|
Mr. Stout ventured no scientific generalizations from his limited study, but two conclusions for home owners seem fairly dependable: Roots reach out much farther than you think, as much as twice the reach of the crowns. Mature trees keep growing new roots, and this process can be encouraged. These aspects of subterranean structure and behavior are important to have in mind when trees are fed, as they must be to keep them fit. It has always surprised me to find how few tree owners, new ones especially, truly realize that trees feed just as other plants do. Under lawn conditions, where dead leaves and even grass cuttings are removed from the natural organic supply, substitute food must be made available if a tree is to live its full, vigorous life. To keep them in prime shape, normal yard trees should be fed every two or three years, weaklings annually until they flourish. The feeding of trees has long been standardized by the tree-service profession, of whose annual income it provides a large part. Their techniques will be described, adapted to home practice. But Professor Stout takes exception to some "expert" practices, and his thinking will also be explained. Perhaps the best way lies somewhere between. Most experts believe that broadcasting fertilizer to trees, except to the shallow-rooted evergreens, is a waste of time and money, a fine way to grow grass, weeds, shrubs, and unwanted tree seedlings. By thickening the turf, surface fertilizing also tends to lessen the tree roots' water and air supply, it is said. The usual professional method of tree-feeding is to thrust food down to where the roots run, or even lower to attract roots downward and improve their grip on the ground. |
|||
|
