440 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



Fig. 3. — In planting, the hole should be made lai-ge enough to per- 

 mit the spreading" of the roots as shown at the left. A narrow, pointed 

 hole, as shown at the right does not permit the spreading of the roots, 

 and lessens the chances for successful planting. 



bottom should tie as flat as possible and not funnel shaped. This will 

 enable the spreading of the roots, which permits the tree to draw mois- 

 ture and food from a relative large area of the soil and, consequently, 

 makes its chances better for quickly establishing itself. After spread- 

 ing the roots out carefully, add fine black soil, a little at a time, and 

 work it in carefully but firmly about the roots. When it is planted, the 

 tree should stand at about the same depth as it stood in the nursery, or 

 but very little deeeper. If the hole is too deep it should be filled in to 

 the proper depth before the planting. Pack the soil well about the tree 

 roots as the hole is filled but take care not to break or tear the roots. 

 The surface of the soil about the tree should be left loose to prevent ex- 

 cessive evaporation of moisture from the soil, or better still, add a 

 mulching of old leaves or straw for the same purpose. The placing 

 of manure about the tree roots at the time of planting is likely to re- 

 sult in serious damage and is not recommended. 



The tops of small evergreen trees should not be cut back or pruned un- 

 less to remove dead or injured branches. 



