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GUIDE. 1 1 



To keep new ones from growing up before the layers have taken root, it's best to cover 

 the cluster with a four or five inch mound of earth. However, this does not apply to 

 weaker shrubs that often die when all their branches are covered. 



Layers like these often require two years, sometimes more, to take root. When 

 they do, they are separated from their clusters. The earth that had covered the clusters is 

 removed, and the clusters will waste no time generating healthy branches to replace the 

 ones that had been layered. 



Once again, this method is a good one for filling in clearings of approximately 

 twenty square yards. It's better than planting new trees. The latter would only deteriorate 

 in a confined space where the roots of nearby trees have already taken hold. Layers get 

 the nourishment they need from the roots of their own stock, and they are much better 

 protected while they are young from depredation by nearby trees. But if there are large 

 clearings that need to be filled in, layering takes too long and is often inadequate; one has 

 to resort to seed planting. 



Trees for nurseries are also propagated by layering. Here's how to do it: The 

 parent stocks are set in an area especially designed for the purpose. Stocks, whose main 

 stems or largest shoots have been cut off at ground level, make sturdy bases for trees and 

 shrubs. When the stocks have grown a lot of young vigorous shoots two to three feet 

 high, they are laid down eight to ten inches deep into the ground all the way around the 

 parent stock. 



