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How to Care for and Plant Trees 
How to Care for and Plant Trees 
O N ARRIVAL, the trees should at once be unpacked,^ and if the 
material cannot be promptly planted, it should be heeled-in. 
Dig a trench of sufficient width and depth to accommodate the 
roots without bending them. In this trench set the trees close together, 
cover the roots with soil, mounding it up along the line of the trench, so 
that it will turn off the water in case of heavy rains. This is of special 
importance where trees must remain heeled-in any length of time. If 
the trees can be planted at once, the most important point is 
The Preparation of the Hole. This should be dug at least one foot 
wider all around than the spread of the roots of the tree to be set, and in 
good soil should be from 15 to 24 inches in depth, unless for a very large 
specimen, when it should be proportionately deeper. In case the soil is 
not good, a much larger hole should be excavated and filled with good 
soil. Should the planting space be in a clayey soil, the bottom of the hole 
should be loosened up; if possible, dig entirely through the clay ; If not, 
dig deep enough to fill in with stone or some loose material that will insure 
drainage. 
Kind of Soil. We are frequently asked what kind of soil to use and 
with what to enrich it. Just here we would emphasize the fact that too 
much care cannot be taken with the preparation of the hole for planting. 
It is absolutely necessary that the tree be given a quantity of good soil if 
one would attain satisfactory results. The very best soil obtainable is that 
from an old meadow where the rich top-soil and sod can be stripped and 
thrown together. It is always advisable, where much planting is done, to 
have a compost heap prepared the season previous by putting soil and 
manure in alternate layers, and have the pile turned two or three times. 
When either of these kinds of soil is not possible, old thoroughly rotted 
manure can be mixed with the soil for planting. 
When Setting the Tree, take care that all broken portions of roots 
are cut off in a clean, careful manner; then set the tree, spreading the roots 
in a natural position, taking care that the small fibers are not twisted or 
crowded. Fill in with good, fine soil, which should be worked carefully 
under the roots so that no spaces remain unfilled. Be careful not to plant 
too deep. The tree will generally show by the soil-mark on its bark the 
depth at which it stood in the nursery, and it should not be set more than 
2 or 3 inches deeper. As the soil is filled in, it should be carefully trampled 
until quite firm, and when the hole is filled within an inch or two of the 
top, the last of the soil should be spread without trampling. 
After Planting. As soon as the hole is filled and the tree has been 
properly and firmly set, spread over the surface a layer 4 or 5 inches 
thick of either old or fresh manure. This layer should extend a foot or 
two beyond the line of the newly filled hole, and this mulching is im¬ 
portant, as it will help to hold the moisture; and moisture is, after care¬ 
ful planting, the most important aid to insure success. See also page 16. 
ANDORRA NURSERIES 
