Heeling-In Trees and Shrubs 
Temporary Planting 
If possible, heel your trees in a place convenient to the 
orchard or in the garden, preferably at the north side 
of a building or woods where they will have protection 
from the sun and their development will be retarded. 
Select a well drained location. Dig a trench deep and 
wide enough to hold the roots without crowding. This 
trench or furrow should run east and west so the trees 
can be leaned toward the south or southwest. Throw 
the dirt from the trench so as to form a bank. Unpack 
the trees and place the roots in the bottom of the trench 
with the tops leaning against the bank. 
Keep the varieties separate and spread out the trees 
so the dirt can be filled in about the roots. Fine, moist 
soil should be packed rather firmly about the roots to 
exclude air. Then heap more soil on the roots and a 
third or more of the tops. Some growers completely cover 
the trees. This prevents danger of injury from rabbits 
and mice and drying out of the tops if the weather 
turns warm. All packing material and grass that might 
harbor mice should be removed. If the ground is too 
dry, moisten the dirt about the roots. 
How to Handle Evergreens 
Evergreens that are balled and burlapped may be slight- 
ly dried out. By dipping the ball in a tub of water the 
soil will become thoroughly moistened. Now if the 
plants are to be kept a few days before planting they 
must be stored in a cool place away from sun and wind. 
Keep earth balls moist by covering with moist soil, 
leaves or straw. Evergreens shipped without earth balls 
should be planted as soon as possible. 
Planting is the one purchase you can 
make which increases in value and 
beauty from year to year. 

