108 TKEES IN WINTER 



rotted manure has been mixed. The tree should be set at just 

 about the same depth at which it grew in the nursery. The roots 

 are spread out naturally and the fine surface soil thrown or sifted 

 in about them. Only a small amount of soil should be thrown 

 in at a time and it should be well tamped, avoiding any open 

 spaces beneath or about the roots. A j)ointed stake will be found 

 serviceable in tamping the soil about the roots. The last few 

 shovels-full should be thrown loosely about the tree to act as a 

 mulch. 



^^Tiere it is necessary to get the tree in the exact position 

 where the stake stood, a device called a planting-board will be 

 found useful. Such a contrivance may be readily made from a 

 board, eight to ten feet in length, by making a notch in the 

 center and a hole at each end, as shown in figure 37. Before 

 digging the hole the board is placed on the ground with the notch 

 adjusted to the stake that marks the position of the tree. A 

 guide stake is then driven in the ground through each of the holes 

 at the end of the board. The board may then be removed while 

 the hole is being dug, after which it is placed back on the guide 

 stakes and the tree adjusted to the notch in the center. 



Moving Large Trees — The demand for quick results in tree 

 planting often necessitates the moving of very large trees. Trees 

 from twelve to eighteen inches in diameter are often successfully 

 moved. Very large specimens require the services of expert 

 tree movers, who have the proper equipment for the purpose. 

 Frequently, however, it is desiral)le to go to a neighboring forest 

 for moderately-sized trees for home planting. Trees from six to 

 eight inches in diameter may be moved with a fair degree of 

 certainty and without an elaborate equipment. Since trees grown 

 in the open are usually more shapely and have better root systems, 

 they are likely to give better results when transplanted, than 

 forest-grown trees. 



The principles involved in transplanting large trees are the 

 same as for small trees, but the work is performed at greater 

 risk. Experts, however, seldom lose a tree. 



Where trees are to be carried short distances it is well to 

 preserve a large ball of earth around the roots. If a large pro- 

 portion of the roots are kept intact, it will not be necessary to 

 cut back the top so severely. Where trees must be transported 



