SHADE TREE PLANTING 83 



are received in bad condition or for other special reason, 

 they are sometimes planted by puddling, that is, the tree 

 is placed in the hole, some loose earth is thrown in about 

 the roots, the hole is partially filled with water and more 

 earth is thrown in the water. The tree is planted by moving 

 it up and down in this mud until there is no question but 

 the roots are all surrounded by it, and then more soil is 

 shoveled in, until the mud is crowded over the rim of the 

 hole. In this method there must be absolutely no com- 

 pacting of the soil by tamping of any sort or the result 

 will be a brick in which the tree cannot grow. This does 

 not apply to real sandy soil. It is important, of course, 

 that the tree should be in an upright position. It is desir- 

 able that a stake be driven into the earth alongside the 

 tree, and tied to it to hold the tree from swaying, until 

 its roots have taken firm hold. 



It must be borne in mind that the mere digging of a 

 hole is not all that is involved in preparing the tree's new 

 home. The location of this hole is as important as the 

 selection of the tree itself. If the planting is in a grass 

 strip, the problem of location is simplified, as it then be- 

 comes merely a matter of dividing the space between 

 sidewalk and curb in such way as to best accommodate 

 roots. If traffic conditions and limitations of space 

 require that the sidewalk extend all the way to the curb, 

 it becomes necessary to provide a free area for the tree. 

 Twelve square feet should be taken as a minimum for the 

 unpaved area. In some cities the smallest area permissi- 

 ble is prescribed by ordinance or regulation. The city 

 of Washington recognizes the importance of this free space 

 by providing that the openings shall be 3 by 8 feet in size, 

 thus establishing 24 square feet as the official requirement. 

 Without adequate opening, the tree will be choked to 

 death by the solid sidewalk, which permits the entry of 

 neither air nor moisture. 



