Transplanting Trees 



135 



Be sure to press the earth firmly, especially around the 

 bole, so that every particle of the earth is well compacted 

 about the roots. The roots must draw their water from 

 the soil, and if there are air spaces between them and the 

 soil particles, they will not be able to do this. A tamp- 

 ing stick or the shoe may be used until all but 2 or 3 

 inches of the hole is filled, when a liberal watering 

 should be given. This will assist in settling the soil 

 and moistening the roots. When the water has settled 

 into the soil, fill in the remainder of the soil loosely and 

 make it level. Avoid piling the soil up around the trunk 

 of the tree. 



Cultivating and watering. After the first watering, 

 occasional cultivation of the soil around the tree is useful, 

 especially in dry seasons. If the season -is very dry, 

 occasional waterings will be of benefit, but a great many 

 young trees are lost by overwatering. When water is 

 needed, a thorough wetting of the soil at intervals of a 

 week or two is better than giving a little water more 

 frequently. Loosen the surface of the soil when it 

 begins to dry after watering. A mulch of compost or 

 stable manure helps to retain the moisture and hence is 

 of great benefit. A cultivated area 3 to 6 feet in diameter 

 should be maintained about the base of the tree. The 

 cultivation need be only occasional, if the area is covered 

 with a mulch. 



Trimming and supporting. Trim off with a sharp 

 pruning knife all broken branches, and also two thirds 

 of the previous year's growth. Unless you do this the 

 disturbed and shortened roots cannot at first supply 

 enough water for all the leaves that will appear. It is 



