Planting the Tree 183 



a little more than level full if there is danger from surface 

 water, but be careful that no hollows are left close about 

 the tree into which water can settle, especially when planting 

 in autumn. Stamp or pack the earth firmly about the 

 tree before leaving it, for the double purpose of securing 

 moisture and of holding the tree against winds. Small 

 stuff, like nursery stock and small -fruit plants, may 

 often be well planted by means of a dibber or spud. All 

 this operation of planting can proceed to perfection only 

 when the earth is dry enough to crumble. Stock should 

 not be planted in wet and sticky soil. 



If trees are set according to these directions, and the 

 tops are cut back as explained farther on, there will 

 rarely be any necessity for staking and tying the trees to 

 keep them plumb. 



Mulches of straw or manure are sometimes advised 

 for newly set trees. For trees planted late in spring and 

 in droughty lands, a light mulch about the tree may be 

 advised; but in other cases it is not necessary. If mulches 

 are applied to fall-planted trees, care must be taken to 

 tramp them down well, or they may become a nesting- 

 place for mice, which may girdle the trees. There are 

 those who favor placing a forkful of manure in the bot- 

 tom of the hole, but this is a practice of doubtful value; 

 and, at all events, the manure should be well mixed with 

 the soil to prevent drying out. There is often discussion 

 as to whether it is desirable to place the mulch on the 

 surface or to place it an inch or two below the surface 

 and cover it with earth. No positive assertion can be 

 made for either method, although, of the two, the former 

 is probably more generally advisable. But a mulch of 

 tilled earth is more desirable than one of straw or manure 

 in general fruit-planting. 



