The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1919-10-16
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makes beautiful lawn tree; either the native or
the European species may be planted. The sour
or black gum grows under most adverse c1rcum
stances, but apparently is not well suited fol
street planting, although Ornamental tree II
deserves a place
Purchase trees from reliable nursery; beware
of tree peddlers. Choose healthy, well-formed
trees. Trees two or three inches in diameter and
ten twelve feet high large enough for any
purpose. Where smaller trees be used, they
generally give better results, because the root
system is less disturbed by transplanting. 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 set
out; then plant with the least possible delay.
Trim off any broken, torn injured roots. Use
a sharp pruning knife and make clean, smooth
cut Remove all broken branches and cut back
onehalf 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
Dig Wide, Deep Holes
Dig wide deep holes. Trees become root-bOund
and make poor growth die if the roots are
cramped or twisted The holes should be a foot
or two wider and deeper than is needed TO &c
commOdate the roots. For street trees, the hole
should be about twice as large as the root system
actually requires Partly fill the hole with rich
loan and pack it down well. If poor soil must be
used, mix with well-rOtted manure. Green er
partly decompOsed manure will burn the roots anu
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 a time compacting it firm
~ 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
perfectly vertical. Now water the soil generously
final two of De
and loose the top of the hole to act as a
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 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. It should not be undertaken
in temporary haphazard manner; but it should
receive 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 done in one
city or two serves inspiration to others
Let US keep in mind thought of future so web
expressed in the poem by Lucy Larcom, who said /:
'cHe 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
look to the future and by memorial tree plsnting
make this better country in which to live, which,
after ALL all the memorial those loved ssk.
Yet what a memorial. if it be accomplished