Directions for Planting and Care of 
Trees and Shrubs 
The land on which trees are to be set should be thoroughly prepared before planting. Too 
frequently this important matter is neglected or poorly done, but it pays to give particular attention 
to this part of the work. It is easier to put the land in good 
condition before planting than after, and, if the trees are to 
bring the results desired, it must be done at some time. Gen- 
erally it is best to clear the land a year in advance of planting, 
then grow a crop of cowpeas or velvet beans and turn it back 
into the soil in advance of planting. Good results may be se¬ 
cured without this, but it is a good plan to follow whenever 
possible. On many soils it is advisable to use lime before planting. 
View in Persimmon orchard planted 
with our trees 
Heeling-in Peach trees 
Staking 
After the land has been well plowed, harrowed and leveled, 
a 3- or 4-foot stake should be set where each tree is to stand. 
Laths make good stakes for this purpose. While a number of different plans may be used 
, in spacing the trees, it is usually best to set them in squares or in rectangles (spaced a 
little farther apart one way than the other). 
Planting Distances 
The distance apart at which the trees should be set depends upon the 
character of the soil, the moisture it contains, the kind of trees and the ideas 
of the planter. Usually they should be given a goodly distance. A table 
of usual planting distances is given on the inside back cover page. 
Care of Trees on Arrival 
When the trees arrive, if everything is in readiness, they may be taken 
directly to the field and set out. If the number is large, or there is any delay, 
it is best to open up the boxes or bales and heel-in the trees. This is done 
by digging a trench deep enough to accommodate the roots nicely, straight down on one side, 
sloping out to the ground-level on the other. In this trench place the roots, the tops in slanting 
position, cover with earth, packing well among the roots, use some water, and cover the tops 
with packing material, straw or grass, to shade them. From this heeling-in 
place they may be taken out as needed for planting, and carefully protected 
from the sun with damp burlap until placed in the holes. jfilk 
Jr 
Digging Holes—Fertilizers 
It is best to dig the holes just in advance of planting to prevent 
drying or baking; also loss of moisture. The holes should be made 6 
inches wider and deeper than necessary to accommodate the roots. Place the 
top-soil in a pile by itself when the holes are dug. Commercial fertilizer 
analyzing about 6 per cent phosphoric acid, 4 per cent 
ammonia and 6 per cent potash may be used at the rate of 
one-half to one pound per tree, thoroughly mixed with the 
top-soil in filling in around the roots. We do not recommend the use of stable 
manure in the holes, though on pecans, persimmons, roses and ornamentals in 
general, it may be used to advantage as a mulch after planting, when well rotted. 
Pruning 
Some kinds of nursery trees must be pruned before shipping. Others are 
not pruned. It is a safe rule with practically all plants that the tops should 
Pruning tops of be cut back before planting. We are willing to do this for our customers upon 
Grapefruit trees request. Any broken roots should be trimmed off before the trees are set. 
Root-pruning Grape¬ 
fruit trees 
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