CHAPTER XI 

 EVERGREEN TREES 



EVERGREEN trees are indispensable in some features of 

 ornamental gardening. They are especially valuable for 

 screens and wind-breaks, for a background against which 

 to group trees with beautifully colored leaves, flowers or 

 branches, and for winter decoration. The too abundant 

 use of evergreens results in a sombre effect and often in an 

 unhealthful 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 are most easily 

 transplanted and succeed under a wide range of conditions. 

 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 for the work. 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 

 grow into a close spiry form. This is best done in the 

 spring before growth begins, though it may be done at any 

 time with fair success. Among the best of the evergreen 

 trees are: 



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