SJwTHE 
ELM CITY NURSERY COMPANY 0 ,,. _ 
WOODM.ONT NURSERIES - I NC. . 
Transplanting Directions 
Preparing the Soil 
No one thing is of more importance to the ultimate development of plants than 
thorough preparation of the soil. When the natural soil is of a poor quality, replace to 
a depth of about two feet with a good grade of loam. For a single plant, dig out a hole 
twice as large as is really necessary to contain its roots. When group plantings are to 
be made, dig out the whole area. Well rotted manure may be mixed into the soil to good 
advantage, but always avoid the use of fresh manure in contact with roots of a plant. 
Planting 
At the time of planting, most plants need a little shaping, both of tops and roots. 
Since a portion of the root system has been cut away in digging, a corresponding portion 
of the top should be removed. It is best to retain the general shape of the plant, cutting 
away any weak or injured branches, and about one third of the previous year’s growth 
from the end of each branch. Evergreens with a ball of earth are exceptions. 
Be careful not to set the plant too deeply. Place the plant a little deeper than the 
point at which it is to remaip, and carefully spread out all the roots (plants dug with a 
ball of earth excepted), now shovel in the earth until the roots are covered about two 
inches. Lift the plant up and down until the soil settles in well and no cavities remain. 
Throw in more earth and with a blunt stick work well in under the roots; beginning at 
the center of the plant and working out. When the hole is filled to within three or 
four inches of the top, pour in two or three pailfuls of water. Allow this to disappear, 
and then fill the hole, leaving a slight depression around the plant. 
In planting evergreens or other plants dug with a ball of earth, care should be taken 
to prevent breaking the ball. Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the ball is not 
more than one inch below the level of the ground. Put in enough soil to hold the plant 
firmly in place. Do not remove the burlap covering from around the ball, but rip it at 
the top and down the sides in about three places and crowd to the sides of the hole. Till 
up as described above. 
Watering and Mulching 
After a plant has been set in the ground it should be mulched with manure, leaves 
or lawn clippings to prevent evaporation of the soil’s moisture. When mulching is un¬ 
sightly or not practical, occasional thorough watering and frequent loosening of the 
soil serves a similar purpose. The ground around new made plantings should never be 
allowed to become dry. 
After Care 
Many plantings never receive the after care they require. This applies more es¬ 
pecially to house foundation and other intensive plantings of both evergreens and shrubs. 
Such plantings are often massed with the plants placed close to one another to produce 
immediate effects. Unless these plantings are trimmed each season, they soon lose their 
original attractiveness ; whereas if they are given proper care, they improve in appearance. 
Deciduous shrubs should be pruned so as to remove a portion of the old wood each 
year, saving the new growth. By this method each plant is entirely renewed every few 
years. Judgment must be used in pruning so that as much of the blossoming wood as 
possible will remain. This refers especially to Spiraeas, Forsythias, Japan Quinces, etc. 
Such shrubs as Hydrangeas, Altheas and most roses, bloom on the new growth and are 
improved by pruning before the spring growth begins. 
Massed plantings of evergreens need careful pruning and shaping each season, 
otherwise the stronger growers will over crowd the others. This trimming can be 
done to advantage just before the new growth starts in the spring. . 
These brief instructions are only intended to give a few simple pointers. W rite to 
us freely if you have any garden problems which are causing you anxiety. 
Protection 
It is advisable to stake a newly planted tree in locations where the wind blows 
severely. The continued shaking of the tree prevents the little rootlets from getting 
a hold in the soil and often results in failure of a plant to grow. 
Suitable guards should be provided for all trees planted where exposed to horse bites, 
hub scars and smiliar injuries. 
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