Trees — Their Planting and Care 55 



during the rush of shipment, there are many chances for 

 delays, and more injury will result from delay at this time 

 than if shipped early in the season. If j)urchased in the 

 fall and carefully heeled in in rather light, well-drained 

 soil, a considerable part of the trunk covered with soil, and 

 the tops protected by pine boughs or some other light airy 

 covering, they will keep in perfect condition and be ready 

 for planting at the earliest possible moment in the spring. 



Evergreens may be transplanted with success at any time 

 of the year from April to December, when the ground will 

 work up fine and mellow, if the weather is wet and soil moist; 

 but in July and August there is often danger from drouth, 

 and in November the ground often freezes up before the 

 soil has become fully settled about the roots, therefore these 

 months are not so desirable for transplanting as April, 

 May and June. For transplanting evergreens a moist day, 

 just after an abundant rain, gives the most perfect condi- 

 tions. Perhaps the most favorable conditions for trans- 

 planting evergreens will be found in the months of May and 

 June. 



Preparation of the Soil 



Without a good soil properly prepared no one should 

 expect to make newly transplanted trees grow satisfactorily. 

 If the land is smooth and free from rocks, the subsoiling 

 and manuring done when fitting the land for the lawn will 

 be sufficient for a good growth of the trees, but if it has 

 not been worked in this way special preparation must be 

 given the soil for the roots of each tree. In a naturally 

 rich soil, if the subsoil is worked up and partly replaced by 

 the surface-soil, and good enriched soil be worked in around 

 the roots, a vigorous growth may be expected; but if the 

 soil be poor, some fine compost must be put in around 

 them. 



