The Burchell Nursery, Inc. Orchard Planting Recommendations
The first year is the most important in any young planting. Give your orchard the best care you know how, and you will be amply repaid.
We endeavor to deliver all stock in good growing condition. Please report to us at once if any trees are found to be otherwise.
If fumigation is a part of your ground preparation, the best time to fumigate is September through the middle of November.
At Burchell Nursery, we’re always striving to bring you the high quality trees you need for your business. From patented and commercially successful peaches to virus-free almonds to container trees that you can plant whenever you choose. We’ll spend the time it takes to give you our best.
To protect roots of trees from drying and freezing
When trees arrive, “heel-in” by digging a trench 12″–15″ deep and 3’–4′ wide in a weIl-drained location. Cover roots with fine soil, pressing firmly, and water thoroughly. lf the nursery stock is to be planted within 2 or 3 days, it may be kept safely in a closed building, provided roots are sprinkled twice daily.
To plant trees
1. Have the ground well prepared by: backhoeing, if necessary; fumigating, ripping, discing and harrowing.
2. Dipping or spraying tree roots with commercial preparations of Agrobacterium culture is a good practice for preventing crown gall. Cultures can usually be ordered and purchased from your chemical supplier.
3. Plant trees no deeper, and preferably shallower, than they stood in the nursery. Planting too deep favors Crown Rot disease. Dig holes large enough to accommodate roots. If land has been ripped, have soil firm in the bottom of the hole, to prevent settling.
4. Slant trees into prevailing wind, so that at cut-off height (28″–32″ above ground) they lean 3″–6″. Do not lean too far.
5. Prune off only excessively long or broken roots. Roots should be spread into their natural position. Press soil firmly around the roots to eliminate air pockets, especially in the lower half of the hole. EVEN BETTER, fill the hole 3/4 with loose soil and settle around the roots with 4 gallons of water. When it soaks in, finish filling the hole. Roots must always have ample moisture.
6. Commercial planters generally do a good job. There have been times when trees have been jammed into small holes or trees have been left out to dry. Try to be present while your trees are being planted. Trees that do not start well are an expense that you and your nurseryman share alone.
Planting trees from cold storage or late in the season
1. Keep roots protected at all times. Keep covered and moist until actually planted. Do not leave roots exposed to sun or wind.
2. Plant trees carefully. Press fine, moist soil firmly around roots to eliminate air pockets. Form a basin for watering.
3. Prune trees immediately. (If leafed out, remove all leaves without injuring buds)
4. Water by tank the same day as planted. Apply ample water (5–10 gallons) to settle all air pockets.
5. Fill soil around tree if settling has exposed roots.
6. Paint whole tree with an interior white latex paint diluted with 25% water.
7. Put on tree protectors if you plan to spray herbicide around trees.
8. Re-water at appropriate time. Do not let the soil around the roots get dry, but do not over water. Planting trees from cold storage can be very successful if proper care is given.
To fertilize trees after planting
Put no fertilizer in the hole with the roots. However, four measured ounces of sulfate of ammonia may be applied immediately after planting. Sprinkle fertilizer in a band 6″ wide, keeping 12″ away from base of tree. Repeat in 60–90 days with irrigation.