35 



before the planting. Pack the soil well about the tree roots 

 as the hole is filled but take care not to break or tear the 

 roots. The surface of the soil about the tree should be left 

 loose to prevent excessive evaporation of moisture from the 

 soil, or better still, add a mulching of old leaves or straw for 

 the same purpose. The placing of manure about the tree roots 

 at the time of planting is likely to result in serious damage and 

 is not recommended. 



The tops of small evergreen trees should not be cut back 

 or pruned unless to remove dead or injured branches. 



Cultrration: Altho the hardy evergreens will often sur- 

 vive if not given any cultivation after planting, their growth 

 will be retarded by the presence of sod, weeds and brush. In 

 the case of the slow-growing evergreens which will not stand 

 shading, the young trees may actually be killed by the over- 

 topping of grass and weeds. In all cases, therefore, give the 

 evergreen plantation frequent cultivation and continue until 

 the trees are well established or until the branches interfere 



1 



2 





Fig. 4. 1. Showing the root development of a Douglas fir seedling after one 

 season's growth. 



2. Showing the root development of a blue spruce seedling after fin- 

 ishing the first growing season. 



3. A yellow pine seedling after the first season. The roots of this 

 tree sometimes are 15 to 18 inches long after one season's growth. 



4. White fir seedling after the first growing season. The firs and 

 spruces tend to send out more lateral rootlets than the pines. 



5. A jack pine seedling after one summer's growth. 



