28 CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION Service [Cra 42
Wounds which heal readily in one season do not need covering.
Some protective dressing, however, should be applied to large wounds
to keep out fungi. Bordeaux paste may be applied after the callus
starts to form about the edges. One of the most common dressings is
“Grade D’’ asphaltum applied warm. Certain commercial prepara-
tions, roofing paints, and asphaltum emulsions are widely used for
covering pruning wounds, because they are cheap and can be applied
cold, and are said to be very effective.
Fig. 6.—Pruning tools most commonly used, including swivel blade saw, curved
blade saw. one-hand and two-hand pruning shears.
Wounds heal over much more readily when the original cut is close
to the parent branch and smoothly made. A split limb ean often be
saved when the lower part is still well attached by raising the limb to
its natural position and fastening it with bolts. Splinters on the edges
should be removed and the wound smoothed to facilitate healing.
CARE OF THE PEACH ORCHARD
Tillage—The soil in a peach orchard should be well tilled every
year to incorporate organic matter, destroy weeds, and facilitate
water penetration. It is desirable to obtain a heavy cover erop, either
volunteer or planted, to turn under each spring. Plowing, however,
should not be delayed until the soil becomes so dry that it will turn
up lumpy or the growth of the trees be checked by competition with the
cover crop for water.