THE ORNAMENTAL PLANTS — 



CONIFERS 



331 



8. Coniferous 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, arborvitse, retinosporas, and the hke. 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, 4 or 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 foHage 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 



