They should also be pruned at infrequent intervals for several years to remove 

 drooping branches that interfere with cultivation. Wood taken from locusts 

 can be used for fuel and posts. The upright habit of the poplar seldom renders 

 thinning necessary. The timber is inferior to that of the locust. 



TREES AND PLANTS FOR HOME GROUNDS 



Windbreaks, shade trees, hedges, and ornamental shrubs are valuable for 

 planting about farm buildings. The chief purposes are for protection, shade, 

 and ornament. 



Protection of Buildings and Corrals. Windbreaks of this character, should 

 be established in the same manner as those in the field. Care must be taken 

 to avoid obstructing the outlook from residences, and "not to interfere with 

 the convenience of access to buildings. Each farm has its peculiar problems, 

 hence the most desirable location for windbreaks cannot be definitely stated. 

 It is important to have trees close to the buildings on one side, but they should 

 not be close on all sides on account of too heavy shading. It is very desirable 

 to have a windbreak near the south or west of the buildings. When so placed 

 the trees become of considerable value for shade in summer and thereby serve 

 a double purpose. 



Ornamental hedges can be grown from a number of hardy shrubs. The 

 general preference is for privet, Ligustrum, of which the California, L. ovali- 

 folium, or a European variety, L. vulgare, is usually selected. California 

 privet grows more rapidly than the European variety. Figure 7. 



Hedges for Ornament and for Screens. Attractive deciduous hedges can be 



Figure. 7. 



California privet, Ligustrum ovalifolium, on the right, and European, or common privet, 

 L. vulgare, on the left. Note the comparative vigor of the two, which are the same age. 



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