27 



When the work is to be done at once, the quantity of planting- stock 

 small and the plants have not been lying - in transit very long, it may 

 not be necessary to heel in. 



Density of Planting. 



In making plantations, it is necessary to plant closely enough so 

 that the ground may be well shaded to prevent the growth of grass and 

 weeds. Close planting also protects the ground and forms the needed 

 humus in a shorter time. The closeness of planting depends also on the 

 species and the desired wood crop. If trees with clean, tall stems are 

 desired, it will be necessary to plant closely enough so that natural prun- 

 ing will take place ; that is, as was pointed out in previous pages, the 

 lower side branches will die from shading and the height growth of the 



Fig. 14 — Bad effects of wide planting, showing the development of large limbs 



close to the ground. 



tree will be rapid during the early years of its life. Some species, as Oak 

 and Walnut, do not form a perfect ground cover, and mixtures must be 

 made to obtain this condition. Much difference of opinion exists as to 

 the proper spacing of plants in planting work. The number of plants and 

 the spacing need not be fixed, but may vary with local conditions. For 

 most species with which we are interested in Ontario the spacing should 

 not be over six feet. 



Number of plants required to plant an acre of land in squares : — 

 3 ft. o in. between the rows 4,840 plants. 



3>55 6 



2,722 



2,151 



i,742 



11 < i 



i,44o 



< < (i 



1,210 



