402 Missouri Agricultural Report. 



frozen, and when the soil is not wet enough to bake, plaster and harden 

 when worked. 



If the autumn is excessively dry, so the trees are likely to dry out 

 during fall and winter, it is best to delay planting until spring. Per- 

 fectly hardy species, however, if planted as soon as the leaves are off in 

 the fall, will malce some root growth and become well established before 

 winter sets in, and be ready for a vigorous 'growth in spring. Autumn 

 planted trees should be mulched about their roots with straw or manure 

 throughout the winter. 



The tendency of beginners is to set such trees too deep in the 

 ground. In very dry sandy soils they may be set a little deeper than 

 they grew in the woods or nursery. In heavy clay loam, however, they 

 should be planted just about the depth at which they grow naturally. 



In planting, the tops of the trees should be cut back considerably 

 to balance the cut back root system. In cutting back, it is best generally 

 to leave a central leader or trunk as far as possible. In shortening 

 side branches, it is best to cut back to a side twig, so the part of the limb 

 which is left will be terminated by a growing point. 



Evergreen trees, including pine, spruce, fir, cedar and the like, 

 are best, however, transplanted just as they are beginning their new 

 growth in spring. In moving the evergreens, it should be borne in 

 mind that their roots will not stand being exposed to the drying in- 

 fluence of the air even for a few minutes. Small evergreens should 

 have their roots plunged in a tub of water as soon as they are dug up, 

 and kept in water until they are planted in their permanent position. 



In setting any kind of trees the earth should be tramped very firmly 

 about the roots as fast as it is shaken in with the shovel. The last inch 

 of soil at the top should be left loose, however, so the soil will not bake 

 about the tree. 



Planting ornamental shruhhery is based in each respect upon the 

 same principles as planting ornamental shade trees. This applies to 

 season of planting, method of pruning, handling and all other factors. 



Pruning trees and shruhs. As a rule trees and shrubs should be 

 pruned from year to year so as to allow them to take their own natural 

 form or habit. Ordinarily it is not best to clip trees into low or com- 

 pact forms by annually clipping them back or shearing the outer sur- 

 faces. 



Most of the pruning should be done in winter but when the wood 

 is not severely frozen. Dead or dying limbs should be cut out at any 

 time, however. Where it is desired to secure long trunks so one may 

 see out under the trees, the lower limbs may be cut out from year to 



