THE PLANTING OF STREET-TREES 



91 



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stood in the nursery, and the roots are spread naturally, 



without twisting or crowding them. Fine soil is sifted 



over the roots and carefully worked between and under 



them, so that no spaces remain unfilled. A pointed stick 



helps to crowd the soil under and around them. The 



soil is filled by layers and packed with 



the feet until within about three or four 



inches of the top. The last of the soil 



is thrown loosely on top, so that it acts 



as a mulch and helps to retain the 



moisture. 



When to Plant. A question frequently 

 raised in tree-planting is: When is the 

 best time to plant, in the spring or in the 

 fall? The problem will be better under- 

 stood if some of the points in tree-growth 

 are mentioned. During the summer the 

 period of growth there is a constant 

 demand on the roots to supply the top of 

 the tree. Fatal injury would result to the 

 tree if an attempt were made to trans- 

 plant it at that time, as the leaves would 

 immediately dry. From the time of the 

 falling of the leaves in the autumn to 

 the swelling of the buds in the spring is 

 the period of rest, and it is during that 

 time, in the dormant state, that trees may be safely moved. 



Theoretically the best time to transplant trees would be 

 after the leaves have fallen about the end of October or the 

 beginning of November. The trees would then be ready to 

 resume growth the following spring. Practically, however, 

 the best results are not always obtained in fall planting. 



Fig. 13. Pin Oak, 

 top pruned ready 

 for planting. 



