PRUNING 35 



The shape of the hedge should be influenced by the nature of the 

 plant. As a general rule the sides of the hedges should be made to 

 slope toward the top enough to prevent the overlapping and shading 

 that would result if the hedge were wider at the top than at the base. 



In deciduous hedges, quite constant clipping when the wood is 

 small and soft encourages the formation of the dense mass of foliage 

 which is so desirable. The strong growth that follows heavy rainy 

 periods should be severely cut back. Hedges that have gotten out of 

 bounds may often be restored by cutting them back a little at a time 

 for three or four years. Evergreen hedges need just enough clipping 

 to keep them within bounds and to restore their shape. 



CARE OF TREES 



Trees are one of our most valuable assets. This value cannot be 

 thought of in terms of dollars and cents, for no amount of money can 

 restore a tree that has been destroyed. In the unlimited services trees 

 perform for us, they rightfully deserve every consideration for their 

 health and protection. Many tree troubles require the attention of a 

 specialist, who is able to supply the proper remedy. Trees should be 

 protected by wire netting and stakes if there is any danger of their 

 being damaged by traffic or animals. The lawn mower should be 

 kept away from the tree to prevent injury to the bark. Broken bark 

 paves the way for diseases which may in time destroy the tree. 



TREATING BARK INJURIES 



When the bark of the tree has been injured, it should be given 

 prompt attention. First cover the wound to keep it from the sun and 

 wind until the material to dress it can be secured. Mr. Elbert Peets, 

 in his book, "Practical Tree Repair", states, "For fresh wounds, noth- 

 ing is better than soft or liquid grafting wax. A mixture of clay and 

 cow-dung is the second choice, with shellac and paint to choose from, 

 if neither of the preceding is at hand." "In preparing the wound for 

 dressing, all the loose bark must be cut away with a sharp knife, care 

 being taken to cut into the wood as little as possible. Be sure all 

 loose bark is removed. Test by pressing with fingers to see if bark is 

 firmly attached to wood. Mr. Peets quotes Prof- L. H. Bailey, stat- 

 ing, "Pure white lead and linseed paint makes a very good dressing 

 for moderately small wounds, especially if the wood is dry when the 

 paint is applied." 



PRUNING TREES. 



From the number of bad examples one sees, it would seem that 

 the common idea of how to cut off a limb is to do it any old way. 

 The usual method is to leave a stub, which will in time start rot and 

 disease in the tree. Branches should be cut off as shown in the accom- 



