In handling the tree before it is planted, great care must be 
taken that the roots do not dry out. Trees that are purchased 
from a dealer have a good ball of earth around the roots, wrapped 
in burlap. If you dig up your own tree be sure to keep such a 
ball of earth about the roots until the tree is planted. 
Care should also be taken not to have the bark rubbed off in 
places, or otherwise injured. 
When the new home is to be made ready for the tree, dig a 
hole wide enough to take in all the roots when spread out. The 
depth depends on the size of the tree and of the earth ball. The 
roots of the tree must not be cramped. If the tree is held above 
the spot where the hole is to be dug and the roots spread out it 
will be seen just how wide the hole must be. Or if the hole is al- 
ready dug before the tree arrives, estimate in the same way. 
People are surprised to see the extent of spread which even a very 
young tree has. 
Look the roots over carefully. If there is a bruised place on 
roots or rootlet, cut such a place off. Make a clean cut with a sharp 
knife, not a jagged, ragged one. The bruised place, if left on, 
may begin soon to decay, and this decay may spread. An entire 
tree may be lost for just one bruised spot. A jagged cut also is a 
place where decay may set in. 
After the roots are trimmed, pour plenty of water into the hole 
— at least one or two large pailfuls. Then place a layer of good 
rich soil at the bottom of the hole, for it is 
very essential to have next the roots a good 
supply of food elements. When manure is 
mixed with the soil, always use old, well 
rotted manure, as fresh manure gives off a 
great deal of heat while rotting and this is 
not good for the roots. Be careful not to 
have much strong manure close to the roots, 
especially chunks of it in contact with the 
Fig. x— The wrong wa y t° roots (fig. 1), as this is liable to cause the 
distribute manure ' , _ . , . 
around the roots, roots to decay. To avoid this danger, be 
sure the manure is well broken up and thor- 
oughly mixed with the soil. 
Spread the roots out carefully in the cavity, keeping the 
larger ones up within about six inches of 
the surface of the ground, and then fill in 
the soil (fig. 2). Again remember to put 
the best soil in first, and press it firmly 
about the roots. Take a stick with a blunt- 
ed end or use your fingers for this, and be 
sure that soil is pressed firmly into the 
spaces between all the roots and rootlets. 
Continue filling in until the cavity is full, Fig. 2— Filling in the soil, 
and then firm (press) the soil with the feet (fig. 3). Do not heap 
thesoil about the tree trunk, so that the water drains away from 
