598 IOWA DEPARTMENT OP AGRICULTURE 



PREPARATION OF PLANTING SITE. 



To insure a full stand of living trees and a good growth the first year, 

 the ground in which the trees are planted must be free from sod and 

 brush, and in the best possible physical condition. When planted on 

 such soil and given thorough cultivation, the trees will make a growth 

 of from 3 to 6 feet the first summer. 



TIME OF PLANTING. 



The trees may be set out any time from the time the ground is in 

 workable condition in the spring until the middle of May. They should 

 be planted before the leaves begin to unfold. Fall planting is not advis- 

 able. The trees are liable to winter kill, and they will need protetcion 

 from rabbits one year earlier than if planting had been delayed until 

 spring. 



SPACING. 



The most satisfactory spacing is 6x6 feet or closer. The spacing in 

 the plantations examined varied from 3x6 to 6x10 feet. Fairly close 

 spacing is necessary m order to force the trees to develop tall, straight 

 trunks rather than heavy branches. Even spacing makes cultivation 

 easier. 



Under intensive conditions the trees may be spaced as closely as 3x6 

 feet and every other one in the row cut out after eight or ten years. At 

 this time each tree cut out will make one post and considerable fire- 

 wood. There are three advantages to this plan. First, the crowding 

 forces the young trees to grow up straight without large branches. Sec- 

 ond, the dense shade keeps out bluegrass and weeds, and reduces the 

 amount of cultivation needed. Third, the litter from the trees provides 

 a mulch that helps to retain moisture. The sprouts from these cut-off trees 

 will not grow much on account of lack of sunlight. 



CULTIVATION AND CAKE OF PLANTATION. 



Thorough cultivation is necessary for the first two or three years, until 

 the trees are large enough to shade the ground completely. Catalpas can 

 not compete successfully with grass and weeds. Rapid growth is stimu- 

 lated by a loose, mellow soil. 



The only care that the trees require after cultivation ceases is protec- 

 tion against injury by fire or live stock. The danger of injury by fire is 

 not great unless there is a growth of grass or weeds on the ground. 

 Cattle, horses and sheep are especially harmful on account of packing 

 the soil about the trees. 



PROTECTION AGAINST RABBITS. 



For the first two winters rabbits are the most destructive enemies of 

 young catalpa trees. One of the best methods of protection is a light 

 wooden shield placed around each stem. These shields are inexpensive, 

 costing about $6 per thousand. They are easily and quickly put on, and 

 they give perfect protection. They are serviceable for three or four 



