The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1899-11-29

as the writer S observation goes 1T is
rather unfavorapie to topping when it
is possible to avoid it. Topping gives
the tree a greater spread, but just
where the shoots, that ultimately be-
come large limbs, put out from the top
there does net seem to be perfect
union Of the parts, and the tree is, on
this account, more liable to be injured
by storms than the one that has not
been topped. Then, too, the topping
probably makes the tree shorter lived
than it would otherwise be. If tree
is wanted that can stand storms and
the weight of sleet or snow the white
oak is the best.
In our climate shade trees not only
give comfort, but also are conducive
to health, and every homestead in the
State, outside Of the cramped lots in
cities and towns, should be made at
tractive by trees. They should, when
it is possible to have it this way, be
planted on the north and west sides Of
the dwelling, as protection against
the winter winds and the afternoon
sun in Summer. The east and south
sides are better planted in shrubbery
and flowers, for the sun should not
under any circumstances be excluded
from the dwelling. The sycamore
makes dense shade, as does also the
maple, the latter being specially suit
able for damp situation. The poplar
gives plenty of shade, but it sends up
sprouts, and this fact makes it some
what Objectionable for yard or street
tree. 1t is almost needless to say that
all the nut-bearing trees makes fine
shade. If a very quick shade is want
ed, say for a poultry yard, the china
berry or umbrella tree is just the thing,
but fruit trees are far more profitable
for the purpose of giving shade to the
fowls. because Of their fruit. If the
allanthus or mulberry puts in an ap-
pcarance, the best thingis to cut them
dowu. The former has very un-
pleasant odor and the roots of the
latter does an infinite amount of dam
age.
When 1T comes to ornamental trees
and shrubs the number is SO large that
no attempt will be made to enumcrate
even the most prominent ones, this
being impracticable in the narrow lines
of newspaper article, the principal
design of the writer being to offer, as
already stated, few suggestions
in reference to their selection and
planting.
If the grounds are ample, then
very fine effect can be secured by the
proper selection of evergreen trees and
shrubs, but where the spaceis limited
it is decidedly best to plant flowers,
and if they are given proper care they
will make the yard extremely attrac-
tive and be source of unlimited
pleasure to the owner.
Most people fail to realize how soon
the roots of large evergrcens will take
possession of the soil, aud fud when
too late that having flowers is entirely
out of the question unless the ever
greens are cut down, thing that no
one would think of doing.
The same mistake in planting ever
greens is made that occurs in putting
out shade trees; that is, in not giving
them sufficient distance. When they
are crowded great deal Of their beau
ty is lost, and then, too, the more
vigorous ones will ultimately crowd
the others out, making it necessary to
remove them.
And there is such an infinite varic
ty of evergreen trees, some of them
with great spread, like the Deodora
cedar, and others occupying only a few
feet in diameter, it is impossible to
give any rule as to distance; the only
safe plan being to find out the average
size of the tree or shrub when grown
plant in accordance with this knowl-
trusting the eye to meas
ure the distance, but always use tape
measure.
Unless one is we'll acquainted with
the different varieties Of evergreens,
and is capable of making his own
selection, it is far better to let the
nurseryman do the selecting for you.
Just write to him decribing the nature
OF your soil, the size of your grounds
and whether you want large or small
evergreens, and it will be found that
his selection is much better than you
can make yourself. He will take spc-
cial pains not to send anything insult
able to your soil, and it is almost
needless to say that he will not make
l