growing tree were well fertilized and mulched, the rate 

 of growtli would be a surprise. Commercial fertilizers 

 can be used, but they are not so effective as well rotted 

 stable manure. In lieu of manure a well rotted com- 

 post of leaves, etc., can be used. If the appearance of 

 manure around a tree is objectionable, it can be cov- 

 ered with a light coat of straw or leaves. The cover- 

 ing can be prevented from blowing away by weighting 

 with sticks, brush, woven wire fencing, etc. The depth 

 of the fertilizer should be two to three inches, depend- 

 ing upon the requirements of the tree. It should not 

 be placed closer than 18 inches of the tree, so that mice 

 will not nest about the tree and bark it. It should be 

 spread around the tree to a distance of at least a foot 

 beyond the length of the branches. Remember that 

 the principal feeding roots are located as far from 

 the tree as the length of the branches or much farther. 

 The manure should be spread about the tree early this 

 fall and remain until the grass appears in the spring. 

 In the case of young shade trees it is advisable to leave 

 the manure about the trees to serve as a mulch. This 

 applies also to old trees where the appearance of the 

 manure would not be objectionable. Successive appli- 

 cations for manure should not accumulate to a depth 

 of over three inches. 



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