SHADE TREES AND EVERGREENS 
WHY FOREST TREES WILL NOT DO 
FOR HOME PLANTING 
Three main essentials are involved in the growth 
of every tree—light, plant-food and root-space. 
A tree grows straight up if it has plenty of light 
and winds do not blow it over. When it has plenty 
of plant-food, it develops and enlarges regularly 
on all sides by even stages, and makes a sym¬ 
metrical trunk and head. If the roots have soil all 
around, they form an even network about the tree. 
In the nursery all these conditions are made per¬ 
fect. The trees develop smoothly and make 
perfect specimens, evenly developed on all sides, 
trimmed into proper shape, with a straight trunk. 
They are full of vitality. In getting ready for 
transplanting, they are root-pruned several times 
before you get them. This takes the form of 
cutting the roots sometimes, and other times 
entire taking up and replanting. In any case it 
results in the forming of immense numbers of hairy 
feeding roots that take hold quickly anywhere. 
Such prepared trees seldom die when moved. 
Now with forest trees, the conditions are very 
uncertain. There may be a rock right at one side 
of the tree, causing the roots to grow to the other 
(Upper) Shows what splendid trees Norway Maples are. Remember 
that such perfect trees cost only about Si each when 9 feet high. (Lower) 
A schoolyard fully shaded by about eighteen maples, costing $15 in large 
size. The children can be taught to take care of such trees and hedge. 
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