170 PRODUCTIVE FARMING 



Planting the Trees. — ^When wood-lots and wide shelter- 

 belts are to be planted, the ground should be prepared by 

 plowing and harrowing, unless it is too rough or stony. 

 The trees from the seed bed or forest nursery are transplanted 

 to their new location when of suitable size. The size depends 

 upon the kind and size of those with which they are to be 

 planted. Evergreens may be transplanted whenever new 

 shoots are not growing, but late spring is probably the best 

 time. Early spring is best for other trees and shrubs. 



When very small seedlings are to be planted in great 

 numbers, a small but deep opening is made by thrusting a 

 narrow spade into the plowed soil and moving the handle 

 back and forth. The spade is removed and the little tree 

 roots pushed to the bottom of the hole. The soil is then 

 pressed in about the roots and at the same time the little tree 

 is lifted to make it of proper depth. This plan of planting 

 is very rapid. 



Larger Trees must be planted \vith more care. The holes 

 should be larger and deeper than the trees seem to require. 

 Prune all broken or bruised roots. Prune off some of the 

 top, to somewhat balance the reduced root surface. Place 

 loose rich soil in the bottom to come in contact with the roots. 

 The tree should be a little deeper in the ground than it was 

 before. Fill the hole with the best soil and tramp it in well, 

 but leave a layer of rather loose soil on the surface. 



Exercise. — Arbor Day Planting. — Plan for the planting 

 of trees and shrubs on the school grounds on Arbor Day 

 and other spring days. Have the places for planting each 

 shrub or tree determined in advance. Study the principles 

 laid down in the reference bulletins and in this book, to make 

 the school grounds very beautiful. 



Ornamental Planting. — One of the best plans for the 

 planting of trees on Eastern farms, and indeed everyAvhere, 

 is to place them where they will lend a degree of beauty to 

 the farm home. The appearance of the surroundings may 



