REFORESTATION IN MASSACHUSETTS. 13 



Heeling in Young Trees. 



To keep the trees in good condition till ready for transplant- 

 ing, they may be temporarily set in a trench about 1 foot deep, 

 dug with one side on a slant. The bunches of seedlings may 

 then be placed side by side against the slanting trench, and a 

 little damp soil thrown over the roots' and firmed down. 



Most hardwood trees should be transplanted when one year 

 old, as they develop a long tap root, which, if allowed to grow for 

 a number of years without resetting, becomes so well rooted that 

 it will be impossible to dig up the plant without serious injury. 



Root Pruning. 



In order to cause the tree to develop a compact root growth, 

 it is generally considered advisable to cut off a portion of the 

 tap root on deciduous seedlings, such as ash, hickories, catalpa, 

 etc. The cutting off of about one-third of the root causes it to 

 develop a lateral growth. 



Packing Seedlings. 



When the trees are to be removed to some distance from the 

 nursery, the bunches should be packed in boxes, with the roots in 

 damp sphagnum moss. A layer of damp moss should be put 

 in the bottom of the box, and by alternating the bunches so that 

 the roots will all be in the center, making first a layer of moss, 

 then a layer of trees, and so on till the box is full, a large number 

 may be packed in a small space. It is also well to puddle the 

 roots before packing, giving them an additional coating of soil. 



