1064 



AMERICAN FORESTRY 



have a curve in the trunk of a tree somewhat like a 

 modified S, as stated by Mr. Lippincott, you would 

 make two or more slits in the bark about one-half inch 

 apart lengthwise of the trunk, the number of the slits 

 depending upon the calliper of the tree, and on the 

 inside of the curve, not the outside as stated by Mr. 

 Lippincott, the idea being to fill up with new growth 

 the hollows in the curve of the tree. 



"If you were to slit the bark on the outside of the 

 curve the additional growth would accentuate the curve 

 in the trunk and it would be worse than it is now. 



"While this will produce the desired eflfect in appar- 

 ently straightening the trunk, I would not advise it. 



"It is true that in time you would apparently straighten 

 the trunk, it would have to be done year after year for 

 several years, but would likewise get a very gnarled 

 and knotty appearance which would probably be as ob- 

 jectionable as the curves now existing. You have no 

 doubt seen trees grafted two or more feet above the 

 ground, where the scion has grown faster than the stock 

 that is just the appearance this tree would have. 



"My advice would be to leave it alone. In time as 

 the regular year's growth of the tree is made and the 

 trunk thickens these curves will gradually fill out under 

 the natural conditions of growth, or at any rate will not 

 be as conspicuous as they are while the tree is small. 



"If the bark of the tree is slit in the manner described 

 it is not necessary to sterilize or paint the wound new 

 bark will commence to grow immediately and fill the 

 wound. 



"I have seen old apple and pear trees, hide-bound old 

 stock, which have had the bark slit from top to bottom, 

 on all sides of the trees, and there is no question in my 

 mind but what in such cases it is beneficial. 



Thomas B. Meehan." 



questions and answers 



Q. Would you kindly send me your special instruc- 

 tions for "heading oiif." 



L. W., Nezv York City. 



A. "Heading in" is a term used to designate the pro- 

 cess of cutting off large portions of branches, more or less 

 uniformly, on all parts of the crown. The crown is thus 

 very much stunted and lessened in size. The shock to 

 the tree is a severe one and should therefore only be used 

 in case of dying trees and trees that; are going back 

 rapidly. Some species will not stand' this sort of treat- 

 ment. Species like the sugar maple will not stand severe 

 cutting at all, while trees like the silver maple, sycamore, 

 linden and elm will respond very nicely to the treatment. 

 Species like poplar and willow will be improved by head- 

 ing them in every few years no matter whether they are 

 in good growing condition or not. In cutting off the largo 

 branches from trees on the lawn or in the neighborhood 

 of valuable shrubbery, great care must be taken to lower 

 the branches to the ground by means of rope in order 

 not to injure the plants below. The cuts must be made 

 on a slant, the wounds covered with coal tar and wher- 



ever possible a large number of suckers must be left on 

 the remaining branch. 



Q. We are developing a piece of property at Summit, 

 N. J., lying on the end of the Second Watchung Moun- 

 tain. Am about to begin planting shade trees on the 

 streets already constructed and would like your advice 

 as to the best tree or trees to choose. I wish a tree that 

 is hardy, that will grow more rapidly than the average 

 and make a good showing quickly, and one that will not 

 require a good deal of attention after once planted. 

 Oaks, beeches and maples are found very largely in the 

 natural woods of the locality. I have also given some 

 thought to the pink flowering horse chestnut. Would 

 greatly appreciate your advice in the matter. The soil 

 is red clay on top of trap rock, with a thin top soil over 

 all. H. B. S., New York City. 



A. Plant to Oriental sycamore {Platanus oricntalis), as 

 the tree par excellence for your purpose. It grows 

 rapidly, is absolutely hardy, needs little attention and is 

 quite free from insects and disease. It is well adapted 

 to the location of Summit, N. J., where you desire to 

 plant. The pink flowering horse chestnut, while a very 

 beautiful tree, does not compare with the Oriental syca- 

 more in any of the above qualities. If you would like to 

 purchase a very valuable book on street and shade tree 

 planting, I can recommend most highly "Studies of 

 Trees" by J. J. Levison, the price of which is $1.75. 



Q. I have tried to find some illustrated catalogue of 

 tools needed and used in tree surgery, as I wish to buy a 

 few to use on my place, but cannot find them, nor do I 

 see them advertised in the American Forestry Maga- 

 zine. Shall greatly appreciate information with the ad- 

 dress of some manufacturer from whom I might pro- 

 cure the necessary tools. 



G. J. B., Flat Rock, N. C. 



A. Practically all the tools necessary in tree surgery 

 can usually be obtained from almost any well-equipped 

 hardware store. The only precautions regarding the 

 gouges (beyond good steel) are that the sharpening 

 bevel be on the outside or convex side of the curved cut- 

 ting edge, and that the handles be of the type which 

 drive into a socket. If longer handles are desired, they 

 may have to be made to order on a turning lathe or by 

 hand, as I do not know of any one who keeps them 

 regularly in stock. The chisel is nothing more or less 

 than a gouge with a straight cutting edge. As a matter 

 of fact it is rarely necessary to use one as the best saw 

 for this work is one with the so-called clearing teeth, 

 that is every second or third tooth is a deep one which 

 serves to clear out the sawdust. In green wood of course 

 the teeth have to be strongly set so as to make a com- 

 paratively wide cut, at least twice the thickness of the saw 

 blade itself. 



Q. Pictures of the European Linden, the Sweet Gum, 

 the Dogwood and the American Beech in the last issue of 



