$ THE GARDEN BOOK' OF -CALIFORNIA 



training of the roots. While we Westerners would not will- 

 ingly dwarf the nature of a tree in this way, yet we may use 

 the same theory in "training" sidewalk trees. The roots go 

 down into the soil after the manner of the branches 

 above ground in their search for light and air moisture. I 

 am told by successful planters that in making the hole for 

 the tree, which should be both wide and deep, the lower part 

 of the excavation where the roots rest should be filled with 

 rich, well-prepared soil, while the "filling in" may be of poor 

 gravel and clay or sand. The roots will take the hint, you 

 may be sure, and travel down into the good soil as fast as 

 they can. Some varieties of hardy trees will stand consid- 

 erable root-trimming, and after the first year's growth has 

 established them in the soil the use of a sharp spade run down 

 next the walk will cut off such errant roots as may be seeking 

 the surface, without causing any real injury to the tree. 



1921 



