TREES AND SHRUBS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20626, 26 July 1930, Page 5 (Supplement)

TREES AND SHRUBS.

THE PRUNING SEASON.

Iha pruning of ornamental evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs should be proceeded with. All require to ho more or less treated to keep them within bounds or proper limits, and, iri dealing with trees, to induco them, particularly ■when young, to preserve their natural habit and serve the purpose for which they are required. Pyramidal trees, for instance, particularly when young, require to be trained to ono leading stem and pruned to bring them into proper shape. _ Deciduous trees for street planting and similar purposes need pruning hard back annually. Those for parks and avenues should bo allowed as far as possible to assume their natural bnbit of growth. In

every instance all dead branches and other portions must he removed, and in some a little thinning and cutting back is needed to cive more light and air and to regulate tho growth and symmetry of the tree.

Deciduous and somo evergreen shrubs should be more or less pruned annually, both winter and summer, to keep them Within the prescribed limits. All dead stems and Branches should be removed. Shorten back the leading shoots of most Varieties and thin those that, crowd the centre to admit, morn ligbt, and air and regulate , the growth of the shrub. Hydrangeas, deutzias, diervillas, hibiscus, S.wiacus, philadelphus, e.xochorda grandiare deciduous varieties that are benefited by an annual pruning. Camelhas and several other evergreen varieties are benefited by judicious primings which impart a freer circulation of and a:r find restrict their growth where necessary. Some varieties of shrubs and trees, both evergreen and deciduous, are much subject to the bor.-r. Cut away as far as possible—without destroying the shape of the shrub or tree—-the affected parts and burn them to destroy any grubs that may be secreted. Painting the holes with bituminous paint alter warming it is recommended.

MOSS AM.) LICHKNS. effective treatment. fn 0-ir moist, humid rlimate, rill trees Juul innr:y vaiir t ic-s of shrub-, an; likely to become c.'vrrod with mosses, lichens and other paiasi: ic growths, which detract from the growth and appearance of the tree or slir'ili and provide harbourage for latent !i.m ,is and fungoid germs. Spray ■fc'ith the caustic soda alkali solution, prepared as follows:—To make five gallons °f liquid take lOoz. of caustic soda and place in a bucket half filled with wafer. Stir until dissolved and dilute to live gallons. In a separate vessel dissolve soz.

of soft soap in a little boiling water. Stir until dissolved and pour into the caustic K "da solution. Add tho soap last. Stir thoroughly and tho mixture is ready for immediate use. Apply with a knapsack or other syringe, thus producing a fine spray, ®nd just wetting tho twigs and branches. After treatment the moss disappears and the bark becomes clean. The lime sul phur and salt spray is also effective, but tile salt is injurious to some evergreens knd must be omitted.