The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1910-01-06
THE PEPPER TREE.
More Adaptable Than Any Other For
Street and Roadside.


Each successive year that we expert
ment with street and roadside trees
brings L growing and well merited APP
probation of the pepper tree. For all
situations, all soils. general conditions
and variety of treatment there is none
to compare with this our finest of
trees. Outside of the polelike eucalyptus
we have none that make finer or
more shapely growth In fact, its
shapeIy growth is not equaled in our
long list of street or garden trees, ana
the pleasing green is of the brightest
shade. We may have trees that sur
pass in some points, but when all are
considered it will be found that the
pepper averages higher than any other.
In its general adaptability it occu-
pies a similar position to the naples
Of the Mississippi valley. the elms of
New England and the oaks of the sun
ny south" One who has visited these
sections will have noted how these
sorts predominant in the different great
natural divisions of our country. In
some cities. notably Washington, may
be found the trees of all sections save
southern California. and could they
grow the pepper tree it is safe to say
it would be found on more than one
half the streets Of our national capital
1t has now been grown in all parts of
the west where the climate will allow.
One is always sure of the pepper, for
few ever die at any stage. and of all
our trees it is the most drought resist
ant. ii Sown from seeds nearly every
seed will grow, and the resultant seed
lings are no more care than they are
later in life. They may be successful
ly tranSplantcd at any age or at any
time Of the year. Like all other sorts,
it will best develop with some care
for the first few years, and FOR at
least three wears it should be carefully
prunCd. irrigated ana the soil kept
loosenCd about the trunk. When
planting the holes should be dug both
wide ana deep. ana no raised side
walks or broken curbS will result.
Properly planted, pruned and cared
for, every pepper tree will become a
thing of beauty. Ii is not natural for
the pepper 10 be gnarly and i'll shaped.
This tree. like our native live oak.
should be allowed to head low for the
first few years and the branches short
ened in until the stem grows sufficient
ly stout to support higher head.
when the lower ones should be re
moved and in this way cleared below
annually until the desired height above
the ground has been reached. If trees
he planted fifty feet apart and the
treatment given for the first few years
as herein outlined no fear need be en-
tertained for the ultimate growth. as
seldom does one demand care with
years of age except lower hanging
limbs removed TO clear the way for
driver ana pedestrian. The amount of
care and the attendant expense are no
greater than for other trees, and some
require more treatment. 1t is usual
to plant peppers in the crudest manner
possible and leave them to shift for
themselves. In spite Of this neglect,
coupled. with some abuse, the pepper
usually develops into a fine tree. With
intelligent care it easily takes first
rank for every purpose where pcrppi.
ual shade with maximum of beauty
is desired.-Los Angeles Times.