84 Forests and Trees 



transplanted, if the mechanical appliances for digging and 

 handling it can be supplied. 



The moving of full-grown specimens is a special de- 

 partment of street and park work and need not concern us. 

 The care required is just about in proportion to the size of 

 the tree. "Transplanting a tree from one site to another 

 is a surgical operation during which the patient needs special 

 attention." Particular attention is required in the digging. 

 As large a root system as it is possible to handle should 

 be left, and if the tree is large and only to be removed a 

 short distance, as much earth as can be kept about the 

 roots should be left undisturbed. Above all, the roots 

 must not be allowed to dry out. It is a good plan, when 

 special care is possible, to wrap the roots of each tree 

 with coarse canvas as it is removed from the ground. This 

 protects them from drying and prevents the earth from 

 falling away. If necessary, water should be added to make 

 sure they are kept moist. While it is true that careful 

 planting is ?cessary, it is also true that many more trees 

 are killed by careless digging and neglect while out of the 

 ground than by poor planting. This is particularly true 

 of the conifers. The drying of the roots of a conifer, if 

 only for a moment, is fatal. The resinous juice of these 

 trees, if it once hardens, will prevent any further absorption 

 of water, and the tree cannot live. A spruce or pine will 

 often appear to live and even show some new growths, 

 when in reality it is only using food material stored up 

 in the stem and has not set up any connection with the soil. 

 Living the first summer after transplanting is not a sure 



