21 



of injury in this way to fruit trees, however, than to forest trees. If 

 the ground has been previously kept clean, weeds will make little 

 trouble after the middle of August. In river and creek valleys, 

 where water is from 5 to 20 feet below the surface, cultivation is not 

 ordinarily necessary after the trees get thoroughly established. The 

 same is true on the upland where shallow basins catch the run-off 

 from a considerable area. 



In ornamental planting a combination of trees and lawn is often 

 desirable. Yet a single tree, or row of trees, has small chance for sur- 

 vival in the struggle with the aggressive grass roots. Consequently 

 a compromise is necessary. Before planting a single tree the ground 

 should be dug up and thoroughly pulverized over a circular space 5 

 to 10 feet in diameter, and to a depth somewhat greater than that at 

 which the tree will be set. Afterwards the surface may be stirred by 

 hand or mulched. For a row of trees, a strip 5 to 10 feet wide should 

 be given similar treatment. 



In much ornamental planting, however, it is advisable to put the 

 trees in groups, so that they protect one another and may be culti- 

 vated. A group system in landscape work gives an excellent effect, 

 which is wholly lost if the trees are restricted to formal rows or scat- 

 tered about promiscuously. 



Mulching with hay, straw, or manure is practiced to some extent. 

 It is better to mulch than to let the weeds grow. The mulch also 

 checks evaporation, prevents baking of the soil, and keeps it in good 

 condition. The complaint is sometimes made, however, that long- 

 continued mulching brings the roots too close to the surface, and then 

 if it chances to be removed they are exposed. The mulch certainly 

 furnishes a congenial harbor for all kinds of insects. 



The best mulch in all respects is the dust mulch secured by cultiva- 

 tion, while the most suitable place for the one of hay or straw is 

 around trees set in the sod where it is inconvenient or undesirable to 

 cultivate. 



Occasionally field crops are planted between rows of young trees, 

 but the person who has any regard for. their welfare will not do so. 

 The trees need all the moisture, and should not be forced to divide 

 with other vegetation. Corn is especially harmful. The roots will 

 spread both down and out for 3 or 4 feet, and take much more soil 

 moisture than the young trees. If any crop is to be planted, it should 

 be potatoes or other short-lived vegetables. Their roots do not spread 

 far and are soon gone, while the return from them will be sufficient to 

 pay for the cultivation which should be given to the trees, even were 

 they planted alone. 



A sure way to ruin a young plantation is to turn cattle into it. 

 Even if the trees are too large to be broken by rubbing, every branch 

 within reach will be destroyed, as will also the forest conditions of 



[Cir. 161.] 



