The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1877-11-21
Tie Weekly Clarion
Matching FrnlE Trees.


Material applied to the surface of the
ground around trees as sort of coating
Is termed mulch. Mulching is resorted
10 for various purposes:
1st To retain moisture. This is one
of the prime uses of mulching, and al
ways TO be considered.
I'd. To shade the ground during sum-
mer so as 10 prevent excessive heating by
sun shine. It is said that heating the
roots of trees above zoo is injurious a
statement we fully credit. Where the
aunshines direct on clean dark coIored
soil 1t is often heated to a much higher
degree and that to the depth of several
inches in all probability. With mercu-
ny 80 in the shade we found it to rise
To 1902 very quickly in the sunshine, a
heat altogether incompatible with health
full growth of tree in this climate, or
proper retention of moisture.
Sd. To retain the filth of the soil, to
prevent baking and hardening Of the sur
face, a compact soil, without porOsity or
seration, is not congenial to plant growth.
That mulching prevents hardness of the
surface is well known.
18th. To render the soil fertile and re-
tain fertility. This arises from the de-
composition of the material used, from
the resulting porosity and prevention Of
evaporation.
9th. To prevent extreme freezing of
the ground, and to protect against sud
den freezing and thawiDg. Anything to
protect from extremes or sudden changes
of temperature we consider beneficial,
but more particularly the extreme of colds
9Th. To retain frost around the roots,
to prevent too early start in the spring.
Many mulch with this object in view,
but our experience is that it will make
no practical difference. When warm
weather comes the buds will start in
spite of mulching, even though the
ground be frozen below. The idea that
sap flows with warm weather, during win
ter, in apple trees is erroneous. Fruit
trees are not like maple trees in
this respect. The sap of fruit trees
does not circulate until spring comes.
During winter when thawed, there is a
re-supplying of the moisture that has
been dried out during the proceeding
freezing dry weather; something we deem
quite essential to successful Wintering of
fruit trees.
Concerning the time of applying mulch
practice differs Regard must be had
to circumstances, and what effect is de-
sired
LIST. During winter and fall, after
lE rsSaSiiG6s Is over. rms o. Course would be
preparing for the next season. It's APP
plication at this time will give different
&kok ~ nfh
may have different relation to different
farm work, etc.
I'd. In the spring when the growth
begins. Applied at this time it would
have an effect not generally desirable in
most fruits, viz: retaining excess of mois-
ture and frost too long i'll the ground.
Sd. During the growing season. Sup
pose the surface around the apple tree
to be given clean culture during May
and the first part of June allowing the
sunshine to warm the soil and start the
tree into vigorous growth. About the
middle of June the weather becomes
very warm and drought often sets in.
This we deem the most favorable of all
times for applying the mulch as it will
protect against the summer heat and
drouth, and will not have been applied so
soon as to prevent the benefits of spring
sunshine.
Concerning material for mulching
practice also differs.
LIST. Tree leaves natures mulching, |
probably are superior to any other but
these are not always attainable.
Cd. Animal manure, with more or
less of barn. yard litter, etc. The appli-
- n
has always been more or less a moOted |
question. Our observation and expert
ence in this climate is that it is very in
furious, and sooner or later will result in
the total loss of the trees to which it is ap
piled.
Earth, such as muck, loan, etc. This
is often an important modifer and USE
full over course, light litter to prevent its
being scattered by the winds.
4th. Vegetable manure in the form
Of half rotten straw, fresh cut weeds.
clover, etc. Doubtless the moot practi-
cal and appropriate of any material.
9th. Wood chips, sawdust, tan bark
tic. If you want your trees infested
With borers ETC., use old chips and you
Won't have to wait long. Our observa-
ion and experience is adverse to the
Use Of chips on that account and because
hey seem to mould and mildew the soil
,elow Concerning tan-bark we have no
experience, but think none of these, on
lecaying, would give such congenial fer
ility as vegetable manures.
9th. Mineral fertilizers, such as lime,
shes, etc, not so much as a mulching
,roper, as modifer and accompaniment :
,fthe foregoing. Lime is especially use
al in fruitage and for giving health, aud
opening up each summers growth.
Ashes act more like animal manures in {
aving stimulating effect. {
When mulching is applied, care should
e taken to protect against vermin, both ]
Insects and rodents, for many such may .
arbor in the material used. To pro-
let against mice. remove the mulch close
) the trunk of the tree and bank with
lean earth foot high.-A. A. Hatch,
i Transactions Wis. Hort. Society.
Disadvantages of Farm Life.