GOOD CARE PAYS 
Trees, shrubs, and other plants are more than objects of living 
beauty; they have a definite usefulness and represent an investment 
in time, labor, and money. Consequently, they deserve proper care 
and maintenance. Healthy vigorous plants bear luxurious foliage, 
flowers, and fruits, are less susceptible to damage by insects and 
disease, and in general present an attractive appearance. 
1. Treatments To Promote Healthy Growth 
@ Watering. Ordinarily, native plants on normal sites do not 
need continued watering longer than a year after planting. When 
natural conditions are changed by construction projects, artificial 
drainage or watering may be required to maintain native plants. 
When plants show a lack of moisture, one or two deep waterings will 
usually carry established trees and shrubs through the emergency. 
@ Mulching. This is effective for retaining soil moisture around 
plants and preventing weed growth. Wood chips, sawdust, peat, 
and composted leaves are all good mulching materials. They should 
not, however, be worked into the soil until they are well rotted and 
nitrogen fertilizer has been added. Mulch should be deep enough to 
protect the soil from sun and wind, and extensive enough to cover 
the area of major root development. 
Evergreen trees planted on a curve provide a screen for headlights and safety 
for night driving; they serve as a beauty spot in daytime. 
Wood chips provide long-lasting insulation against both heat and cold. 
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