DECIDUOUS TREES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21165, 23 April 1932, Page 8 (Supplement)

DECIDUOUS TREES.

HANDSOME AUTUMN FOLIAGE. The value of planting an admixture of deciduous trees and shrubs among the evergreens, particularly those varieties that are remarkable for the gorgeous beauty of their autumn foliage, in order to relieve the monotony and add to the beauties of (he landscape cannot he overestimated. ]ii the early spring the newgrowth imparts a most, pleasing, refreshing and delightful aspect, contrasting with foliage of the evergreens. During the winter the bare stems admit more air and light. The fallen leaves add to the fertility of the soil and also provide leaf-mould so useful and necessary in the successful cultivation of several shrubs and for mixing with potting soils. SPECIAL VARIETIES. The following varieties may be recommended as being among the most conspicuous for their rich autumn foliage:— There are several varieties of oaks, Quercus coccinea (the scarlet oak) being the richest and brightest in colour; the leaves gradually change to brilliant scarlet and hang upon the trees a long time before dropping. Quercus rubra (the red oak) also assumes a brilliant red colouring; Quercus palustris (pin oak) and macrocarpa, with several other North American varieties, are conspicuous for their autumn foliage. Oak and beech leaves are the best for leaf-mould. Liquidamber styraciflua, the sweet gum of North America, is one of the finest and most beautiful trees in all stages of growth, remarkable for the brilliance of its autumn tints, its maple-like leaves changing from bright green to various shades of yellow, red, purple and crimson. A magnificent specimen in the Cambridge reserve attracts special notice. Smaller specimens may be seen in Albert Park. This beautiful tree stands exposure and thrives well locally, and should have a place in all ornamental plantations. THE TULIP TREE.

Liriodendron tulipifera (or tulip free) is a magnificent hardy ornamental deciduous tree, with splendid largo fiddleshaped leaves of a bright, glossy green colour and tall symmetrical growth and beautiful tulip-like blossoms. This species is allied to tho magnolia and is of rapid growth. The autumn leaves assume a brilliant yellow colour before falling. It is most suitable for planting in large grounds where it has ample room to expand. Fraxinus excelsior aurea (the golden ash) is another extremely ornamental deciduous tree, remarkable for the bright golden appearance of its stem and branches. It stands out conspicuously throughout i.he winter, when it is seen to perfection. The summer foliage is also distinct. It is a useful variety for smaller plantations. MAIDEN HAIR TREE. Salisburia adiantifolia, or Ginko baloba, tho maiden hair tree of China, a monotvpic genus, is a very distinct tree on account of its singular and beautiful foliage. The leaves resemble those of a largeleaved maiden hair fern and turn a magnificent yellow before dropping. It is of pyramidal growth and attains a largo height.. There are several forms of this handsome and interesting deciduous tree, one with more finely cut loaves and drooping habit and another with variegated foliage. This tree succeeds well in the Auckland climate and should bo very ornamental shrubbery. DECIDUOUS CYPRESS. Taxodium distichum (the deciduous cypress), another tall-growing deciduous tree, a native of the United States, is exceedingly handsome throughout tho summer with its deep, feathery, spreading branches. In the late autumn tho 1 foliage turns a rusty brown colour. Tho timber is universally employed throughout tho United States for the best kind of shingles and other purposes. It succeeds admirably in moist, swampy soils and is valuable for planting in marshy places. THE PECAN NUT. Carya olivaeformis (tho pecan nut) is an exceedingly handsome and valuable nut-bearing tree from the eastern United States. It attains a height of 60ft. and over, tho leaflets being finely cut and taper-pointed. The maturing foliage assumes a yellowish appearance and succeeds best, in moist, deep soils. Peo«n nuts arc a valuable article of commerce and arc extensively grown in America. Tho abovenamed and briefly described deciduous trees are specially recommended for their great beauty during all stages of their growth, especially for their autumn foliage. All will thrive in tho Auckland province. DEEPER TRENCHING. In deeper trenching, if tho subsoil is of a good friable nature, it. may be brought to the top. In such case the first trench must be taken out at two spades deep, and the bottom well broken up and manured. Manure, too, should be liberally applied as the work proceeds. Trenching, when properly performed, invariably deepens and improves garden land, but it must lie practised with judgment, as much harm is often done by bringing up .stiff yellow clav to the surface and making tho soil almost unworkable.