is a
good practice to purchase the trees in
the fall
As soon as the trees arrive from the
nurseryman they should be unpacked
% note their condition. II the trees are
dry the roots should be placed IN wa
ter for a time until the bark on the
trunk and branches Of the trees re-
gains its foil. bright appearance. II
the soil Is In workable condition when
the trees arrive they should be taken
to the proposed site Of the orchard and
pruned and heeled On. They viii then be
near az hand when needed for planting.
Proper Height to ~cUt Back"
Two 70 two and one-hslf feet above