TREES AND SHRUBS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 150, 27 June 1931, Page 7 (Supplement)

TREES AND SHRUBS

TRANSPLANTING OPERATIONS The planting of all kinds of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs, hedge plants and roses may now be proceeded with. The sooner they are planted the better will be the chances of success. There are a few reservations, as previously referred to, that do better when planted in the spring. The weather during the winter is invariably moist and favourable for tranpslanting operations. Under such conditions roots arc quickly formed and then new-ly-planted subjects soon become established and better able to withstand the harsh winds of early spring than those that are planted late. For trees of ornamental foliage and shrubs that are planted for growing into large and handsome specimens extra care must be taken in preparation of the holes for their reception. Preparation of Holes. In dealing with soils that arc of a stiff, retentive nature, or where the underlaying clay is near the surface, the best method is to dig fairly wide and deep holes, throwing out a portion of the subsoil and refilling with some good friable fresh surface earth. The best for this purpose is turfy loam or the trimmings of paths, edgings, leaf rubbish, etc. Placing some medium fine scoria at the bottom of the holes is ideal for some plants. Efficient drainage must be provided, otherwise water is liable to collect and remain for some time, this being fatal to the trees. In soils where a hard pan is near the surface explosives should be inserted to break it up to allow the roots to penetrate. In rich, deep, loose soils it is unnecessary to go to any extra trouble. The holes may be dug and the trees planted at the same time. Obtaining the Best Results. T> obtain the best results it is ini perative that the holes be properly prepared and efficient drainage where necessary provided. Equally important is the selection of the different trees and shrubs for planting. They should be well grown and shaped according to the particular variety, and well-rooted and established to transplant with safety. In treating deciduous trees, shorten back any straggling roots, evenly spread out the roots, cover them with some soil, well 'read and fill in. Let the surface filling be light and loose. With evergreens the roots are usually confined in a ball, with sacking to hold the soil together and the roots from exposure. Looser the sacking, which may be spread out under the roots. Spread out some of the roots and fill around them with fine, soil, firmly tread, and complete the filling with loose earth. Always avoid deep planting. Afterwards firmly stake any trees that need support to prevent from strong winds. With proper attention to the preparation of the holes and careful ( planting, the tree soon becomes accus- I Homed to its new quarters.