CENTENNIAL TREE PLANTING

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 19 April 1939, Page 6

CENTENNIAL TREE PLANTING

THE Hon. W. E. Parry (Minister of Internal Affairs) has made an appeal for the planting of trees as memorials of the approaching Centennial. “Can we conceive,” the Minister asks, “any Centennial memorial more enduring, more beautiful, or of greater appeal to this and succeeding generations than the tree?” At the present time the appeal is particularly to city councils, borough councils, and county councils, and the suggestion is that they should mark the approaching Centennial by planting carefully-selected varieties of trees in suitable public places within their jurisdiction. Parks, reserves, and the sides of streets and roads have been mentioned in this connection. Both perennial and deciduous trees will be required, in accordance with the area to be planted. In certain situations where it is desirable that the heat of the sun should have full play in the winter months, deciduous trees will be planted; and where it is desired that there should be shelter during both winter and summer, perennials will be given preference. It is expected that in many cases the sites for Centennial planting will be situated on roadsides and land which has been set aside for the public, as parkland or reserves. In such cases it is desirable—and in most cases it will be necessary—“that the trees selected should be suited to the existing soil conditions.’’ Knowledge of those conditions will be valuable in all instances, and in some instances it will be indispensable. It may happen that local residents will be able to give valuable advice on this matter of the selection of trees which should be planted in the localities known to them. But where such advice is not available, no time should be lost in consulting the Horticultural Division of the Agricultural Department, the State Forest Service, or the superintendents of public parks and gardens. Then as to the problem of what trees and shrubs should be planted. A careful survey of the district should be made, and note should be taken of the trees and shrubs which flourish there. It can be laid down as a rule that it is best to plant “only such species as have proved themselves suitable to the soil and climatic conditions” of the locality under consideration. That is not to say that there are not other suitable species which may be used successfully; but that the advisory officials referred to can give valuable help, and no doubt, would be pleased to do so, if called upon. It is suggested that the selection of planting-sites should be made without delay, and that they be fenced and cultivated forthwith. The site for each tree should be deeply and thoroughly worked. Great care , should be given to the proper drainage of the sites to be planted, since no tree can flourish with excess water round its roots. Then, when the trees have been planted—the site for each tree having been deeply and thorough- . !y worked previously surface . cultivation should be carried out ; at frequent intervals.