12 SUNCREST EVERGREEN NURSERIES 
PLANTING DISTANCES AND NUMBER 
OF TREES PER ACRE 
4 X 4 feet each way requires 2,720 per acre. 5 X 5 
feet each way requires 1,720. 6 X 6 feet each way 
requires 1,210 per acre. About 4 X 5 feet spacing 
each way on Spruce and Fir is best and 5 x 6 feet 
spacing each way is best for varieties of Pine. 
SUGGESTIONS AND CARE 
The planting area should not be plowed, some grass 
and weeds will be an advantage for the first two 
years after planting. If it becomes too dense and 
high, use a power driven mower, never a hand scyth 
as many of the tops of the little trees will be cut off. 
Never use fertilizer as this would increase the grow- 
th of weeds as well as the trees. Land of average 
fertility is favored over rich soil. Keep all brush cut 
out by going over the plantation each Spring and 
Fall. Do not permit live stock to graze as they 
will do serious damage. Fire is a hazard and we 
suggest that roads and fire-breaks be made so that 
fire can be readily controlled. 
PLANTING METHODS 
Hand planting suggestion: Line out the rows with 
stakes at intervals. Each planter using a planting 
bucket with roots covered with muddy water. Use a 
narrow pointed spade or mattock to open hole or 
regular tree planting tool. Where this method is used 
the trees are slitted into the ground. Be sure and 
plant very firmly by using the heel of shoe. Each 
man should plant about 1,000 seedlings in an 8 hour 
day. 
(We can furnish a heavy Special Tree Planting Tool, 
tool steel bit, with side bar for foot pressure, all 
steel, Cost $7.00 each prepaid delivered East of 
Mississippi River. This same type has been in use 
for more than 30 years.) 
On large plantings. Tree planting machines are 
rapidly replacing hand planting. A crew of 4 men 
can plant 6,000 to 10,000 in an 8 hour day. Planting 
machines can be contracted for doing the work at a 
cost of about $15.00 to $20.00 per 1,000 trees. Some 
nurserymen and individuals can be obtained in cer- 
tain areas if contacted a few months in advance of 
required planting. 
CARE OF PLANTING STOCK 
Important information to remember: Remove seed- 
lings promptly from shipping containers. Dip roots 
if necessary and heel in at once, preferably in a 
cool basement or ground floor of a building. Keep 
from sun and winds. If must heel in near planting 
site, then select a well shaded spot, dig a trench 
about 6 to 8 inches V-shape or about 45 degrees. 
Cover roots with damp soil and keep well watered 
until planted. Puddle roots of trees in mud before 
planting. Do not let roots dry out at any time. 
Set tree about the same depth it grew in the nursery. 
Firm the ground around the roots. 
