The Elk Mountain pilot., 1919-10-09

makes II beautiful lawn tree: either the native or
the European species may be planted. The sour
d black gum grows under most adverse circuin
stances. but apparently Is not well suited for
street planting. although as an Ornamental tree II
deserves place.
Purchase trees from reliable nursery beware
Of tree pedtllers. Choose healthy. well-formed
trees. Trees three inches In diameter and
ten 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 transplanting ID"
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 of any broken. torn or injured roots Use
a sharp pruning knife and make clean. smooth
cut Remove all broken branches and cut back
Onehalf to fourffths Of the previous years
branch growth. The size OF the top must be pro-
portloned 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
hive 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 II the roots are
cramped or twisted. The holes should be a foot
or two wider md deeper than is needed to nc
commodate the roots. For street trees. the hole
should be about twice as large rs the root system
actually requires. Partly fill the hole with rich
loan and puck 1t down Well II poor soil must be
used mix with werotted manure Green or
partly decomposed manure VIII Durh the roots anu
must not be used
Do not plant the tree too deep. The upper
roots should lie only nm 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 mt time. compncting 1t firm
ly with the fingers pointed stick OCCASION
ally lamp 1t with the foot so that no air spaces
remain. Also that the stem of the tree Is Kept
tho nnO
The final inch two of soil should be left nne
and loose over the top OF the hole to act as
mulch.
After planting, the tree should be staked to
prevent it from swaying in the wind and growing
crooked. The stake should be long enough to
suppOrt the trunk twO-thirds 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 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 should form permanent part Of
the Improvement program in every city and town
in the United States. 1t should not be undertaken
in temporary or haphazard manner; but 1t should
receive 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. 1t
must be remembered that what is done In one
citv 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 GOODNESS spreading out above.
wayfarers he mey not live to see
SO in honOrng loved ones let us Of the present
look to the future and by memorial tree planting
make this Il better country in which to live which.