174 Care in Planting Trees 



depth is that at which the tree had stood in its original site, 

 which usually can be readily recognized by a color line at 

 the base of the stem. If planting in very light soil, which 

 is easily penetrated by air, the tree may without harm be 

 set somewhat deeper to allow for settling. In sucli soil, to 

 set the tree too high is even more detrimental than to set it 

 too low. 



To secure the proper depth, fill in some of the soil, mound- 

 ing it up and firming it at the center of the hole to nearly the 

 height at which the tree is to stand; then, placing the tree 

 over this mound, arrange its root system in natural position, 

 and have an assistant (two can plant with more satisfaction 

 than one) place some soil lightly over the outlying roots, 

 while slightly pumping the tree up and down to get it just 

 in the proper place; but one must be careful not to have 

 too much soil on the roots or to pump too vigorously, thereby 

 tearing off rootlets. Then, first fill in near the stem suffi- 

 cient to make the tree firm, and then proceed to fill in over 

 the feeding roots. It is in this part of the operation that the 

 final success hes: to bring rootlets and soil in closest contact 

 must be the aim; it is attained by using fingers and hands, 

 or else by judicious use of water, small quantities at a time, 

 which will wash the soil particles between the rootlets. 



The use of water requires judgment and is in part influ- 

 enced by the character and condition of the soil. In loose, 

 sandy, well-drained soil an excess of moisture can hardly 

 be obtained. Here, generous application of water during 

 and after planting can only be beneficial. But in a compact, 

 stiff, caking, clay soil, a free use of water is apt to lump the 

 soil and prevent close contact with rootlets, leaving air 

 spaces between roots and soil; finally, a superabundance of 

 water without chance of drainage at the bottom may induce 

 rot. In such situations, for best results, make the holes 



