THE ELM CITY NURSERY CO., WOODMONT, NURSERIES, Inc. 
NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT 
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. If the natural drainage is poor, 
artificial drainage must be made. 
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 corres¬ 
ponding 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 and 
stock dug with a ball of earth are exceptions. The root system should be examined 
and all split or bruised roots removed with a diagonal cut. 
Be careful not to set the plant too deep. Place the plant a little deeper 
than the point at which it is to remain, and carefully spread out all the roots 
(plants dug with a ball of earth excepted), now shovel in tne 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. Press down the soil with a firmer or the foot, 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. 
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 unsightly or not practical, occasional thorough watering and frequent 
loosening of the soil serves a similar purpose. The ground around new made plant¬ 
ings should never be allowed to become dry. 
After Care 
Many plantings never receive the after care they require. This applies 
more especially to house foundation and other intensive plantings of both ever¬ 
greens and shrubs. Such plantings are often massed with the plants placed close 
to one another to produce immediate effects. Unless these plantings are trimmed 
consistently from season to season, they soon lose their original attractiveness 
and become ragged and overgrown, whereas if they are given proper care, they 
improve in appearance from season to season and can be kept within any required 
limitations. 
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 blos¬ 
soming 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. 
• •• A little mid-summer pruning is often advantageous, especially where plants 
are becoming unshapely or are overgrown. Massed plantings of evergreens need 
careful pruning and shaping each season, otherwise the stronger growers will 
overcrowd 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. 
Write to us freely if you have any garden problems which are causing you anxiety. 
With our wide experience it is probable that we can help you. 
Protection 
It is not 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 similar injuries. 
35 
