LIFORNIA 
SUGGESTIONS FOR PLANTING AND PRUNING 
ORNAMENTALS 
In our climate the best time for planting 
both evergreen and deciduous trees is after 
the heavy frosts have subsided and sufficient 
rain has fallen to wet the ground thoroughly. 
I he proper conditions generally obtain during 
January, February and March. Palms move 
best in late spring and early summer. The 
foregoing applies particularly to plants that 
have to be dug from the open ground; those 
grown in pots, and also plants established in 
boxes, can be planted at any time if they re¬ 
ceive proper care and attention. 
I he holes should always be made much 
larger than merely enough to contain the ball 
or roots, and then filled in again, putting the 
best soil nearest the roots. The burlap must 
never be removed from balled plants; it soon 
rots and cannot possibly do any harm. To 
remove it is to risk breaking the ball, which 
usually means the loss of the plant. When 
plant comes boxed, remove only the bottom 
at first. After it is in the hole and standing 
just as it is going to remain, the sides can be 
taken off and the dirt filled in. If the weather 
is hot, it is a good plan to let the top of 
evergreens stay tied up for a few days, which 
greatly reduces evaporation and helps the 
tree to get established. Keep the tops well 
sprayed. In planting deciduous trees and 
shrubs which are shipped with bare roots, be 
certain that the dirt is packed and rammed 
just as tightly as possible around the roots; 
only on the very surface should the soil be 
loose. Never put manure in among the roots 
when planting. It can be spread on top of 
the ground around the plant, where it will 
act as a mulch. Used in this way, it is an 
advantage; putting it in around the roots gen¬ 
erally kills the plant. 
Deciduous trees should be pruned in propor¬ 
tion to the amount of roots lost in trans¬ 
planting. The natural shape should be pre¬ 
served as much as possible. Where a clean 
trunk is wanted, the lower limbs should be 
shortened in, but not cut off close. Leave 
part of these branches so that the new growth 
may shade the trunk. They can be removed 
gradually as the tree attains growth. In very 
hot districts the bare part of the trunk should 
be shaded on the southwest side by placing 
a board in the proper position or wrapping it 
with burlap. Whitewashing the trunk accom¬ 
plishes the same results. The idea of this is 
to prevent injury by sunburn, which is usually 
an invitation to borers to enter the tree. 
Most trees should be firmly staked when 
planted, as this will prevent heavy winds from 
loosening them and insures a straight growth. 
This is a very important precaution with both 
deciduous and evergreen trees and is too often 
neglected. In fastening the tree to the stake, 
take pains to do it so the tree will not be 
chafed or choked by the rope. 
Proper planting, while of the very greatest 
importance, is really only a good start in the 
right direction. Trees may live if neglected, 
but they will come very far from attaining 
perfection. Never let them get dry the first 
summer. W T hen you water the ground around 
them, see that it is thoroughly soaked. This 
is vastly better than giving them a little water 
continually. The tops will appreciate almost 
daily spraying during the dryest weather. 
Keep the ground around your plants and trees 
thoroughly loose and preferably mulched as 
well. Good stock properly planted and cared 
for will more than repay all expenditure of 
time and money. 
FRUIT TREES 
We ship to sections of such diversified cli¬ 
matic conditions that specific directions for 
general use are not advisable. There are, how¬ 
ever, practices to be followed in any and all 
sections which we will outline briefly. 
Preparation of the Soil 
The ground should be plowed at least twice, 
and the second plowing should be as deep as 
can be done, using a subsoil plow. The ground 
should be well drained so that no stagnant 
water remains about the roots. 
Heeling In 
On receipt of the trees, open a ditch in loose 
soil, unpack the trees, being careful to shake 
out all packing material, put in the trench side 
by side and cover the roots with fine earth, 
being careful that it is well filtered among the 
roots to keep them moist. Never heel in in 
bundles. 
Planting 
The holes should be dug at least eight 
inches to one foot larger in every direction 
than required by the roots when spread out 
in their natural position. The top soil should 
