The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1849-02-17
From tic New England Farmer.
TranassDlanesEsg Trees.

Mn. EDIToR: As the season Is approaching
when the trans Ilantng OF trees will ag ain com
mence, propose, as briefly as the nature of the
subject will admit, to state my own experience
as to the best iethod OF accomplishing this OBJ.
ject in New England.
And first, as % the season Of trnnsplantinp |
I'm well sat stie that, for deciduous trees of all
kinds, the spring months are most favorable; and
the sooner this tan be done after the frost is out
ofthe ground tie better. My plan is to have
the holes preplrd in the autumn, when it is
practicable, because the action of the frost and
The snow and ain tend to loosen the earth be-
yond the hole upon all sides, and Thus give the
new iibres iiom the roots a better chance for
penetrating the earth. Another advantage is
that, by d,ein. tie holes III the fan, the dacay
of weeds, leaves, and other vegetable matter that
collects in hem, forms the best nutrlmcnt for
the roots.
Evergreen trees may DO planted little later
than dicidlpus trees hut cannot recommend
later period than the Goth ofNlay, and they viii
be sure TO do well if planted at any time for a
month previous.
We have all been cautioned against deep
planting sufficiently to prevent the practice be-
ing very common; nevertheless we are apt to
commit very great error, causing similar re-
suit, by loosening the earth too deeply. We pro
pose row 10 speak Of the manner of preparing
the ground for tie reception ofthe tree, by
which this error will appear manifest.
In digging the holes, reference, of course,
must be had to tho size of the tree to be planted.
The holes should be at least foot wider in cir
conference than the roots, but no deeper than
is sufficient TO sink the crown of the stem where
it rises from the roots TO level with the naln-
raj level Of the ground, or, if any thing, n little
above il. IF we examine Il tree growing in its
natural state we shall always find that the tree
bulges chi of the ground, and that the divnrg-
ing roots are generally visible; while the tree
which We plant is SET 50 low that it looks more
like a stake driven into the ground than n tree.
II is common practice, after digging the holes
as deep as the tree is intended to be placed, to
loosen the earth still deeper down, sometimes
throwing it out and putting in mould sods or
manure The effect of this is, that The tree set
ties down with tie earth, as it hardens, and gots
below lis natural level TO ITS great and lasting
injury.
IN taking up the tree to be transplanted, we are
apt to be short-sighted and careless. aud VIC cut
away and break the roots without mercy. The
propc. method Of proceeding is to take off the
earth carefully above the roots. then proceed
well outs de and trench around the Tree till the
ope ration gets below the TIER of roots; then, by
Passing the spade under and towards Tho centre
of the tree he can loosen it in It's bed, and draw
the roots carefully, and cut off smoothly every
every end Ola root that has been broken and it
is then ready for planting To do this is the
best manner, it should be placed as near as pos
sible in Il similar position TO the old one. tho
roots should be carefully Strengthened out, and
the earth all in and then only pressed upon with
the foot. No water Is necessary; on the contra
~, in nine cases ont of ten, it is hurttul. fla
tree has been out OF the ground for long time.
and the roots have become dry, it is advisable TO
make a puddle Of mud and dip the roots in it be
fore setting the tree.
Nulch,ng trees, after transplanirg, s most
simple and ready mode of protecting them from
heat and drought. have never known it to
fail in keeping tree healthy and vigorous a.
ga inst the severcst drought. Grass, weeds, sta
bic litter, or even stones around the trees, is a
sufficient mulchins. Tins, in our climate, is ~
essential never to be disregarded, either in ia or
spring planting.
Pruning is another important essential TO be
observed IT TRANSMITTING d ecduous trees Ev-
cry tree, when transplanted, loses some portion
of its roots; and 1t follows, of course, that 1t
loscs part of its ability TO support its branches.
and to furnish tn" requisite supply of food for a
vigorous growth the ensuing season. 1t becomes
necessary. therefore, 10 sacrifice a part Of the
tree above the ground, somewhat in proportion
to that which has been lost beneath. Now, there
arc several modes of dong this have tried
| them all, and am convinced that the best, sim
plest. and the only ono that does not detract
from tho beauty of the tree is, 10 cut off from CIV
erv branch except the topmost leading shoot,
tho whole of the previous years growth down
TO vigorous bud on the stem A few more
words about transplanting, and will finish my
dusultory remarks A damp day is better than
bright day; still day rs preferable TO windy
one, for transplnling trees; and never expose
for moment, if posshe,- the roots ofany tree,
particularly an evergreen tree; to tho wind l
have never seen this sufficiently attended TO.
Where tree is to lie, if only for Few moments
| exposed to wind or sun, n ma, ST. ould be at hand
to protect it. More trees are lost from desic-
cation Of the roots by adrying wind than from
any other cause: r, S. F.
! Lynn, Jan le4a.