HOUSE AND GARDEN CORRESPONDENCE 
TRIMMING AND CARE OF TREES 
Having recently bought a farm here, I find that the people 
about this part of the country have been so closely engaged in 
the struggle for a living since the war, that many things that to 
me, a New Yorker, seem important they do not take into con¬ 
sideration, and the dearth of flowers, vines etc., is deplorable 
in a climate so advantageous as this, but worst of all is the neglect 
of the grand old trees still to be found to some extent. On my 
place there are three splendid walnuts, two catalpas and a noble 
tulip-poplar. Now on all these trees I see dead limbs and notice 
in some cases slightly exposed roots. As my lawn would be 
nothing if these trees die, I am very anxious to save them if 
possible. I have read that much can be done for their preserva¬ 
tion nowadays, but find it very hard to get-interested in the 
matter though he will be as sorry as I when it is too late. It you 
can help me by suggestions for their care I will be very much 
obliged to you. We also have some exceedingly fine box bushes 
and some offshoots I wish to transplant to other parts of the 
lawn but am afraid to do so unless I have some expert advice 
as to how and when to move them. Mrs. G. T. M. 
It is unfortunate that, in the past, fine old trees have not been 
more generally appreciated, for the wanton destruction and 
neglect of trees and forests has almost amounted to a national 
calamity. 
Apart from the economic value of forest trees it is hard to 
estimate the aesthetic value of the trees you describe as growing 
on your property. The mere fact that they could not be re¬ 
placed in less than two or three generations would warrant con¬ 
siderable expenditure to preserve them. Perhaps the best way 
would be to employ an experienced forester to put them in shape, 
if one is available. At any rate the correct method of treatment 
is as follows: 
The dead limbs should be sawn off close to the trunk or large 
branches from which they spring, and the wounds painted over 
with several coats of white lead, to keep out the moisture. 
Treated in this manner they will soon heal over. Do not leave 
any short spurs or short stubs, as they will only decay, often 
right down into the heart of the tree. All cavities should be 
cleaned out and, after being properly drained so as not to allow 
the water to collect in them, be filled with cement. It might 
be advisable to give them a judicious pruning to prevent storms 
breaking them where they show signs of weakness. This, of 
course, we could not decide without seeing them. 
A top dressing of good soil to cover the exposed roots will 
undoubtedly be beneficial. 
It is very difficult to transplant the majority of evergreens 
when they get large and have been growing undisturbed in one 
place for a number of years. The box bushes, however, are 
the exception. They form such an immense quantity of fibrous 
root that it is usually possible to dig them with a large ball of 
earth. If this can be done success is assured. In the early 
spring, or at any time after a heavy frost, would be the best time 
to undertake the work. First tie in all the branches to avoid 
breaking them, then dig a trench around the bush at least two 
feet away from the stem and gradually undermine at about two 
feet deep. Before attempting to move the bush, have the hole 
for its reception dug the proper depth. If the bush has to be 
moved a great distance, it will be advisable to tie burlap around 
the ball to prevent it from breaking and the soil from falling 
away. After being placed in its proper position, ram the soil 
firmly around it, so as not to leave any interstices. ^^Should the 
weather become very dry during the succeeding summer, it 
would be advisable to give a good watering occasionally, not 
more than once a week. E. H. 
CONCRETE HOUSES 
The idea of using concrete for a dwelling house :o novel 
that I am at a loss to know how the average househoiUer can go 
about the operation if he should desire to use it. Will you kindly 
advise me on this point ? E. A. A. 
This subject has been discussed in recent issues of House 
AND Garden, and a book published by the Atlas Portland Cement 
Company, showing designs for concrete houses, was reviewed 
in our November issue. The same company issue a smaller 
pamphlet which, we believe, will be sent upon request, entitled 
Concrete 
Residence, Elberon, N. J. 
“Concrete Construction about the Home and on the Farm,” 
which explains the mechanical operations involved in building 
with concrete. For the accompanying illustrations we are 
indebted to the same company. Personally, I have every con¬ 
fidence in this material for the use indicated, and if I were build¬ 
ing to-day, should select it in preference to all other materials. 
A house built of it needs no repairs; the first cost is its last. No 
Concrete 
Residence, Roslyn, L. I., N. Y. 
insurance is needed, and it, or any part of it, may be washed 
down, scrubbed, steamed, sterilized or treated by any method 
that modern sanitary science prefers. 
The wooden forms necessary can be built by any intelligent 
carpenter, and the concrete mixed by unskilled labor under the 
direction of an experienced foreman. Most architects now 
are familiar with the process and can make their drawings accord¬ 
ingly, so that the whole operation, from beginning to end is merely 
one of competent skilled oversight. 
If you are to build in the neighborhood of any large city you 
will have no difficulty in finding a contractor accustomed to 
such work, who will gladly undertake the building of your 
house, from the architect’s drawings, and relieve you of all 
anxiety in the matter. The exterior walls may or may not be 
built of reinforced concrete, but the interior partitions are better 
if so built, while for the floors that method of construction is 
imperative. C. E. 
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