The Delta independent., 1890-04-08
ARsoR DAY TREE PLANTING.
Suggestions from the State Forest
Commissioner.

Suggestions from the State Forest
Commissioner.
For the information Of school au-
thorities and others interested In tree plant
ing, the State Forest Commissioner has
issued . circular containing number Of
valuable suggestions relating TO the trans
planting and culture Of trees. From 1t we
make the following extracts:
CHOICE OF TREES.
It may be said 1t the outset that trees
from we'll managed nurseries are prefer
able to those grown in the forest, because
their root system IL better prepared for
transplanting.
A rule, young and small trees when
transplanted, make more vigorous,
thrifty growth than do trees Of larger size
and greater age. In school grounds 1t is
usually better to plant hardy deciduous
trees than conifers. To insure success
with the latter, more skillful treatment is
demanded than they would be likely to re-
oeive In the instance under consideration.
Among the harder forest trees suitable
for planting in this State, especially in the
plains region, are the cottonwood, (broad
leavcd) Balm Of Gilead, Russian mulberry,
American white ash, black locust, honey
locust, western gray willow, and wild
black cherry. In localities south OF the
Arkansas-3latte divide the osage orange
and catalps speciosa might be tried.
Tho cottonwood, of which there are sew
eral varieties, is the pioneer tree of the
1 nlaina II u hnr rdior nd hoe a Wig
orous growth in this region than other spe-
cies Of which we have knowledge The
broad leaved variety is superior to the 9th
ers. Its exceedingly useful for street and
roadside planting, where speedy results
are sought Where irrigation is freely
prscticed, the hickory. butternut, black
walnut white elm, linden, box elder and
other varieties Of maple are likely to do
we'll.
Several species Of trees native to the
State, il carefully transplanted, would be
likely to thrive in attitudes As great as o.
600 to II, 900 feet. Among those worthy Of
trial in such situations may be named the
cottonwood, aspen c'quaking ssp') box
elder, dwarf maple, alder and wild cherry.
Evergreens, when healthful and perfect,
with dropping branches sweeping the
ground, are beautiful objects. To sue
cessfully transplant and grow them is a
work of skill, but the extra labor and diff
hculty IN such cases often secures the most
/ gratifying results. Though not recon
mended for Arbor Day planting by schools
they might be freely used under other and
more favorable circumstances.
METHOD or TRANsrLANTINe.
Where schools or other organizations
engage in tho work, experienced tree
planters should do the actual planting,
heaps Of earth being left for those who dc
the more oeremoaious parts.
Before bringing the trees on the ground,
dig large holes, and procure plenty of rich,
dne soil to I'LL In around the roots of the
trees. II manure Of any kind is used, do
not place IL in contact with the roots. In
taking up the trees be careful to save with
each all the roots possible, especially the
nns or nbrous ones, and remove
the trees At once to the place
where they are 70 stand. Do not allow
them to be long exposed 70 the sun or
wind. II it seems necessary, shorten the
side branches tnever the leader TO CORES
pond with loss Of root which the trees may
have sustained. Cut OF smoothly the
rough or broken ends. of roots, spread them
out st length in the hole-for good "an-
| chorage" and further nutrition of the
trees. Set the trees about the depth they
naturally grew, wet the roots thoroughly
and aft in around them good, fine soil.
Pres the earth down firmly, leave nc
/ spaces, water (though not too freely
while nlling in, and avoid heaping the
earth around the trunks A close contac,
| Of the soil with the rootlcts, is the success
| In planting. Mulch the surface around
the trees with leaves, straw or litter of
some kind.
AFrRR GAZE.
Aftsr the trees are transplanted, secure
them from harm in some effective way.
Those along the street or roadside should
Be protected BY strong posts or rails placed
st such . distance outsidc of the trees tina,
the latter may bo beyond the reach OF
horses. Tho barbarian OF hitching horses
to young and growing trees should be sup
pressed. School children should also be
taught 70 respect the trees and the impor-
tance Of letting them alone. Each tree
planted In school grounds might be placed
in charge of, and named for, some meri-
torious pupil; the child 30 hcnored to be
held responsible for the caro- and growth
| of the tree. II IL cruel aud wasteful to re-
move thrifty treo from its homo and ie,
1t perish for want Of care. Treat it As a
friend, nourish and protect It and in after
year, II will amply reward you with Its
shade and beauty.