2 
H. S. WILEY & SON, CAYUGA, N. Y. 
Hints on Transplanting, Etc. 
Preparation of the Soil — Prepare a rich, deep bed of mellow soil, and have the land 
sufficiently drained to relieve the roots from standing water. To insure a fine growth 
land should be in as good condition as is required for a crop of wheat, corn or potatoes. 
Preparation of Trees or Other Stock— We use great care in digging and packing, 
but the loss of some small roots and fibers is unavoidable. If stock is properly pre- 
pared before it is planted, no permanent injury will result from this, but the preserva- 
tion of the natural balance between top and roots renders a vigorous cutting back of 
the former absolutely necessary in most cases. And, therefore, prune off broken ends 
of roots, if any (a smooth cut root granulates or makes ready to extend sooner than 
one broken off), cut back the tops to the extent of about one-half the previous season's 
growth, taking care at all times to prune in such a manner as will tend to develop a 
well-formed head, sufficiently open to admit air and light freely. Evergreen and other 
ornamental trees, the beauty of which depends on preserving their natural form, should 
be pruned very little. Hence, great pains should be taken in planting and caring for 
these. If not ready to plant when the stock arrives, "heel it in" by placing the roots 
in a trench and covering them with mellow earth, well packed. 
Planting — Make the holes large enough to admit the roots without any cramping 
or bending, and deep enough to bring the tree to its natural depth. The fine surface 
soil should be used in covering the roots, and this should be carefully worked among 
them. If the ground is dry it is well to pour in some water when the hole is partially 
filled. See that the ground is firmly and solidly packed over all parts of the roots by 
exerting the full weight of the planter upon it, so that there will be no opportunity for 
dry air or frost to enter and destroy roots deprived of the full benefit of their natural 
protection. Omission to pack the earth solidly is a most frequent cause of failure in 
J planting nursery stock. Fill the holes full enough to be even with the surrounding sur- 
face after the fresh earth settles. Always remove the label when planting. If this is 
left until the tree is grown, the connecting wire often cuts into and destroys the tree 
or branch to which it may be attached. When planting dwarf trees set them low enough 
to cover the stock upon which they are budded, three or four inches. 
Mulching — When trees or bushes are planted, they should be mulched or covered 
with a layer of coarse manure or litter from three to six inches deep for a space of say, 
two feet more in diameter than the extent of the roots. This keeps the earth moist 
and at even temperature. 
After-Culture — Grass should not be allowed to grow about young trees or plants. 
The ground should be cultivated for a space of at least a foot outside the roots. If the 
ground is poor it should be enriched with surface applications of manure. Pruning 
should be varied according to the condition of the tree and the purpose of the planter. 
It should be done regularly every spring before the buds swell any. In this way the 
removal of large branches will be avoided. 
Fall Planting— When planted in the fall, all trees should be banked up at least one 
foot high until spring. This overcomes the tendency of the trees to heave out, pro- 
tects them from mice and prevents the roots from freezing before they have taken hold 
of the soil. In planting roses, shrubs, vines, and other delicate stock in the fall, the 
tops should be nearly or quite buried with mellow earth during the first winter. The 
surplus earth should be removed early in the spring. 
Injured Trees — If trees are received in a frozen state, place the package unopened 
in a cellar, away from frost and heat, until thawed out and then unpack. If partially 
dried from long exposure, bury entirely in the ground or place in water from 12 to 24 
hours. 
