CHAPTER VI. 



HOW TO DIG AND SET TREES. 



T^O dig a small tree, ten or twelve feet high, dig around 

 *■ it about eighteen inches from the trunk, until below 

 most of the roots; then, put the spade under the tree and 

 lift up, at the same time pressing the top away. Repeat 

 the operation on the other side of the tree if necessary. In 

 the nursery row a man on each side can put the spade 

 down its full length about one foot from the trunk. Both 

 should press the spade, handle down at the same time 

 with one hand and lift the tree out with the other. 



Trees should be set as soon as possible after digging. 

 All roots that are broken should be cut with a sharp 

 knife or pruning shears so they will heal quickly. When 

 the roots are very thick and interlaced, as is sometimes 

 the case with nursery trees, the roots should be judiciously 

 thinned. Always try not to leave two branches opposite; 

 they may make a bad crotch. Always cut off all 

 crossing and twining shoots and generally cut back the 

 ends of the branches. One year old (from the bud) peach 

 or apricot trees should be pruned to a single stem. 



TO SET THE TREE. 



A stake should be placed where each tree is to be set. 

 A planting board should be used, which consists of a strip 

 or board with a notch in the center, and one near each end. 



| V V ' v — I 



jo ^ o [ 



Planting Boards. 

 (39) 



