102 TREES IN WINTER 



CHAPTER VI 

 HOW TEEES ARE PLANTED. 



PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS. 



Ordering Trees — It is always well to procure catalogues from 

 several reputable nursery concerns. Other things being equal, it 

 is advisable to order trees from a local nursery. The so-called 

 "tree agent' is not always reliable and, for this reason, best results 

 will follow the practice of ordering directly from the nursery. 

 Since there is so much confusion in names of trees, it is well to 

 make sure that the nurseryman knows what trees are required. 

 The Latin name should always accompany the common name. 

 Even then there is danger of confusion, and to be absolutely 

 sure of getting the required species, it is desirable to go to the 

 nursery and personally examine the trees. 



Nurserymen carry usually two or more grades of trees. As 

 a rule the difference between first and second grade trees is in 

 size or "caliper." If this is the case a second grade tree is 

 likely to give satisfactory results. It may be a little later in 

 maturing, but since a small tree suffers less from "shock" in 

 transplanting, it is likely to catch up to the larger-sized tree 

 within a few years. It is not advisable to buy third grade or "cull" 

 trees for they are likely to be weak growers or ill-shaped specimens. 

 The price of nursery stock will depend upon the grade and upon 

 the age of the trees. Where quick results are demanded it is 

 advisable to buy trees two or three inches in diameter or those 

 that are five to ten years of age, or to j^lant mature trees as 

 described later. 



Where trees are grown on the place they may be moved with 

 large balls of earth attached and in this way the shock and risk 

 of moving may be lessened. 



''Puddling" and ''Heeling In" — Trees come from the nursery 

 in boxes or bundles. To prevent them from drying out the roots 

 are usually packed in moist straw or other material. If they 

 should arrive before planting time the roots should be "puddled" 

 and the trees "heeled in." Puddling consists in dipping the roots 

 in a semi-liquid mixture of clay and water. This forms a coating 

 of clay over the roots and prevents them from drying out. Heeling 

 in consists in digging a trench from one to two feet in depth, 



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