The producers news. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1918-1937, 1927-05-06

Before launching out upon the sub
Ject proper | might give qualifica-
lions, such as they are, for writing
on this subject. l grew up on farm
on the treeless prairies of North Da-
kota where my father grew trees I'M
der conditions practically identical
with those existing here, thus | had a
chance to learn something about
tree growing on the prairies. In the
last twelve years since becoming es-
tabliShed here on our farm near Nc
EHOy my husband and | have been
trying to grow trees, and from our
failures as well as our successes, we
have learned few things that may
be Of value to others growing trees.
PROPAGATING TREES
There are many problems which
confront the tree grower. He has to
consider location, arrangement, vari-
ETY. and preparation of soil, proper
methods of transplanting or other
wise propagating trees, proper care
afterward as well as the best varie-
ties to plant. Though other locations
may be used, the best one for trees
is slope to the north OF east or
somewhere between those directions.
The slope insures good drainage
which is necessary for most varities
OF trees commonly grown. Only
willows and such other trees as like
a wet location should be planted
where there may be standing water
part OF the time. The slope allows
cool air to drain away and thus les
sens the danger of frosts in the grow
ing season. The north and east
slopes are preferable because the
surface of the ground is less likely
to thaW out in a warm spell in winter
or IN early spring than the south
and west slopes. 1t is not a steady
cold but thawing and subsequent
freezing that tends to winterkill
trees. If trees are on a south or
west slope an early warm spell may
start growth so that there is much
danger of frosts later damaging the
new growth and the blossoms. On
the cooler slopes development might
be retarded enough to prevent dam
age by late spring frosts.
ARRANGEMENT OF PLANTING
Regarding arrangement, where
space can be used, it is customary to
plant in rows properly distanced to
facilitate cultivation. If both fruits
and windbreak are planted, the wind
break should be on the west and
south sides of the fruit trees, as a
protection from winds and from ex-
cessive heat. To properly protect
fruit trees from crushing SHOWS.
there should be ample space between
them and the wind break for the
snow pile up. 1t is not necessary
to grow wind break before planting
fruit trees. A wind break of fast
growing trees planted at the same
time as the fruits, will outgrow the
others and furnish ample protection
by the time fruit is borne.
SOIL
Almost any variety of soil will
grow trees but the lighter rather
than the heavier averages better for
that purpose. The plot where trees
are to be planted should be thorolv
worked at least three years ahead
OF time so that the grass may be en-
tirely eradicated before the trees are
set. If grass or sod is present when
the trees are planted cultivation will
be hard or impossible and discourag-
ing failures may result.
CARE IN PLANTING
When planting time comes. the
trees should be set in the ground as
soon as possible after they are on
hand. The roots must be kept moist.
Never expose them needlessly to the
sun or wind. Some trees and shrubs
otherwise very hardy are killed if the
roots are thus exposed even for a
lew minutes. If planting must be
delayed any length of time the best
plan is to heel in the trees in a cool
shady place. Dig a trench with
sloplng sides and place the trees in
this side by side with the roots down
deep enough so that they are well
covered and if a part or all of the
tops are covered so much the better.
The heeled in trees should be far
enough apart so they can later be re-
moved, one at a time, without dis
turbing the others. Fill the trench
with soil and if it is at all dry. wat
er generously so that the earth packs
IN among the roots. When ready TO
plant remove the trees from the
trench taking Just enough so thew