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.