222 CALIFORNIA GARDEN FLOWERS 



natural to the tree. If low trees are desired choose those which do 

 not naturally grow high. If dense shade is not desired, choose 

 trees which naturally make a slim form, etc. It is to compass such 

 knowledge that all readers are urged to know trees through observa- 

 tion, as already insisted upon. 



Tillage of Trees and Shrubs. Trees should have tillage and irriga- 

 tion, in reasonable amount, during the early years, for the purposes 

 denned in Chapter III. By such treatment one not only helps the tree 

 to grow, which may not always be necessary, but proper treatment of 

 the tree in its own space prevents it from encroaching so far upon 

 space desired for other plants. A line of roadside or driveway trees 

 may send its roots for rods and interfere with other growths because 

 its own ground is hard and dry and inhospitable. Therefore trees 

 should have their own proper treatment and rations. Besides, such 

 trees should be forced to root deeply by digging which will destroy 

 their surface roots when young. If this is done much of the space 

 under the trees may be saved for shallow-rooting flowers which enjoy 

 shade. If trees are allowed to appropriate all the surface soil in the 

 vicinity, nothing else can thrive. 



Tree-Surgery. This kindly art has recently been developed into 

 professional standing and one can telephone for a tree-doctor just as 

 he may telephone for another kind to look after his appendix. It is 

 therefore a matter passing amateur limits, but we venture a remark or 

 two, nevertheless. 



When it becomes desirable to remove a large branch always saw 

 first from below upwards part-way through, so that the falling branch 

 may not tear away the wood and bark below it. Finish the cut from 

 above, and if you have not made a smooth cut, take off another thin 

 slice. To ensure a good wound it is obviously desirable first to cut a 

 little distance away from the trunk or larger branch and then saw off 

 the stub cleanly. Do not leave a stub; cut just at the outer edge of the 

 enlargement or collar at the base of the branch to be removed. Cover 

 the wound with thick paint or coal tar, not allowing it to run over the 

 adjacent bark, however. 



Old trees from which branches have broken or have been carelessly 

 sawed or chopped off should have the stubs cleanly sawed off and 

 treated as above. 



Whenever this has been neglected and whenever decay has entered 

 the large branches or trunk from this or other cause, remove all the 

 unhealthy bark, making a clean cut back of the healthy bark. Cover 

 the exposed wound with coal tar, which had been boiled for a time 

 and allowed to become cool. This boiling expels some of the volatile 

 matters which might be injurious to the tree, and it also causes the tar 

 to harden more quickly and to penetrate less. This will keep the wood 



