Issued November 29, 1907. 



United States Department of Agriculture, 



FOREST SERVICE— Circular 61 (Revised Edition). 

 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 atmos- 

 phere for even a few minutes. The roots of conifers are particularly 

 sensitive, so that these require more careful attention in transplanting 

 than do broadleaf trees. Some of the broadleaf 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 begins 

 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 transplanting 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 pro- 

 tected by mulching. 



Conifers, with the exception of the deciduous species, such as Euro- 

 pean 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 



