22 



BULB AND PLANT BOOK 



PREPARATION OF SOIL 



The tree-pit should be about a foot or two wider than the spread of the roots and from two to three feet deep. 

 In digging keep the top-soil and sub-soil separated. If the soil is very poor, haul it away and replace with richer 

 soil. Well-rotted manure may be used sparingly and thoroughly mixed with the soil. 



It is best to dig tree-pits some time before ready to plant and then refill, 

 arrival of plants. 



ROOT AND TOP PRUNING 



This prevents delay in planting on 



Before placing the tree in the ground it should be pruned. Cut off any broken roots and fieshly cut the tips 

 of the larger roots. Remove all crossed, broken, and dead branches, shorten back the remaining branches by remoring 

 about three-quarters of the last year's growth, and see that there is only one leader or upright branch. 



PLANTING 



Hold the tree in an upright position in the pit with the roots spread out naturally and with the best side 

 of the tree facing in the direction you prefer. Fill in with soil, the top-soil being placed next to the roots, the tree 

 standing about one inch deeper than it did in the nursery. When the roots are covered work the soil under and around 

 the roots carefully, by shaking the tree up and down and sideways, by punching with a large smooth stick like a 

 hoe handle or by watering. When the pit is partly filled tread the soil down firmly. Firm the soil again when almost 

 completed and leave the top inch of soil loose. 



The ball of earth about evergreens should not be broken but planted intact. The burlap soon rots and it is not 

 necessary to remove it, although it may be slit with a knife down the sides. 



WATERING 



In case the soil is dry at time of planting, it is quite essential for the trees to be given a good watering. 

 This should be done before the soil is firmed around the roots, and allowed to thoroughly soak in before adding any 

 more earth. During the first summer, if the weather is very dry, it may be necessary to water the tree. Only water 

 occasionally, but abundantly and in the early morning or late afternoon. 



Evergreens should be watered when planted and will also require watering during the first summer. 



MULCHING 



A mulch of strawy manure or grass clippings about two inches deep over the top of the ground will aid in 

 retaining moisture and render frequent watering unnecessary. Keeping the top two inches of soil loose answers the 

 same purpose. 



GUYING AND WRAPPING 



Any tree that measures more than two inches in diameter of trunk should be guyed three ways to prerent 

 the wind working it loose during the first year and causing the roots to move in the ground. Run the guy wires 

 through pieces of rubber hose to prevent cutting the trunk of the tree. In the case of exceptionally large trees 

 the trunk should be wrapped with burlap or otherwise shaded during the first year to prevent sun-scald. 



