NEWLY-PLANTED TREES AND SHRUBS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVIII, Issue 21, 20 November 1912, Page 40

NEWLY-PLANTED TREES AND SHRUBS.

Shrubs and trees that were planted during the winter, also in spring, require careful attention in the matter of watering until they become thoroughly established. This applies to hot weather and 'times of drought. The average amateur is under the impression that if we experience light showers occasionally, it is sufficient for all purposes. Large numbers of trees and shrubs either abandon the effort to live, or are rendered wrecks, through neglect. It must be borne in mind that the newly -made roots are incapable of searching for sustenance and moisture, as is the ease with established specimens. The work entailed may be reduced to a minimum by the application of a thick mulch of manure, which should be applied immediately after the ground has been loosened round the trees-to a depth of at least six inches. The presence of manure in the decorative portion of the garden is often objected to, but the difficulty may be overcome by covering it with a thin layer of soil or fibre. Overhead Watering Helpful. Huge quantities of evergreens, including hollies, conifers, euonvmus, laurels,

etc., are planted in the spring, and in dealing with these, overhead waterings, both niorning and evening, are very necessary, of course, in conjunction with the maintenance of ample moisture in the soil. 1 may take this opportunity to point out and to emphasise the importance of staking at the time of planting. One often sees in small gardens trees in the young stages of growth innocent of any support. What happens is they are blown hither and thither by the wind, and success is out of the question. It will occur to the cultivator to fasten a narrow strip of felt or soft sacking round the tree in order to prevent injury by the tying material. At the end of each season every tree should be examined, and, if necessary, given more room to expand at the point where it is attached to the stake. —Walter H. Aggett.