TREES TO PLANT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20235, 20 April 1929, Page 5 (Supplement)

TREES TO PLANT.

WIDE RANGE OF CHOICE.

The planting season is almost at hand and it is time to decide upon (he best and most suitable trees to select. The character of the soil, locality, and exposure are the chief factors to be considered in conjunction with the purposes / for which tho trees arc required (whether for shelter or ornament or both). Being a work of permanent character iho arrangement of the trees and the distances apart an,- also most important factors. The/heights (he different species, and varieties attain, and tho spread of their branches/arc similarly important, in cider to avoid tho cutting out of many valuablo trees that have taken several years (o grow, and which ultimately might have to be. removed on account of too close ji proximity to others. For breakwinds and shelter belts the trees must be planted sufficiently close to form » permanent barrier. NEGLECT OF NATIVE TREES. In the past tree planting has been confined chiefly to exotics, mostly sombrelooking pines and unsuitable varieties of eucalypts. Tho planting of the many beautiful and distinctive species and varieties belonging to our unique native flora has been sadly neglected. By a proper selection kinds may be chosen for all classes of soils, aspects, and climatic conditions. Some are adapted for planting as single specimens, but the majority naturally thrive and show to best advant-

age arranged in groups or wide belts. Special facilities may be provided for the more delicate and beautiful kinds by

planfing hardy sorts on the exposed edges " and filling in with dwarf-growing shrubby kinds, thus providing for their natural requirements in the way of shelter.

DESIRABLE NATIVE SPECIES. Ihe varieties enumerated below are specially recommended for extensive planting in soils J.nd localities that arc suitable for their requirements. Unfortunately the purin and pohutukawa, two of tiie best, will not succeed where heavy frosts occur. If protected during their eaily stages growth, however, they lii'jv be established successfully after attaining a i'ew years' growth. 'lhe karaka (Corvnocarpns laevigata), conspicuous for its laurel-like foliage and symmetrical habit, is one of the hardiest j and best kinds for general planting. It succeeds everywhere, either along (he roadside, as single specimens, or for fjcoiip and plantation arrangements. It transplants readily. The pohulukawa (Mctrosideros tomen•tosa) is too well known to need special description. For roadsides, public parks, and private grounds, and also for planting on wind-swept seacliffs, where it clings with the greatest tenacity, its huge surface roots extending to the water's edge, this beautiful flowering tree, of noble appearance, stands pre-eminent, plants should be specially trained on one stem of an advanced size as they are of slow growth. They are hardy against the strongest coastal winds but, unfortunately, as stated above, will not thrive under heavy frosts.

IMPROVES WITH AGE. Hie puriri (Vitcx lucens) i.s another yell-known tree of large size and spreadmg head, forming splendid specimens with age. The foljage is dark green, and most distinctive in appearance. It succeeds in any ordinarily good soil and is admirably adapted for stony volcanic areas. Large trees are in evidence among tlio rocks at, Moifnt Eden. J his splendid tree is suitable as single specimens 111 parks and other ornamental grounds, but is affected in positions exposed lo 11 ir: strong westerlies, where the fops arc likely to be damaged. Willi ordinary preparation it transplants safely. Like tlir ptthutakuwa it will not succeed where very /heavy frosts occur, and must lie protected in the young state. Plants i of symmetrica] proportions on one stem *hmi|fl |if. selectfsl. Ihe tot an/ (I'odocarpus totara) is one of tho host frees for general planting, being very hardy and succeeding everywhere. It attains a large size and is of symmetrical/habit of growth, with distinlive yew-like foliage. It. transplants reailily, and is well adapted for roadside planting, parks and shelter belts. MOST ELEGANT CONIFER. The litok i (Alectrvon excelsuin) i.s antler exceedingly beautiful tree with glossy green foliage that is quite distinct lom any other species. It grows into a Wyl-shaped, bush-headed tree, and is R'lltuhlo for .smaller plantations, although attains a, considerable size. It succeeds " the open. For transplanting' with ajpjy well-established, hardy, young plants are necessary. ilie leuarcua (Knightia excelsa) is an 'Plight species that is very hardy and . 'iceceds in any soil. It attains a large ■ze, and js unique for its flowers. It laiisplniits with safety, and i.s admirably aplcd for all classes of planting, the yellow kowhai (Sophora tetrape'a) is unique in its foliage «'nd beautiful . Owevs and grows into an elegant large'zed tree. ]t transplants readily and is succeeding well near the sea. ' /he rimu (Daerydium capressinum) is Probably tin- most elegant conifer in cijlti- . Iho lovely specimens in our -J 'Y° bushes are tlie subject, of the great '"nation bv everyone. Unlike any of ; >0 preceding trees, special care is needed 1 raising young plants, and also in the siec'lio,, °' •••hollered places for planting. .1° | clip o /afforded by other trees and St •n ' S IJecCf * ai 'y for its establishment, will succeed in any ordinary soil.,