CHAPTER IX 

 EVERGREENS 



The variation in adaptation of evergreens has come to be a much- 

 debated question among horticulturists and landscape architects 

 who are called upon to use them. An interesting fact is discovered 

 after some study of evergreens. The hardy types are not perfectly 

 hardy under the varying conditions of climate and exposure in various 

 sections of the country. Therefore, evergreens should be selected for 

 landscape plantings with a considerable knowledge of their ability to 

 withstand local conditions. 



The factors which are evidently most injurious to the normal 

 development of evergreens as a group are: (i) sudden variations in 

 climatic conditions; (2) condition of the soil; (3) exposure; and (4) 

 atmospheric conditions in the vicinity of congested city districts. A 

 short discussion of these factors, as bearing upon the growth of ever- 

 greens, may be of value. 



1. Climatic Conditions. It is a safe assumption that evergreens 

 which are indigenous to sections of country where the climatic condi- 

 tions are severe will withstand similar conditions in any other section 

 of the country unless the other factors, of soil, exposure, and atmo- 

 spheric conditions are extremely adverse. An interesting fact is seen 

 in the repeated endeavour to acclimate evergreens, which otherwise are 

 hardy, to the sudden changes of temperature experienced along the 

 shores of the Great Lakes. Evergreens which are perfectly hardy in 

 the severe climate of New York State and New England, and even 

 in Michigan, will not prove hardy when used close to the shores of the 

 Great Lakes. 



While no one has given a definite reason for this, it is presumed 

 that the sudden changes of climatic condition are responsible for 

 the failure of many plants. In general, in the selection of ever- 

 greens, the more tender varieties should not be far removed from 

 climatic conditions in which they are known to be perfectly hardy, 



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