Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1906-04-06

good. 1t is common notion that trees
should not be watered in the fall which
is partly true, but many more trees are
killed from too little water than from
too much water, on we'll drained soils.
II the ground becomes dry In the fall
after the leaves have fallen the trees
should be thoroughly irrigated, for
trees give of through the water, in
winter, considerable water and the
soil should not be allowed to become
dry. If good intelligent care is given
trees, that are in reasonably good soil
many trees can be made to grow that
are now considered tender.
The Carolina Poplar.
Below attitudes of $500 feet the Car
DINA poplar is undoubtedly the best
and most generally planted of any tree
We have. The beautiful shape of tree
and foliage, fast growth. freeness from
insect and fungous pests and its abil-
ity to endure the smoke and dirt of
cities make it very desirable tree for
planting on streets or around dwelling
houses. In the high attitudes, partic.
ularly where sufficient water is not
available, this tree is subject to sun
scald in the top and trunk. On the
college campus we have row of pop
lars eight or nine years old, and one
half of which is on ground where wa
ter could be applied in dry seasons
and late in the fall. The other half
of the row is on higher ground and
the soil has often become very dry.
In the part of the row where water
could be given when needed the trees
have made a good growth With but lit
tie injury from suuscald or other
causes, while those on the ground that
became dry in the fall have suffered
very much from dying in the tops,
bark cracking on the trunks. and sew
eral of the trees have died. The soil,
altitude and weather conditions are
the same in both cases, thus indicating
that the cause of the trees dying is d.
rectly due to insufficient water. At
this altitude CASTS feet) the Carolina
poplar can be grown and will make
the best tree for shade or ornamental
purposes. if enough water is given to
keep the soil about the roots moist at
all times.
In watering trees 1t Is necessary to
apply water not only Immediately
around the trunk but far more neces.
sary to get it where the fine footlets
are, often several feet away from the
main stem. The root surface extends
over much wider area than does the
top and it is necessary to have this in
mind when irrigating.
Next to the Carolina poplar in de-
STABILITY for street tree is the Amer
lean or white elm. A tree that grows
slower but is more endurable and
reaches a larger size than the poplar
The elm, like the poplar, does best
when grown on moist land, and in fact
will not endure drought at all. Wher
grown in good soil, given plenty O.
moisture, and properly cared for this
will make an excellent tree to plan
on the lawn or along streets and drive
ways. This tree is recommended only
for places where there is plenty OF wa
ter and where the water will be ap
piled so the roots can use it.
The American or white ash is
good tree for street planting in thu
lower attitudes of the state. It make:
a tree from 80 to 100 feet high on goot
moist ground and as far as tested Il
hardy in Montana. 1t is not as de
sirable for general planting as tnt
Carolina poplar or American elm.
The Soft or Silver maple is hardy il
western Montana in the valleys, ant
makes an excellent tree for shade O.
ornament. It should not be planted il
exposed places as the wood is yer,
brittle and the winds break the tre'
badly unless they are protected il
some way. The Norway maple,
slower growing tree than the proceed
ing is also good for planting in west
ern Montana and in the lower valley
of the state. The Tartarian maple,
small growing tree, often shrubby i
nature is perfectly hardy in all part
of the state but On account of its siz
it is not desirable as a street tree.
For parts of the state in high alt
tudes, above $500 or 5000 feet the BIO
elder Certinensis poplar, Canada POI
lar, Laurel leaved willow. white wi
low, and our native cottonwoods an
quaking aspens will give the best r.
suits. With good care in planting, Gu
tivating and watering, a few or all
the trees mentioned may be grown.
For ornamental purposes on IL
lawn the mountain ash, the viii
birch and its variety. the weeping 9
cut leaved form are recommends