Polk County news. [volume] (Benton, Tenn.) 191?-1983, 1919-10-02

makes beaut Jul lawn tree; either the native or
the European species may be planted, The sour
or black gum grows under most adverse circum
stances, shut apparently is not well suited fol
street p tting although Ornamental tree 1t
deserves place.
Purchg. trees from reliable nursery; beware
Of treefr 7ers. Choose healthy, well-formed
trees. ~ two or three inches In diameter and
ten 81 feet high are large enough for any
puit,| re smaller trees can be used. they
generaEE$ give better results, because the root
system ~ less disturbed by transpIantng. Do
not expose the roots to the sun, wind or frost.
Keep wet blankets canvas 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
a sharp pruning knife and make clean, smooth
cut Remove all broken branches and cut back
One-half to four-tifths 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 hees
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 or die if the roots are
cramped or twisted. The holes should be foot
or two wider and deeper than is needed to ac-
coInmodate the roots. For street trees, the hole
should be about twice as large the root system
actually requires. Partly fill the hole with rich
loan and pack it down we'll If poor soil must be
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 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 it firm
ly with the fingers or pointed stick Occasion
ally lamp II with the foot so that no air spaces
remain Also see that the stem of the tree Is kept
perfectly vertical Now water the soil generously.
The final inch two of soil should be left fine
and loose over the top of the hole to act as
mulch.
After planting, the tree should be staked to
prevent II from swaying in the wind and growing
crooked. The stake should he long enough to
the trunk for twothrds 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
around the tree Is beneficial during the first few
years of growth. Loosen the top soil with spade
pr hoe several times during the season to keep
Town weeds and grass. During the hot, dry sum-
ner months watering should be done not oftener
han twice week
Tree planting should form a permanent part Of
he Improvement program in every city and town
n the United States. 1t should not he undertaken
n q temporary or haphazard manner; but 1t should
eceive the constant thought and attention of those
Who are interested in making the community at
ractlve and Mt the same time in adding to the
uture timber resources of the United States 1t
must be remembered that what is done in one !
ity or two serves as an inspiration to others.
Let us keep in mind a thought of future well
expressed In the poem by Lucy Larcom, who said;
"He who plants tree,
He plants love.
Tents Of GOODNESS spreading out above
Wayfarers he may not live to see" ,
So in honOring loved ones let us of the present :
,ok to the future and by memorial tree planting
lake this better country in which TO live, which, =
fter all, is all the memorial those loved ones ask