354 TREES AND SHRUBS 



though deciduous trees may be transplanted through- 

 out winter, October, November, February, and March 

 are preferable to December or January. October 

 and November are the two best months, as then the 

 ground is warm and root action begins before winter 

 sets in. 



If the trees are simply to be transplanted from 

 one position in the garden to another, the work may 

 be begun in the case of deciduous trees as soon as 

 the leaves turn colour and commence to fall. In 

 lifting, take care not to injure the roots. When 

 putting the spade into the ground the edge should 

 be to the tree, not the face. Digging must begin 

 at a reasonable distance from the tree, and if a ball 

 of soil is not required, the soil should be forked from 

 between the roots into a trench which has previously 

 been made round the stem. If, while lifting, any 

 of the main roots have suffered, cut the injured parts 

 away with a sharp knife and tar over the wounds. 

 When planting, the tree should be stood in the hole, 

 and a stick laid across the top of the hole near the 

 tree to ascertain whether the depth is right, sufficient 

 space for an inch of soil over the uppermost root 

 being allowed. The centre of the hole should be 

 filled in slightly higher than the sides, and on the 

 little mound the tree should be stood, laying the 

 roots out carefully all round. When filling the 

 soil in, some fine material should be worked in 

 among the roots with the hand, and before the hole 

 is fully filled in give a good watering ; this has 

 the effect of settling the soil well about the roots. 



