134 Trees, Stars, and Birds 



left on the roots, for if it is all shaken off, the delicate 

 root hairs, by means of which the roots absorb water, 

 will come off with it. The roots should not be exposed 

 to the air, as this is fatal to the delicate rootlets and 

 root hairs. Do not forget to give attention to this 

 point. Wrap the roots in old bags or large sheets of 

 paper, moisten them if they are not covered by earth, 

 and get them into the ground as soon as possible. 



Digging the hole for the tree. When planting a tree 

 in a lawn, spread a piece of canvas or burlap or use a 

 board platform upon which to throw the dirt from the 

 hole. Dig the hole large enough for the roots to spread 

 out naturally. Make it larger at the bottom than at the 

 top, to prevent too much water from collecting about 

 the roots and also to assist in holding the tree firm. 

 Avoid puddling the edges of the hole with the spade. In 

 very heavy soils it is advisable to break up the subsoil 

 with dynamite or giant powder. Do not dig the hole long 

 before the tree is ready to be set into it ; the soil that 

 is packed about the roots should not be allowed to dry. 



Planting the tree. Lay the roots out naturally, 

 and with a sharp knife cut off all broken or bruised parts. 

 Plant the tree no deeper than it stood in the nursery row. 

 Probably more trees are lost from failure to comply with 

 this rule than from any other cause. The right depth 

 can easily be determined by the dirt line shown at the 

 bottom of the bole. Good, fertile soil must be used 

 about the roots, but no manure should be placed in 

 direct contact with them. If the tree is to be planjted 

 in impoverished ground, enough good loam should be 

 provided to fill the hole. 



