STREET ;TRKKS. mi 



much thicker than this, and use Cottonwood, Willow or similar 

 fast-growing trees to alternate with one of the kinds named as 

 desirable, with the expectation of cutting out the less valuable 

 when it shall have commenced to crowd the more desirable 

 kinds. 



Planting. Provided the soil is in the proper condition, the 

 next consideration is the proper planting of the tree. The prep- 

 aration for this should consist in digging a hole of sufficient size 

 to take in the roots without crowding. If the subsoil is very 

 solid clay, it should be thoroughly loosened up, and where prac- 

 ticable it is a good plan to dig a trench to the loose soil over a 

 water pipe or sewer, for by this means the roots get into loose 

 soil, and drainage is secure, which is often much needed on such 

 land. Sometimes a very stiff hardpan can be broken up to 

 advantage by exploding a small dynamite cartridge in a deep 

 hole made with a crowbar. 



Before Setting the tree, it should have all broken and 

 dead roots cut off. It should then be set an inch or two deeper 

 than it had been growing, the discoloration above the roots indi- 

 cating the depth at which it had stood. If, however, good drain- 

 age cannot be secured, the tree can be planted less deeply, and 

 then have a mound made around it. Fill in about the roots 

 slowly, being careful (should the tree have a great number of 

 fibrous roots) to work the earth well in among them and under 

 the butt of the tree. Fine soil, free from large stones, should be 

 used for this purpose. Pack the soil in firmly, if reasonably dry, 

 with the heels, or, better still, with a rammer, making it as solid 

 as possible around the roots. The object in doing this is to 

 leave no air spaces about them. It is not a good plan to put 

 water into the hole before the tree is set, but it may be put in 

 when the roots are just covered and allowed to soak away before 

 the remaining soil is put in. As a rule, however, little is gained 

 by watering if the trees have not leafed out and the moist soil is 

 packed firmly around the roots. Water is most needed after 

 growth starts. 



Mulching. Newly planted street trees are much helped by 

 a mulch of straw, hay or well-rotted manure. The latter is best, 

 as it also furnishes plant food, but hot manure is liable to injure 

 the trunk if piled against it. These materials prevent the soil 



