CHAPTER XI. 



EVERGREEN TREES. 



EVERGREEN trees are indispensable in some featnres of 

 ornamental gardening. They are especially valuable for 

 screens and wind-breaks, for a background against which 

 to group trees with beautifully colored leaves or branches, 

 and for winter decoration. The too abundant use of ever- 

 greens results in a sombre effect and often to an unhealthy 

 condition if planted too close to the buildings. The limit 

 and scope of this work will allow of the description of only 

 the most beautiful, and those that succeed under a wide 

 range of conditions and are most easily transplanted. 

 Small evergreens should not be planted where teams, per- 

 sons, or animals passing will brush against them continually 

 during the winter, as they are very easily injured in this 

 way while frozen. 



Evergreens may be transplanted at almost any season of 

 the year, but great care needs to be taken that the roots do 

 not become dry by exposure to sun and wind, and if possi- 

 ble a moist day should be selected. Evergreens, like all 

 other trees and shrubs, must have an abundance of plant- 

 food. The annual dressing of compost should be applied 

 to them as much as to the flowering shrubs, at least until 

 they have become thoroughly established. Nearly all are 

 also benefited by pruning, especially those that tend to 



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