4 
Bulletin 96. 
wood and the boxelder. Is it any wonder then that the idea has 
been almost universal that trees foreign to the state will not suc¬ 
ceed ? 
But in a large city like Denver, with its parks, cemeteries, 
avenues, and fine residences, fine trees are such a necessity that 
failures only stimulated the desire to overcome the obstacles. Re¬ 
peated trials have resulted in many successes, and as a result there 
are growing in that city today at least 60 species and varieties of 
trees which are foreign to the state. Many of these trees occur as 
isolated specimens, and as they are scattered over a large area they 
have attracted but little attention. A majority of the residents of 
Denver will no doubt be surprised to learn of the large variety of 
trees in their city. Mr. W. G. M. Stone, President of the State 
Forestry Association, has given much attention to the trees of 
Denver for several years past, and we are indebted to him for all 
the data given in this bulletin. Mr. Stone read a paper at the con¬ 
vention of the Board of Horticulture in 1901 in which the following 
extract occurs: “Whatever trees are found to grow successfully 
in Denver would thrive at all other points in the state adapted 
to deciduous tree culture.” Believing that this statement is true 
in the main, it is then desirable that all prospective tree planters 
should have the advantage of this experience. To be sure, a 
record of 25 or 30 years’ growth is not conclusive evidence as to 
the final estimate that should be placed on an apparently desirable 
tree. More especially is this true where data can be secured on only 
a few trees of a kind; but any experience that will be an indication 
as to what varieties may succeed must be productive of much good. 
These few pages are then intended for those people who are 
desirous of adorning their grounds with fine trees, and who are- 
thinking of the future as well as for immediate effects. 
Most people make the mistake of planting trees just as they 
receive them from the nursery. It should be remembered, however, 
that in digging, a large portion of the root system is left in the 
ground, consecptently when trees are planted without cutting the 
tops back to correspond with the loss of roots many of them die 
or make an unsatisfactory growth. It may be stated as a general 
rule that all trees and shrubs, except the conifers, should have a large 
portion of the tops removed when they are transplanted. All 
bruised roots should also be cut off with a sharp knife so as to leave 
a smooth surface which will readily heal. 
The use of large trees should generally be avoided, as vigorous 
young trees, two to four years old, will usually give much 
the best results. Large trees can be successfully transplanted if 
a large ball of earth is taken up with the roots, but this is an ex¬ 
pensive operation and is rarely carefully done. Where this pre¬ 
caution is not taken the older trees seldom make satisfactory 
growth and many of them soon fail. 
