TREE PLANTING ON STREETS AND HIGHWAYS. 195 



exclude the air, and keep them moist. If the fibrous roots become dry through 

 lack of some such precaution the work will probably prove a failure. 



The stem of the tree may be cut back from the top ; but the frequent method 

 of pruning forest saplings down to a bare pole is not advisable. It is better to 

 allow three or four of the limbs to remain, selecting those which will give the best 

 arrangement ; and then, in cutting them back, leave one bud on each. This will 

 make a better shaped tree in time. The severe pruning of the transplanted tree is 

 necessary on account of the loss in its roots ; the more roots are cut off the greater 

 the amount of pruning needed. 



There must be a new growth of root fibres before the young tree can support its 

 foliage safely. The leaves of a healthy tree are nourished by the sap which is drawn 

 from the roots as fast as needed ; but if this tree is transplanted the supply is par- 

 tially cut off until new roots and fibres are formed to replace those lost in trans- 

 planting. If, during this period, the leaves and branches are allowed to keep on 

 draining the sap, they will exhaust the supply before the new roots are grown, and 

 the tree will soon wither or die. 



The natural character of the soil should always be carefully studied, for trees 

 that thrive in one place may fail in others. Some species that attain their highest 

 development in sandy soils will not live in any other ; some that find a natural habi- 

 tat in rich ground must have the same soil conditions in order to fulfill the expecta- 

 tions of the planter ; while others that thrive in low wet places will eke out but a 

 scanty existence if planted on high, dry lands. The artificially prepared earth with 

 which the hole is filled cannot be depended on to permanently counteract the unfa- 

 vorable influence of adjacent soil. 



The holes should be dug before the trees arrive, and the earth for filling should 

 also be in readiness. The holes must be large enough so that the roots can be 

 spread out in their natural position without cramping them in the least. It is well 

 to dig them so that there will be a foot or more of additional space on all sides, and 

 of ample depth. This is especially necessary in poor soil. In digging throw the 

 top soil to one side and cart away the poorer earth which came from the lower part 

 of the hole. In place of the latter use a rich soil, one-fourth manure, thoroughly 

 mixed, worked until it is fine and free from lumps, sods or stones. Use no manure 

 unless it is thoroughly mixed with earth ; if it touches the roots it will burn or rot 

 them. Where there is a good soil of sufficient depth, well adapted to the natural 

 requirements of the species to be planted, much more may not be necessary aside 

 from making the hole large enough so that all the roots can be spread out freely 

 without any cramping or twisting. 





