MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 51 
as much as oaks, ash or gum, but it is usually safe to over- 
prune rather than to under-prune. 
After the hole has been prepared the tree should be set 
so that, when finally planted, it will stand in the ground 
approximately the same depth that it did when growing in 
the nursery. While filling the hole, care should be used to 
spread the soil in such manner that it fills all of the spaces 
between the roots. After the tree has been set, the ground 
should be carefully and thoroughly tamped. The larger 
the tree, the more important the final tamping is. 
In many streets the soil exposed around a tree is very 
limited, and the amount of water which can get to the roots 
is thereby reduced. In such cases it will be found desir- 
able to put in some sort of irrigating system. This may be 
either in the form of a grill or a tile drain. The use of 
grills is particularly desirable in places where there is much 
traffic on the streets. Tile may be installed either by lay- 
ing a number horizontally to one side of the tree, about 
a foot and a half under the ground, with a branch tile lead- 
ing to the surface, into which water can be poured; or a 
less expensive scheme is simply to put one piece of tile about 
two. feet from the base of the tree, extending down into the 
ground. Two or three such vertical tiles, depending upon 
the size of the newly-planted tree, may often be used to 
advantage. It will be desirable to cover the opening of such 
tile with a cap to prevent clogging. 
After the tree is planted it should be supported in some 
way. It is all important that the roots be kept fixed, par- 
ticularly during the two or three months immediately fol- 
lowing planting. Small trees may be joa kee either by 
driving a good strong stake into the ground at some distance 
away from the trunk and firmly tying the tree to such stake. 
In the case of larger trees guy ropes or wires should be at- 
tached in such a manner that the tree may stand firm when 
the wind blows. All young trees which are standing close 
to the street line should be provided with some sort of guard. 
Probably the greatest injury to city shade trees is caused by 
the gnawing of horses, and unless protected by a guard, the 
life of the newly planted tree is likely to be materially 
shortened. Young trees should not be wrapped with bur- 
lap or other cloth, except under special advice. 
CARE OF TREES AFTER PLANTING. 
From year to year all shade trees should be carefully in- 
spected Seeder io keep them free from disease and to see 
