PLANTING TREES AND SHRUBS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 5, 6 July 1939, Page 25

PLANTING TREES AND SHRUBS

The planting season is always a busy one. and as the weather is usually broken at this time of year, which means much Jost time, every advantage must be taken of fine days when the soil is not too saturated.

This subject has been dealt with before, but for the benefit of those gardeners who missed the previous articles it may be useful to repeat some advice.

The importance of digging the holes sufficiently large to accommodate the roots without doubling them in must be stressed, also of spreading the roots out as evenly as possible. Another important point is firm planting. It is usual to tread the soil well, and while this may he necessary it is not always the best way of firming the compost. When all the rioots are covered with soil—which should, be fine and comparatively dry— the whole mass should be flooded with water. Water neither breaks nor bruises the tender roots, but it washes the soil into every crevice and solidifies the whole mass. If a good force of water from a hose can be employed the work will be done more effectively, but, failing this means, a watering can held shoulder high will give extra force. After applying the water, allow the ■whole io settle and the surplus water to drain away. Before the surface cracks the remaining soil should be filled in and allowed to remain loose.

With large shrubs or trees it is always advisable to stake and tie securely. Where this is done the stakes should be driven in before the roots are covered so that no damage is done.

Another important item is the depth to plant. In nearly every case the original depth is correct, and this may be seen by the soil mark on the stem. It frequently happens, however, that the prepared soil has not been allowed sufficient time to settle down,, with the result that after settling the tree is considerably deeper than was intended. This points to the necessity of preparing the ground well in advance. In any case, the bottom of the hole should be well tramped to make it firm before planting. Drainage is a very important point for the successful growing of shrubs or trees. Holes dug in clay soil merely become recsrvoirs for water during wet weather unless provision is made for the water to get away. No plants can thrive with their roots in stagnant water.

With evergreen shrubs and spreading subjects such as rhododendrons, instead of attempting to drive in stakes, which would inevitably damage the masses of fibrous roots, it is a good plan to place a few large flat stones round them-r-old pieces of paving stone are suitable. These will not only keep the plants firm in the soil, but will also help to keep the roots cool and moist.

Shrubs and trees do not require a lot of manure. Good garden soil is sufficient, but in most cases the humus content may be increased with advantage by the addition of decayed rubbish or leaves. Avoid animal manures, but should it be deemed necessary to use any of these on account of the poverty of the soil, work the manure deep down well below the roots. The plants will, then push down to it as they require it.