f32 The Canadian Horticulturist. 



BEST TIME TO TRAXSPLAXT EVERGREENS. 



r^ HE impression prevails tliat there is more risk of loss in transplanting 

 evergreen trees than deciduous trees. This is undoubtedly true when 

 trees of considerable size are taken. The very name indicates 

 that these trees are always in full leaf. Consequently there is an 

 immediate draft upon the resources of the trees, after planting. It 

 is essential, therefore, that there should be immediate root action, to 

 supply the demand. It is then self-evident that the fall is not a favorable time 

 for this work. Undoubtedly there are many instances where trees, with more or 

 less earth, have been removed late in the fall, and have lived. But in our cold 

 climate there is little or no root action from November until May, and hence the 

 tax upon the tree late planted and exposed to the drying winds of winter and 

 early spring is very great, and frequently fatal. There is a very general agree- 

 ment among planters that early spring is also an objectionable time. The 

 ground in March and April is usually wet and cold and the root action 

 must necessarily be very sluggish and insufficient to supply the increasing 

 demand from evaporation. 



But in the month of May the ground has become warmer and all the organs 

 of the tree are excited into activity. It has been found by uniform experience 

 that a most suitable time for removal is just as the buds begin to swell and 

 indications of returning life appear. There is sap enough stored in the tree to 

 sustain it until the speedy action of the roots will continue the supply. Conse- 

 quently the great bulk of this work is confined in our latitude to the month of 

 May. It is unfortunate that this large work is confined within the narrow limit 

 of this busy month. There is also a more serious objection that the inevitable 

 check consequent upon removal occurs just at the time when the tree is coming 

 into its active growth. It is, therefore, to be expected that this growth will be 

 enfeebled and the appearance of the tree affected, for the first year. If a hot, 

 dry spell occurs in June, the evaporation from the young growth is excessive and 

 losses frequently occur Still we must repeat that May is the month for 

 removals. Is it the only month ? For many years past I have advocated the 

 month of August as a most suitable time. 



An extensive experience covering a period of over twenty years leads me 

 then to this general opinion that in cases where conifers can have quick transit 

 it is safer to remove in August than in May. Especially is this true with large 

 sized trees, like Spruces from eight to ten feet high, where distance does not 

 forbid taking them in wagons. In all cases the growth of the first season after 

 transplanting will show a marked contrast in favor of the August planted tree. 

 If this opinion is sustained by the experience of others it will prove to be a most 

 important advantage in extending the time of planting to more than double its 

 usual narrow limits, and to a season when there is more leisure than in the 

 hurry of spring time. This subject appears to me to be of such importance that 

 1 am willing to bear the brunt of sharp adverse criticism until the truth can be 

 1 onstrated. — W. C. Stkonc, />i'/ori- Mass. Hort. 'u)C. 



