The patriot. (Glenmora, La.) 1918-1955, 1919-10-10

makes beautiful lawn tree either the native or
the European species may be planted. The sour
black gum grows under most adverse clrcum
stances, but apparently is not well suited 1of
street planting, although an Ornamental tree II
deserves a place.
Purchase trees from reliable nursery; beware
of tree pedders. Choose healthy, well-formed
trees Trees two or three inches in diameter and
ten or twelve feet high are large enough for any
purpose Where smaller trees can be used they
generally give better results, because the root
system is less disturbed by ransplanting DO
not expose the roots to the sun, wind or frost.
Keep wet blankets or canvas wrapped tightly
about the roots until the tree is ready to be sci
out; then plant with the least possible delay.
Trim off any broken, torn or injured roots. Use
a sharp pruning knife and make clean, smooth
cut Remove all broken branches and cut back
one-half to four-fifths of the previous years
branch growth. The size of the top must be pro-
portioned to the size of the root system or the
roots will be unable TO supply sufficient water and
food for satisfactory growth. Forest-grown 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.
Die Wide, Deep Holes.
Dig wide, deep holes. Trees become rootbound
and make poor growth or die If the roots are
cramped or twisted The holes should be 1oot
or two wider and deeper than is needed to &C
should be about twice as large the root system
actually requires Partly fill the hole with ricn
loan and pack 1t down well. Ii poor soil must De
used. mix with well-rotted manure. Green or
partly decomposed manure will burn the roots ana
must not be used.
Do not plant the tree too deep. The upper
roots should lie only an inch or two deeper In the
soil than they grew originally. Spread out the
roots in their natural position and work soil
around Them a little at time compacting 1t hrm-
" With the fingers pointed stick. OCCASION
ally lamp it with the foot so that no air spaces
remain Also see that the stem OF the tree is Kept
perfectIy vertical. Now water the soil generously.
The final inch two of soil should be left nne
and loose over the top of the hole to act as a
mulch.
After planting the tree should be staked to
nrevent It from swaying In the wind and growing
crooked. The stake should be long enough to
sunport the trunk for twothirds the height OF the
tree Trees exposed to traffic, horses and children
should be protected by suitable wooden or 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
Ground the tree is beneficial during the first few
vears of growth Loosen the top soil with space
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 SnOulu IOELu q PcilhdAtcAe pat VI
tho Improvement program in every city and town
IN the United States. 1t should not be undertaken
in ! temporary or haphazard manner; but IT should
receive the constant thought and attention OF those
who are interested In making the community at
tractiye and at the same time in adding to the
future timber resources Of the United States. IT
must be remembered that what Is done In one
civ or two serves as an inspiration to Others
Let us keep In mind thought of future so well
EXPRESSED in the poem by Lucy Larcom, who said !:
"He who plants tree.
He plants love-
Tents Of coolness spreading ont above,
Wayfarers he may not live to see"
So III honoring loved ones let us of the present
look to the future and by memorial tree planting
make this better country In which to live. which
after ALL Is all the memorial those loved ones ask
Yet what memorial. Il 1t be Accomplished