The Elbert County tribune., 1919-10-10
LNEN0elAk I2ANZly0 ATLMlINRZleG "a

mikes beautiful lawn tree; either the native OF
the European species may be planted The sour
or black gum grows under most adverse circum
stances. but apparently is not well suited foi
street planting. although Ornamental tree Il
deserves Il place
Purchase trees from reliable nursery; beware
Of tree pedders Choose healthy. well-forned
trees Trees three inches in diameter and
ten or twelve feet high are large enough for any
purpose. Where smaller can be used they
generally give better results. because the root
system is less disturbed by transplanting Do
expose the to the sun. wind frost.
Keep wet blankets wrapped tightly
about the roots until the tree is ready to be set
out then plant with the least possible delay.
Trim OFF any broken. torn or injured roots. Use
n sharp pruning knife and make Clean smooth
cut. Remove all broken branches and cut back
one-half to four-ffths of the previous years
branch growth. The size of the top must be pro-
portoned to the size of the root system or the
roots will be unable to supply sufficient water and
food for satisfactory growth. Forestgrown trees
have poor root systems and must be severely
pruned by removing the greater part of the side
branches Never cut back the main stem or leader.
Dig Wide, Deep Holes.
Dig wide, deep holes. Trees become root-bound
and make poor growth die If the roots are
crnmped twisted. The holes should be foot
or two wider and deeper than is needed to
commodate the roots. For street trees, the hole
should be about twice large the root system
actually requires. Partly fill the hole with rich
used. mix with well-rotted manure. Green or
partly decomposed manure will burn the roots and
must not be used
Do not plant the too deep. The upper
roots should lie only inch two deeper in the
soil than they grew originally Spread out the
roots In their natural position and work soil
around them. little Mt time. compactng it firm
ly with the fingers pointed stick. Occasion
ally tamp 1t with the foot so that no air spaces
remain Also that the stem of the tree is kept
vertical Now the soil generOuSly
The final inch two of soil should be left fine
and loose over the top of the hole to act
mulch.
After planting. the tree should be staked to
prevent 1t from swaying in the wind and growing
crooked. The stake should be long enough to
support the trunk for two-thirds the height of the
tree. Trees exposed to traffic. horses and children
should be protected by suitable wooden metal
guards In case any injury to the young tree re-
Suits apply tree surgery methods at once
Shallow cultivation of the soil for three feet
around the tree Is beneficial during the first few
years of growth. Loosen the top soil with n spade
or hoe several times during the season to keep
down weeds and grass. During the hot dry sum-
mer months watering should be done not oftener
than twice week
Tree planting should form permanent part of
the improvement program in every city and town
In the United States. 1t should not be undertaken
in a temporary haphnzard manner; but it should
receive the constant thought and attention of those
who are interested in making the community at
tractive and at the same time in adding to the
future timber resources of the United States. 1t
must be remembered that what is dore in
city two an inspiration to others.
Let us keep in mind thought of future well
expressed In the poem by Lucy Larcom, who said !:
He who plants n tree.
He plants love.
Tents of coolness spreading out above.
wayfarers he may not live to see"
So in honoring loved ones let of the presei
look to the future ana by memorial tree plantin.
make this a better country In which TO i've which
after ALL is all the memorial those loved ones ask
Yet whit memorial. II II be accomplished!