x 
United States Department of Agriculture, ee 
FOREST SERVICE—Circular 61. 
GIFFORD PINCHOT, Forester. 
FOREST PLANTING LEAFLET. 
HOW TO TRANSPLANT FOREST TREES. 
The tree planter should endeavor always to transplant his trees 
with the least exposure of the roots. The root-hairs, or feeding 
cells, on the roots of a plant will shrivel up and perish if exposed to 
the dry atmosphere for even a few minutes. The roots of conifers 
are particularly sensitive, so that these require more careful atten- 
tion in transplanting than do broadleaf trees. Some of the broad- 
leaf species may have their roots dried out and shriveled, yet with 
proper attention revive and live; but the conifers, once dried, rarely 
regain their vitality. 
THE PROPER SEASON. 
The best time to transplant young trees is just before growth be- 
gins in the spring, when the seedlings are likely to receive the least 
injury. In general, planting should be done as soon as possible 
after the frost is out of the ground, the exact period depending upon 
local climate and soil conditions. In parts of the country where the 
winter is the only season with an abundant rainfall, the trans- 
planting should be done during the rainy season. 
Fall transplanting in the prairie States is usually unsatisfactory, 
since the dry, freezing weather of winter often damages the young 
shoots. In the States east of the Mississippi fall planting is more 
successful, though small seedlings are often likely to be heaved out by 
the frost if not protected by mulching. 
Conifers, with the exception of the deciduous species, such as 
European larch and tamarack, may be safely planted somewhat 
later in the season than broadleaf trees. 
It is always well to choose a wet or cloudy day for transplanting, 
but if the work must be done in dry weather the nursery beds or 
trenches should be thoroughly soaked a few days before removing the 
trees. By establishing a home nursery close to the planting site the 
disadvantages ‘of shipment may be avoided, some expense may be 
saved, and the time for planting may be considerably extended. The 
last point is often of importance, because it may be inconvenient to 
drop other work in order to give a shipment of trees the immediate 
attention they require. Home-grown stock may be left in the nur- 
sery until a favorable opportunity for getting out the trees occurs. 
TREATMENT BEFORE TRANSPLANTING. 
As a rule, seedlings from one to three years old are the best for 
16882—No. 61—07 m 
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. plantations, hel those of most species require no prey 
