This young sycamore tree has a 
better chance to survive because it 
has been properly pruned, 
wrapped, and staked. 
F—510928 
@ Cultivation. Cultivating will prevent the growth of undesir- 
able or unsightly plants and may preserve soil moisture. Cultivated 
areas around trees and shrubs, group plantings, or flowerbeds should 
have well-defined, regular boundaries. 
@ Fertilization. The vigor of most plants can be improved by 
using the right kind and amount of organic or chemical fertilizer. 
Fertilizer formulas and rates of application should be based on plant 
requirements and a soil analysis. 
2. Protecting Desirable Plants From Damage and 
Competition 
@ Protective measures. Common measures to prevent damage 
from animals include mechanical barriers such as woven wire guards 
around tree trunks to protect them from animals that eat bark, 
and fences to exclude domestic stock. Traps and repellants of vari- 
40 
ous kinds are used to discourage moles and gophers that feed on 
roots. 
Mark young trees, shrubs, or groups of wild flowers with stakes to 
prevent damage by workmen or machines such as cultivators and 
mowers. Inspect plants periodically for the presence of injurious 
insects and diseases so that early protection or control measures can 
be taken to prevent serious damage and spread to other plants or 
other areas. 
Provide well-defined paths in areas of heavy public use to prevent 
trampling of small plants and damage to root systems resulting 
from soil compaction in the root-feeding zone. Specimens that at- 
tract attention should be further protected by barriers. 
@ Eliminating competition and _ fostering growth. 
Promptly remove and destroy plants that die and sickly plants that 
do not respond to cultural treatment. If there are indications that 
soil organisms or other soil conditions are the cause, corrective treat- 
ments such as soil sterilization, fertilization, or drainage should be 
completed before replanting. 
Remove vegetation that hides or interferes with the desired devel- 
opment of plants to be featured. Species that sprout from roots or 
stumps should be pulled, grubbed out, or cut, and the stumps treated 
with chemicals to prevent sprouting. Cut stumps close to the ground 
so that they will be inconspicuous and rot faster. 
Chip, burn, or haul away cut material. If the wood is chipped, 
scatter the chips or use them for mulch around selected plants. Burn 
material only where there is no danger of fire escaping or of heat 
damage. 
Thin screen plantings, windbreaks, and other group or row plant- 
ings whenever they become crowded. Prune hedges and individual 
shrubs and trees as necessary to develop and maintain desired form. 
Flowering and fruiting of certain ornamental varieties are benefited 
by a seasonal pruning of unproductive growth. Remove diseased 
branches or other plant parts to prevent spread of the infection. 
Dead growth should also be removed. Cut live branches and stems 
when the plants are dormant. Pruning wounds that will not heal in 
a year or two should be treated to prevent entrance of rot. 
