The Portland daily press., 1878-06-24
Judicicus Tree Planting.

More than half the trees yearly planted, are
located so absurdly that after a few years
growth they are sure to become a nuisance,
and must be removed at any cost. 1t is rath-
er lucky in this view, that SO many newly set
trees die. They are less loss when first plant
ed than at any other time. The spring en-
thuslasm OF mankind for tree planting, is very
like the fever of house cleaning, which at this
season attacks their better halves. Armed
with spade and hoe, and fired by this fren-
Zy, men dig up their yards and gardens, and
plant so absurdly that the best thing that can
happen to their pets is to die young, and be
safely got out of the way. / have seen Nor
way spruce trees planted within five feet of
house, or Scattered" at the distance of full
trees are young, but trees will grow, and such
large varieties will crowd every thing else out
of the grounds. And then when yards be-
come bowling wilderness of shrubbery or
forestry, we are gravely told that it comes
from not employing professional landscape
gardener. 1t is all nonsense. If men will use
even the measure of common sense that they
enjoy, there need be no such difficulty. Look
at the descriptive catalogues of trees and
shrubs and learn the probable growth of the
little tree you are digging the hole for, If it
is to become giant, look ahead ten, twenty
or fifty years, and see how it will fit its sur
roundings. There are plenty of dwarf varie-
ties that will always remain of moderate size,
and for the great majority of yards around
homes, these should always be preferred.
1t is not well to have deep shade around
the house. Keep the large trees at a suitable
distance, and let in a little sunshine. Have
some regard, also, to keeping an open view
from the house to the highway. Time and
again have seen young apple orchards so
planted, that as soon as they become large the
family home will be completely hidden,
There is no excuse for this. If the farm be
not large enough to furnish a good location
Tor an apple orchard away from the house, it
IS not large enough to grow apples profitably
Smaller trees and shrubs, only, should be toll
Grated near and in front of dwellings. / make
an exception for the cherry, which often
grows SO beautifully that it will ornament
rather than disfgure the front yard. Plums
also may be kept somewhere near the house
Tor convenience in frequently jarring the trees
to catch the curculio.
Not by any means would discourage tree
planting, either for fruit or ornament. But
they must be planted judiciously, else they
VIII yield neither profit nor pleasure. He who
plants tree is not necessarily benefactor;
unless he uses good judgment in selecting va
rlety and location, he may deserve curses rath-
er than blessings. 1t is not many years since
this country through most of its extent, had
more trees than it knew what to do with.
Ihe work OF public benefit then was to clear
away this useless redundant growth. Inju-
dicious planting is only making more work for
the forester's axe and grub hook. Lord
Palmerston once defined dirt as a good thing
in the wrong place. A tree where 1t should
not be, is in like manner an intolerable nui-
sance, and there is no variety, however beau
tiful or useful, which may not by iDjudicious
planting, be made to answer this description.
Cor. Country Gentleman.