WINTER PROTECTION AND MULCHING 105 



shielded. They should be mulched also during both winter and 

 summer. The mulching of rhododendrons for summer is done for the 

 purpose of providing a thin layer of leaf mold which will produce as 

 nearly as possible the natural conditions of the undisturbed soil in the 

 woods and fields where rhododendrons grow. Mulching for winter 

 protection is effected by banking the plants with a deep layer of leaves. 

 These leaves prevent excessive freezing and possible heaving of 

 the soil around the roots. Rhododendrons are further protected 

 by building a screen of evergreen boughs or of cornstalks entirely 

 around the plantation, but especially on the exposed side. A portion 

 of the leaves used in the winter mulch can be left when the mulch is 

 removed in the spring. Under no conditions should an attempt be 

 made to spade this mulch of leaves into the ground in the spring. 

 It may be loosened slightly with a fork, but because this plant has its 

 roots so near the surface the ground around the roots, below the natural 

 surface, should not he disturbed. 



Trees and Shrubs — Winter Protection of. When mulching 

 trees care should be taken to extend the mulch out as far as the roots 

 extend, or at least as far as the ends of the branches extend. Most 

 of the Japanese flowering peaches, cherries, etc., need a four-inch root 

 mulch every winter in severe climates. Boxbushes, many other ever- 

 greens, and some deciduous material should be tied in winter. This 

 is done to keep the plant from splitting under the weight of the heavy 

 snows. Bands of rye straw or burlap are better than string for tying. 

 Shrubs and trees when planted in groups or plantations, being thus 

 close together, will protect each other to a considerable extent. 



When plants are of doubtful hardiness, screens may be erected for 

 protection on the most exposed sides, or completely surrounding the 

 plants. Such screens may be made of poles to which is attached brush 

 or burlap. Another method is to make a screen of boards. Screens 

 are frequently used to protect evergreens, trees, and shrubs. A shed 

 without sides also may be constructed over such plantings. This is 

 done to avoid loss by drip from buildings, or breakage from the weight 

 of snow. Shrubs may be wrapped with straw or burlap, the covering 

 being bound with raffia or twine. A pole is usually placed inside the 

 wrapping to prevent the plant from bending or breaking. It is pref- 

 erable, however, to plant more hardy types of material, because screens 

 are extremely unsightly unless the plants are in an obscure location. 



