ORNAMENTAL TREES, SHRUBS, ETC. 



WHEN TO PLANT. 



Deciduous Trees, Shrubs and Vines can be planted either in Spring or Fall. In 

 localities where the winters are very severe we recommend Spring planting. Spring is 

 the best time for evergreens generally. 



HOW TO PLANT. 



Preparation of tlie Roots. — Cut off smoothly all bruised or broken roots 

 np to the sound wood. This prevents their decaying and hastens the emission of new 

 roots and fibers. 



Preparation of tlie Top. — This consists in cutting back the top and side 

 branches in such a way as to correspond with the more or less mutilated roots, as 

 follows : 



Trees, with branching heads, should have the small branches cut clean out, and 

 the larger ones, intended for the frame work of the tree, cut back till within two or 

 three buds of their base. 



In cases where there is an abundant root, and small top or few branches, the pruning 

 need be very light, but where the roots are small and the top heav}^, severe pruning 

 will be necessary. These remarks are applicable to all Deciduous Trees and Shrubs. 

 Evergreens seldom require pruning, but Arbor Vitae and other Evergreens planted in 

 hedge rows may be advantageously shorn immediately after planting. 



Planting". — Dig holes, in the first place, large enough to allow the roots of the tree 

 to be spread out in their natural position. Then, having the tree pruned as above 

 directed, let one person hold the tree in an upright position, and the other shovel in 

 the earth, carefully putting in the finest and best from the surface in among the roots, 

 filling every interstice, and bringing every root in contact with the soil. When the 

 earth is nearly all filled in, a pail of water may be thrown on to settle and wash in the 

 earth around the roots ; then fill in the remainder, and tread gently with the foot. 

 Guard against planting too deep. The trees, after the ground settles, should stand in 

 this respect as they did in the nursery. In very dry, gravelly ground, the holes should 

 be dug twice the usual size and depth, and filled in with good loamy soil. No manure 

 should be used around the roots at the time of planting, only good surface soil. The 

 manure can be applied on the surface afterwards. 



Staking. — If the trees are tall and much exposed to winds, a stake should be 

 planted with the tree, to which it should be tied in such a manner as to prevent chaf- 

 ing. A piece of matting or cloth may be put between the tree and the stake. 



Mulclling'. — AMien the tree is planted, throw around it as far as the roots extend, 

 and a foot beyond, four to six inches deep of rough manure or litter. This is particu- 

 larly necessary in dry ground, and is highly advantageous everywhere, both in Spring 

 and Fall planting. It prevents the ground from baking or cracking, and maintains an 

 equal temperature about the roots. 



After Culture. — The grass should not be allowed to grow around young trees 

 after being planted, as it stunts their growth and utterly ruins them. The ground 

 should be kept clean and loose around them, until at least they are well established. 



PRUNING. 



Pruning, as practiced by some people, has the effect to render trees and shrubs 

 unnatural and inelegant. We refer to the custom of shearing trees, particularly con- 

 ifers, into cones, pyramids and other unnatural shapes. Every tree, shrub and plant 



