PROTECTION AGAINST SUNBURN 105 



are now largely sold. Whitewash made according to the formula at 

 the close of Chapter IX is a good protection from sunburn. For 

 young trees, however, it should be made with air-slacked lime, which 

 has lost some of its causticity. Another whitewash, which has been 

 largely used for young trees, consists of four ounces of whale oil soap 

 dissolved in each gallon of water, Spanish whiting being stirred in to 

 give the solution a paint-like consistency. Millions of trees have per- 

 ished in this State, and as many more been condemned to sickly lives, 

 because of sunburn, and borers which seek the injured bark for en- 

 trance. Pruning has much to do with saving trees from this evil, as 

 will be 'shown in the proper connection, but in the hotter parts of the 

 State, the first precaution should be to shade the bark of the young 

 tree with some artificial protection. The use of white lead and oil paint 

 has, however, seriously injured young bark. 



Cutting Back at Planting. Whatever idea the grower may have 

 as to shaping his tree, it must be cut back when planted. Lifting from 

 the nursery has removed a considerable part of the root system of the 

 young tree and the top must be reduced accordingly. The planter who 

 dislikes to sacrifice the fine top will sacrifice future growth and vigor 

 by retaining it. The tree may struggle through and regain strength, 

 but it will for years be smaller than if it had been properly cut back 

 at planting. If the moisture supply should be short the tree may die 

 the first summer which would have survived if differently treated at 

 planting. The manner of cutting back depends somewhat upon the 

 style of pruning to be followed afterward, as will be considered in the 

 next chapter. 



