Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 95, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 April 1915 — PAYS TO GUARD THE TREES [ARTICLE]

PAYS TO GUARD THE TREES

Either on Street or Lawn, ft Is a Mie- • take to Le>ve the Saplings Unprotected. Young trees, especially street trees, should be protected and supported by tree guards placed around them immediately after planting. For street trees, a wire or metal guard is most economical. For lawn trees, a single stake firmly driven into the soil Is usually sufficient Leather or canvas straps should be used to attach the tree to the support Cultivation of the soil for three feet around the tree is beneficial during the first years of growth. Lxx>sen the top soil with a spade or hoe a sufficient number of times during the season to keep d°wn weeds and grass. A mulch of leaves or manure in the fall retains moisture and acta as a fertilizer when spaded under. During the hot dry periods of the summer months, watering should be done once or twice each week, not oftener. The feeding roots which take up the moisture are at a distance from the trunk equal to the length of the branches, and the water should be applied liberally, but not too frequently, to these feeding roots.