FOREST PLANTING 
A GUIDE TO FOREST PLANTING 
SIZE OF TREES 
We recommend either three or four year old 
transplants as best adapted to reforestation 
purposes. Transplants are trees that have 
been grown in seedbeds for two or more 
years and then transplanted. In the trans¬ 
plant beds, these trees are spaced and care¬ 
fully weeded. They have more fertilizer 
available, and the roots have an ideal place 
in which to develop, as the soil is kept 
loose by cultivation. 
Three year old transplants generally 
average from 3" to 5" in height, while four 
year old transplants generally average from 
5" to 10". Except in the most ideal loca¬ 
tions, four year old transplants are pre¬ 
ferred because— 
1. The trees are larger, roots are better 
developed and the trees better proportioned 
as to roots and tops. 
2. The extra years of growth in the trans¬ 
plant beds often amounts to more than the 
first three years growth after the tree has 
been planted in the forest. Thus, valuable 
time is saved in raising the forest crop. 
3. The stronger tree is better enabled to 
combat weeds, hardwood bushes and other 
impediments in its struggle for existence. 
HOW TO PLANT 
Standard planting distance is usually six 
feet each way. Theoretically, 1200 trees 
would be used per acre, but due to rocks, 
stumps and trees already on the ground, 
not more than 1000 trees are used per acre. 
Since trees are usually allowed to shift 
for themselves after they are in the ground, 
they should be given a good start by careful 
planting. 
Two men comprise a crew. A grub hoe, 
spade or mattock is used for making the 
holes in which the trees are set. One man 
using the grub hoe takes the duff, or sod, 
off a space about 12" square. Then driving 
his hoe to the hilt in the center of this space 
he makes a hole for the insertion of the tree. 
Spacing between trees is determined by 
the man with the grub hoe, who paces out 
the correct distance. Stakes are used on 
each side of the lot to insure the rows be¬ 
ing kept straight. 
The second man follows the first. He 
carries a pail which holds the trees with 
their roots immersed in about three inches 
of muddy water. He places a tree in the 
hole made by the first man and firmly 
stamps the soil around the tree, so that the 
roots are in close contact with the soil and 
the tree firmly held. Care should be used 
in planting trees at the same depth they 
stood in the nursery, as shown by a soil 
mark on most trees. Also keep the roots 
well spread out and not doubled back so 
they will come close to the surface. 
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