TREES ' 381 



years old should be planted. For other purposes older 

 trees, from one to two inches in diameter, are better. In 

 digging up a tree, try to keep roots of from one to two 

 feet in length. Mutilate the roots as little as possible, and 

 leave many small rootlets. Cut off broken or injured 

 roots, and cut off most of the branches, as otherwise too 

 many leaves would be produced for the roots to supply 

 with water. Elms may even have all the branches removed 

 and present the appearance of bare poles. 



Trees are best planted in the dormant condition in early 

 spring, before the leaves are out. For this reason, Arbor 

 Day is usually set in April or early May. It is not at all 

 essential, however, that the school planting be done upon 

 the day set by the governor. 



The place where the tree is to be planted should be ready 

 for the tree as soon as it is dug up. The hole should be 

 large enough to give room for the roots to lie in their natural 

 position without being cramped. Unless the soil is very damp 

 the tree should be set from one to three inches deeper than it 

 grew before transplanting. If the soil is very hard and clayey 

 it should be broken up well below the tree for some distance, 

 and also around it, so that the roots may penetrate more easily. 

 By digging extra deep and throwing in broken tile, stones, 

 etc., and then covering with good loamy soil, both proper 

 drainage and good soil are provided for the young tree. In case 

 the soil is very sandy and poor, a larger hole should be dug 

 and filled in with good loam to give the tree a proper start. 



The tree to be transplanted should be quickly transferred to 

 the new location, after being dug up, for it is very important 

 that the tender roots and rootlets should not become dry and 

 thus be killed. If far to carry, cover well with moist straw, 



