64 ARBOR DAY 



roots must be planted, but not buried too deep to 

 breathe. A stick laid across the hole at the ground 

 level will indicate where the tree "collar" should be. 



VII. Sift rich earth, free from clods, among the 

 roots. Hold the tree erect and firm; lift it a little to 

 make sure the spaces are well filled underneath. 

 Pack it well down with your foot. 



VIII. If in the growing season, pour in water 

 and let it settle away. This establishes contact 

 between root hairs and soil particles, and dissolves 

 plant food for absorption. If the tree is dormant 

 do not water it. 



IX. Fill the hole with dirt. Tramp in well as 

 filling goes on. Heap it somewhat to allow for 

 settling. If subsoil is used, put it on last. Make 

 the tree firm in its place. 



X. Prune the top to a few main branches and 

 shorten these. This applies to a sapling of a few 

 years whose head you are able to form. Older trees 

 should also be pruned to balance the loss of roots. 

 Otherwise transpiration of water from the foliage 

 would be so great as to overtax its roots, not yet 

 established in the new place. Many trees die 

 from this abuse. People cannot bear to cut back 

 the handsome top, though a handsomer one is soon 

 supplied by following this reasonable rule. 



XI. Water the tree frequently as it first starts. 

 A thorough soaking of all the roots, not a mere 

 sprinkling of the surface soil, is needed. Continu- 



