THE ORNAMENTAL PLANTS — CONIFERS 331 
8. CoNnIFEROUS EVERGREEN SHRUBS AND TREES 
In this country the word “evergreen” is understood to mean 
coniferous trees with persistent leaves, as pines, spruces, firs, 
cedars, junipers, arborvite, retinosporas, and the like. These 
trees have always been favorites with plant lovers, as they have 
very distinctive forms and other characteristics. Many of 
them are of the easiest culture. 
It is a common notion that, since spruces and other conifers 
grow so symmetrically, they will not stand pruning; but this is 
an error. They may be pruned with as good effect as other 
trees, and if they tend to grow too tall, the leader may be stopped 
without fear. A new leader will arise, but in the meantime the 
upward growth of the tree will be somewhat checked, and the 
effect will be to make the tree dense. The tips of the branches 
may also be headed in with the same effect. The beauty of an 
evergreen lies in its natural form; therefore, it should not be 
sheared into unusual shapes, but a gentle trimming back, as 
suggested, will tend to prevent the Norway spruce and others 
from growing open and ragged. After the tree attains some 
age, 4or 5 in. may be taken off the ends of the main branches 
every year or two (in spring before growth begins) with good 
results. This slight trimming is ordinarily done with Waters’s 
long-handled pruning shears. 
There is much difference of opinion as to the proper time for 
the transplanting of evergreens, which means that there is more 
than one season in which they may be moved. It is ordinarily 
unsafe to transplant them in the fall in northern climates or 
bleak situations, since the evaporation from the foliage during 
the winter is likely to injure the plant. The best results are 
usually secured in spring or summer planting. In spring they 
may be moved rather late, just as new growth is beginning. 
Some persons also plant them in August or early September, 
as the roots secure a hold on the soil before winter. In the 
