Imperial Valley press., 1915-01-02
EXPERT ADVICE ON
PLANTING OF TREES

grounds by planting trees and shrubs
Often | ask myself the question:
"Why is it that so many property
owners in the valley do not plant
trees?" Many places are owned and
have been operated by Industrious
farmers for several years, and yet no
trees are planted
In passing through the country we
hear the remark, "That is a fine
place" What is it that brings forth
such q remark? 1t is trees. The same
applies to our towns and cities.
Many cities are made famous on
account of their beauty, brought about
by the systematic planting of trees.
Riverside is known the world over for
its beauty, due to its Magnolia ave
nue., many miles long, planted to pep
pers, palms and magnolias.
Carefully selected trees, adapted to
soil and climatic conditions, planted
and cared for inteligently, account for
the beauty of homes and cities. Great
care should be taken to investigate
and know the condition of the soil un-
derneath as well as on the surface, to
enable one to plant trees best adapted
and the selection of root stock suit
able to the soil should have careful
consideration.
Prepare the ground by thorough and
deep plowing at least tWice-the more
the better-and irrigate the ground
deep. Have the ground perfectly level
and smooth.
In planning the ornamentation of
grounds, first lay off the ground on
paper, the same as for house, 10
eating the driveways and trees at
proper distances, avoiding straight
lines in sidewalks and drives. Draw
the plan on scale, making each spot
for trees and shrubs according to
proper distances. A good nursery
catalogue will give the distances. Aft
er the ground has been prepared, lay
off the same as has been made by the
plan, stalking accordingly.
When deciding on the location of
trees it is a good idea to plant ever
green trees on the northern side of
the house and trees that defoliate in
the fall on the southern. As the sun
goes north in summer, shining on the
north part of the house, shade is
needed on that side. In winter, the
sun is away to the south and the de
foliated trees will admit the sunshine
as desired.
Too much care cannot be taken in
planting. Spend more in planting thar
in cost of trees. Dig large holes, prnu-
ing the roots severely as well as the
top of the plant. putting the top soil
in the bottom of the hole By using
stick or slat four or five feet long
with a notch in each end, with one in
the center, placing the center notch
against the stake where the tree is to
be set, then remove the center stake
and put one in each notch at ends.
After the hole is dug put the slat back
in the original position. The tree
should set in the center notch. In
this way the plot will conform to the
plan.
Set all budded trees with the bud to
the northeast to avoid the exposure
Of the bud to the summer sun. The
trunks of young trees should also be
protected from the hot sun. Irrigate
freely, keep the ground thoroughly
cultivated and plow at least once a
year. Make irrigation furrows as far
away from the trunk as the limbs
extend outward. The tree takes its
nourishment at the outer ends or hail
roots.
/ 1t is a good plan to force out chick
ems and other stock from the yarC
rather than to fence them in. Lay
off grounds large enough to have fam
/ garden of berries and vegetables to
supply home needs. Every farmer
should raise all the fruit and vege-
tables needed.
Grapevines and roses may be set
along fences to shut out the view from
the corral or barnyard and windbreak,
of eucalyptus should be planted on tho
west of buildings and corrals. E. ru
dis is one of the best for the valley
No mistake will be made in having
plenty of grape arbors. Thompsoy
Seedless, Isabella and many others dc
we'll for arbors.
Among the ornamental trees thai
grow well are the pepper, eucalyptus
fan palm, bottle tree (Sterculia) anC
umbrella.
List of fruit trees recommended fol
family orchards:
Almonds-I. X. L., Nonpareil.
Apricots-Newcastle. ripe April 20
Royal, ripe May 10; Blenheim, ripe
May 20. All good for commercial
Royal and Blenheim for county. Plant
on peach roots.
Dates-Deglet Moor (best for this
Valley, Thoree (dry date).
Figs-Lob Inger (Smyrna), Mission
White Adriatic, Black Turkey and
Black San Pedro.
Grapes-Persian varieties, 81, %,
26; European varieties, Malaga,
| |Thompson's Seedless, Dattier De Bel
rout. Mascat of Alexandria; Ameri-
can varieties, CataWba, Isabella, Con-
cord.
| Olives-Mission.
Oranges-Washington navel, Medi-
terranean Sweet.
Pomelo (grapefruit)-Mars Seed
less.
Lemons-Eureka, Lisborn, Villa
Fraca. Citrus trees should be budded
on sour root stock.
Peaches-Alexander (cling, Persian
type), ripe May 15; Bidwell's Early,
Peen-to (Chinese type), ripe May 15;
Waldo Freedstone, Preen-to Chinese
type), ripe Bay 20; Imperial free
stone, honey type), ripe June Is; Bid
wells Late ,Peen-to (Chinese type),
..:..o IT,. 1E. Dal1a Of Caorma If,oo-