CHAPTER IV 

 GENERAL MAINTENANCE 



THE period of greatest trial to all new plantations is during the first 

 winter and summer. Consequently, all the care and attention that 

 can be given should be involved to see the plants safely through this 

 period. The same precautions that are taken the first seasons should 

 be repeated yearly in a moderate way at least, if the best results are 

 desired. 



Where the climate is at all severe, some protection is usually neces- 

 sary to prevent winter-killing of the plants. Winter-killing can take 

 place in any winter and results from cold open seasons where there is 

 much alternate freezing and thawing; from the formation of ice sheets; 

 and from sudden changes in temperature and other climatic extremes. 

 Old and well established plants often kill out or kill back to the roots 

 from these causes. 



Winter protection is given to plants in various ways. There may 

 be wind-breaks to ward off the strong drying winds, coverings over 

 each individual plant, a protective coat over the ground, or all three 

 combined, when necessary. In every case the principle is not to keep 

 the plant from getting cold or frozen, but to prevent alternate freezing 

 and thawing, and to provide protection from other adverse conditions. 

 A striking example showing an application of this principle in a winter 

 covering is offered in nature herself. In the northern part of the country 

 where snows come early and stay late and form a light, snug blanket 

 over the earth, many plants, which cannot stand winters in a milder 

 climate, are hardy. 



COVERING BORDERS FOR WINTER 



A mulch to perform the work of preventing alternate freezing and 

 thawing is necessary in localities where the snowfall is absent or un- 

 certain. A good mulch for all general purposes may consist of well 

 rotted manure, litter, leaves, straw, or combinations of these or any 

 materials which will form a light, loose covering. 



The mulch can be applied any time after the early frosts. Some 

 home owners prefer to make the application when the fall cleaning-up 

 is done, but as a rule it is best to wait until the ground is slightly 

 frozen. A covering of 2 to 3 inches deep, according to the density and 



