THE EVERGREEN HEDGE. 303 
THE EVERGREEN HEDGE. 
FRED. NUSSBAUMER, SUPT. OF PARKS, ST. PAUL. 
The task to prepare a paper on the evergreen hedge in Minnesota 
from a successful standpoint is perhaps premature, but the few no- 
ble efforts made should be encouraged, as they show that by a littie 
intelligent proceeding the evergreen planting in our state can be 
made effective and our homesteads attractive. 
I have noticed that the white spruce, Abies alba, is the best of 
the spruces for hedge planting, not only on account of its density 
of foliage, but also of its ability to withstand hardship; and it 
will grow on either wet or dry land. White spruce is a slow 
grower at first, but after it is fully established will take the lead of 
all. 
The white cedar, Thuja occidentalis, is another evergreen hedge 
plant of superior quality, but itis more particular in point of soil 
and situation, and while its form of growth is more ornamental it 
lacks the important qualities of the white spruce, in refusing to 
grow where the former will. 
No fixed rule can be laid down for the successful growing of ever- 
greens, but itis of great advantage to select kinds of the greatest 
capacity for durability, especially so for exposed localities, and the 
nature of the soil and the condition of the climate must be taken 
into consideration. On exposed places or wind-swept prairies, the 
young planted evergreens need protection and shelter until fully 
established. There may be failures in growing evergreens, but the 
right method of treatment will soon be found out. Itis not the lack 
of knowledge as much asitis shortsightedness and indifference. 
There should be an awakening of interestin planting evergreens on 
our homesteads. By neglecting this, values to the extent of many 
millions of dollars are lost to the people of our state. Co-operative 
and systematic planting would benefit the whole community and 
would be a pecuniary advantage to all inhabitants of the state. It 
would create lovely natural scenery around our homesteads, and it 
would reduce the enormous evaporation from and dissipation of 
our prairie farm lands. 
What is needed most is public sentiment for co-operation, Plant- 
ing of evergreens, hedges or otherwise, are subject to the same laws 
of economy as are other improvements on the homesteads, and our 
vast agricultural resources would be increased thereby. The proper 
development of the evergreen hedge depends chiefly on the charac- 
ter of the trees planted. They should be neither too tall and thin, 
nor too short and stout; they must before all things havea fully 
developed system of rootlets; must be young trees and be of a 
healthy green appearance. Young trees cheapen the operation of 
planting and adapt themselves more readily to new conditions. 
Nursery grown trees are always better for planting, especially in 
open country; they have more vigor and can stand more hardships 
than the more tender plants taken out of the forest. 
Ihave heard many complaints that evergreens get winter-killed 
on open land so that one side (generally the south-facing side) of 
the tree dies off. 
