Isaac Hicks & Son, Westbury Station, N. Y. Mobing Large Trees 1 



Moving of Large Deciduous Trees 



We have developed this to a permanent success, as demonstrated by the numerous photographs in 

 this Catalogue and by two or three thousand large trees we can show. It is as sure an investment as the 

 planting of ordinary-sized trees. In fact, our records show that it is much more certain. 



This result has been accomplished by persistent, scientific and mechanical work during the past thirty 

 years. It has been made possible 

 by the large number of patrons of 

 landscape art who have been willing 

 to go to the expense of quickly com- 

 pleting the beauty and comfort of 

 their country residences by planting 

 large trees. Another factor is the 

 good roads, permitting a long haul 

 of heavy trees. Another is the 

 sandy subsoil, free from rock, which 

 permits the growth on Long Island 

 of numerous fibrous roots and their 

 preservation by methods of digging 

 which we have invented. 



Our success is due to many 

 factors which it is impossible to 

 accurately define, but which result 

 in the ability to decide the com- 

 parative difficulty of moving vari- 

 ous trees. We are frequently called 

 on to move a certain tree. It re- 

 requires some financial courage to 

 decline profitable work, but it has 

 proved good business and horti- 

 cultural practice. 



The wide system of roots is a 

 unique part of our method which is 

 especially essential to the best im- 



One of the Hicfys ' Patent Tree-Movers. We have invented the method of 

 digging which preserves the small feeding roots. The roots have a spread of 30 

 or 40 feet. After digging, the tree is grasped by the hinged cradle and swung over 

 horizontally by a screw. In this position, trees may pass under electric wires. 



mediate and permanent growth of 

 the tree. We do not know of any 

 other system of large-tree-moving which employs it. It is the principal reason for the expense of the work. 

 A little calculation will show why it is so. A broad-leaved tree, as Maple, Elm, Oak or Linden, has an 

 immense surface of foliage constantly evaporating. There comes a time of drought with hot sun and 

 drying winds when the soil is dry. Moisture must be drawn from a wide area, or else the tree will drop 

 its foliage or allow some of the branches to die. By our system, there are roots drawing moisture from the 

 whole circle of 30 or more feet in diameter. 



There is a popular opinion which we run against in many parts of the country where unscientific 

 methods of moving large trees have been practised, that large trees live a year or more, but become ragged 

 and thin, and either are unsightly for several years or die after struggling a few seasons. This is based on 

 the method of moving deciduous trees over 10 inches in diameter, 25 feet high and 20 feet spread, with 

 less than 8 feet spread of roots. Six or 8 feet spread of roots may be just sufficient for some easily trans- 

 planted species not over 8 inches in diameter, 

 25 feet high and 15 feet spread, but it does not lead 

 to sure or vigorous growth. Our method has at 

 least ten times as great an area for moisture supply, 

 as can be seen by comparing the area of an 8-foot 

 circle with one of 30 feet. 



This explanation should silence the statement, 

 "Big trees cannot be moved; They always die; 

 It doesn't pay; They are always stunted; Small 

 trees overtake them." However, as erroneous ideas 

 die slowly, we expect to repeat this explanation 

 and show the proofs for many years to come. 



To any one in doubt, who wishes evidence 

 before undertaking large tree-moving, we offer to 

 show them, by an automobile trip around this 

 region, several hundred large trees that are vigor- 

 ously growing at full normal density. We can show 

 the locations of some failures and the reasons why. 

 How to Order. Decide what you need large 

 trees for, and look through this Catalogue for trees 

 offered which may fill that requirement, or write 

 us, stating your needs. A visit here is a help and 

 so is a visit on our part to your place. 



We can deliver large trees by tree-movers, 



Illustrating root-system of 100 avenue trees moved for over the roads, to any part of the western half of 

 Mr. Clarence H. Mackey Long Island. We can ship, by rail, large deciduous 



