This subject suggested itself to me, while attending some of the most profitable meetings held by our society in the principal eastern cities and when brought into full view of the magnificent specimens of trees, which have been used to so good advantage, in the embellishment of public parks and cemeteries.

Having followed landscape gardening to some extent in the states of Virginia and Maryland, previous to 1876, and being familiar with most of the trees used for decorative purposes, one naturally will become appreciative of the jewels in vegetable Kingdom, when after an absence of 18 years one comes in view of the noble specimens of the Conifers, Abies, Biota, Pines, Retinespora, Taxus, Thuja, Laxodinnes, Picea, Juniperus and the many noble specimens of deciduous trees and shrubs of innumerable varieties. Then to be situated in a climate that makes the cultivation of such trees and shrubs impracticable, the impression for the time being is not one of homesickness.

We have to contend with many disadvantages on our western prairies. This is not a timber country naturally. The only natural timber being distributed along the banks of creeks and rivers; the cause of this I attribute to our extreme dry climate, during the later part of summer and autumn, with a light snowfall during the winter.

This being the case, a cemetery on the western prairies must look somewhat deficient in varieties of trees and shrubs, at least; but the object of this article is to encourage those similarly situated to further effort. The great opportunities laid before us to inform the coming cemeteries of note in the future in this country, are ours. If your general plans are lacking in any particular, first have them corrected either by some landscape architect or cemetery superintendent of experience.

Now is the time to correct any errors that have been made. The longer this is delayed the more there is to change.

The most important feature in all cemetery work is a start in the right direction.

First - We have the finest soil of any country in the world, a deep rich, sandy loam, no stones or other obstructions to interfere with any operations.

Second - The inhabitants of the Western states on account of their varied nationalities are a people always alive to any improvement that is to be of any importance to the human race.

I therefore appreciate many advantages that we enjoy over our brother superintendent in the East.

Here is the great opening for the lawn system of cemetery in the full sense of the word, the system which we all concede to be the best and only one to recommend where any new work is to be executed either in part or in whole.
Our facilities for gaining any knowledge in regard to cemeteries are complete and any questions sent to "Park and Cemetery;" will be promptly answered by the ablest talent in the cemetery profession.

While it is of vital importance to thoroughly prepare the soil in any locality, it is absolutely necessary here. A thorough sub-soiling to a depth of two feet or more will enable the soil to receive and retain what moisture we do have. The average rainfall of the Western country is not more than two-thirds of the rainfall of the Eastern states.

My catalogue of trees and shrubs to be used in the decoration of parks and cemeteries has become somewhat shortened from that of former years. I have made many mistakes and see many every year made by others, which it seems to me ought to be avoided as far as possible.

Deciduous trees for shade and other purposes:

Acer or Maple: Sugar Maple, very slow in growth for first few years but very satisfactory and rapid growers after being established.

Dasycarpum or Silver Leaf Maple: very rapid grower and for immediate effect indispensable.

Negundo: rapid grower.

Platanoides, Norway: one of the most symmetrical and valuable trees.

Tilla Americana or Linden: in moist situations is a noble tree.

Ulmas Americana, or Elm: of noble spreading habit; the most reliable shade tree of the West.

Fulva or Slippery Elm

Betula, Birch, Papeyracea or Canor Birch: in moist situation handsome trees.

Fraxinus Americana or White Ash: a handsome tree; stands the drought well.

Gymnocladus Canadensis, Kentucky Coffee tree

Juglans Nigra or Walnut

Larix, Europoea: this is especially adapted for a dry situation; a very graceful tree in its young state.     It will succeed when most coniferous trees will fail.

Morus Rubra Mulberry: rapid grower.

Populus or Poplar:  of very rapid growth and desirable sometimes for present effect, but of short life.

Quercus or Oak: Coccinea, Scarlet Oak; in moist valleys, noble tree.  Macrocarpa, Mossy Cup Oak: one of the most unique and handsome, medium sized trees in cultivation. Will grow on the peak of the driest bluff; invaluable.

Conifera: This not being a congenial climate for this family of trees, the number of those found successful is very limited. I have found from experience that I had to reverse the general order of things, and commence at the west and go east. I find the varieties that are natives of the Rocky Mountains, the most successful.  Abies: Douglasis; this can be recommended when all others fail.  Picea, Pungen, Engelmann: very reliable, while they do not make the growth they do in moist climates, they are invaluable here.

Pines: Austriaca, Sylvestris, Scotch Pine, Ponderosa, Mughus, Dwarf Pine.  These are fairly successful and handsome in the young state.

Juniperus, Virginiana: this is a native of this state and although attaining a somber brown color in the winter, it is beautiful during summer.  Sabin or Trailing Savin. Glauca; a beautiful variety from the Rocky Mountains; a good substitute for Cupressus Lawsoniana.

Thuja Siberica: This is much hardier and of a more compact habit than Americana, but the latter named variety where partial shelter can be afforded, will succeed fairly well.

Flowering Shrubbery: I find only a very few that are perfectly hardy. Viburmum or Snow Ball: Opulus and Oscycoccos. Syringa of varieties; Weigela, Rosea, Spiraea of varieties; Rhus Cotinus, Ribes Aureum, Hydrangea Grandiflora, Berberis Vulgaris and Purpurea.

This forms a small collection that is in every way reliable for general purposes. There are many others that with a slight protection are fairly satisfactory. I find that many of our native small trees and shrubs for massing are very effective.  Prunus Americana; Rhus or Sumach; Cory Ius or Hazel and many other natives.

It is of great importance to plant all trees and shrubs, deciduous and coniferas from 4 to 6 inches deeper in the soil than is usual for such trees in a moist climate. The soil ought to be thoroughly packed round the roots. A nursery set apart for the cultivation and experimenting with trees and shrubs is an indispensable feature in all new parks and cemeteries. After a few years cultivation, many trees which we deem not hardy will become acclimated.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 9th Annual Convention
Richmond, VA
September 18, 19 and 20, 1895