The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1920-06-03
HOW TO HANDLE
SICKLY FRUIT TREES
Bailey Gives Suggestions for
Bringing Winter Injured
Tree Back to Normal

District horticultural Inspector F.
E. Bailey is offering the following sug-
gestions for building up apple and
pear trees which show the effects of
last winters intense cold.
Winter injury, in its various forms,
is causing much concern to the fruit
grower. It is especially alarming to
those unacquainted with this type of
injury, as it has occurred in past
years. There is not a kind or varie-
ty of tree fruit which has not suffered
to some extent from the winter.
The effect of the extreme cold of
last winter has manifested itself in
three general ways on the apple.
First, a brown discoloration appear
ed in the inner bark and sap-wood.
This is usually most severe on the
trunk just above the snow line and
may result in the bark splitting.
Second, during the past month the
Gutter layer of the bark turned a
light brown color and loosed on the
trunk and lower limbs, forming cank-
cred areas which the inexperienced
person often mistakes for fire-blight.
When the loosened outer layer of bark
is lifted away there is discovered a
layer of abnormal, spongy, green It's
sue which is greasy to the touch.
Third, the most conspicuous result
is seen in the foliage. The leaves on
one branch, on several branches, or
perhaps on the entire tree are under
sized, pale or yellowish and have some
of the symptoms Of lack of mois-
ture.
It is impossible for anyone to esti-
mate what amount Of permanent in
jury will result to affected trees. Time
alone can answer that question.
The following recommendations are
given for aiding in restoring injured
apple trees, as well as similarly affect
ed pear trees, to good condition.
First, do not cut out any limbs that
show sick foliage. Leave them at
least until later in the summer. The
tree needs every bit of foliage in or
der to form new wood on its injured
trunk and branches.
Second, give trees generous sup
ply of water during early spring and
do not drown them with an excessive
amount.
Third, stimulate wood growth by
discing in one or more crops of al
falfa, or vetch. If the soil is lacking
in. heterogeneous material an applica-
ton of three or four pounds Of COM
mercial nitrate worked into the soil
around each tree will be beneficial in
stimulating wood growth. Barnyard
fertilizer is excellent if it can be
worked into the SOIL
Fourth, do not allow sick tree to
bear any fruit this season. All Of
the trees reserve energy is needed
to form new wood and build up its
physical condition for the coming win
ter.
Fifth, if the bark splits and exposes
the sap-wood it should be pressed back
into position and held there by some
tacks. There is a possibility of some
of the split bark growing back and
reforming its attachment to the wood.
Nothing is to be gained by cutting
or scraping affected bark on the trunk
and larger branches at the present
time; on the other hand there is al
ways the possibility Of introducing
disease.
Sixth, if the cover crop is growing
up around the trunk in 9 dense mass,
have it hoed away for distance of
three feet. This will allow the soil
and trunk to dry out and reduce the
of collar rot establishing
itself on the weakened tree. ).
The above description Of symptoms
and recommendation for care has
dealt with the apple and pear only.
However, all of the cultural recon-
given here may well be
applied to the peach and cherry with
the exception of that regarding prun-
ing.
Cherry trees should have. all dead
wood removed and branches which APP
roor s;ckI3 ar are whitening back, |
attempting to set leaves and fruit,
should be headed back to the point
where new and vigorous shoots are
starting. This work should be done
soon.
Peach trees which show sufficient
vigor to Justify the work should have
all dead WOOD removed. Then toe
main brancrs.' of the tree shouh: re
headed hack l.. heig.. OF six or sew
en- feet above the grouni. If done
~. al. NJ