ORNAMENTAL TREES , SHRUBS , 
5 
WHEN TO PLANT. 
Deciduous Trees, Shrubs and Vines can be planted either in Spring or Fall. In 
localities where the ^'inters are very severe we recommend Spring planting. Spring is 
the best time for evergreens generally. 
HOW TO PLANT. 
Preparation of the Hoots. —Cut off smoothly all bruised or broken roots 
up the sound wood. This prevents their decaying and hastens the emission of new 
roots and fibers. 
Preparation of the 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: 
1 rees, 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 heavy, severe pruning 
will be necessary. These remarks are applicable to all Deciduous Trees and Shrubs. 
Evergreens seldom require pruning, but Arbor Vitse 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. 
Mulching. —When 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, ahd 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 
