78 TREES AS GOOD CITIZENS 



tion. This requires root systems that are compact and 

 vigorous, and as large as can be accommodated by the 

 particular site. The greater and more vigorous the 

 root system, within small area, the more rapid will be the 

 growth and development of the tree in its new home. 



A well developed top is also desirable in the tree to be 

 transplanted, but it should not be too large for the roots, 

 as this inequality will result in weak growth, and may 

 even cause the tree to die soon after removal. 



The stem should be straight and the branches should 

 be from 7 to 9 feet from the ground. In size the stem 

 should be from 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Trees of 

 this size bear transplanting better than those which are 

 larger. Successful removal may be given trees even 

 12 inches in diameter, but the expense increases very 

 materially with the greater size. This increased cost is 

 primarily due to the long period of nursery care required 

 in bringing it to the larger development, and even more to 

 the expense of removal and subsequent care. For general 

 street purposes a maximum of 3 inches has been found by 

 far the most satisfactory. 



Whenever possible, tree purchases should be made at 

 a nursery near the place at which the tree is to be planted, 

 as this involves no change of climate, and further, a short 

 shipping distance is desirable. The more brief the time in 

 transit, the less danger there is of injury to the tree by 

 exposure of the roots. It is important to replant a tree 

 as promptly as possible after it has been removed from its 

 original location. If necessary, however, to make long 

 shipment the tree may be fully protected against damage 

 by careful handling at the source. This is another 

 argument in support of dealing with nurserymen of the 

 highest standing, for this type of dealer will be unwilling 

 to risk his reputation by careless and inefficient packing 

 and shipping. 



