The Placer herald., 1859-04-02
Transplanting Evergreens.

| correspondent WISHES IO KNOW tuo DoS
season and mode of transplanting evergreens
from the forests to cultivated grounds
Whenever we answer an inquiry of this kline
or similar one, we invariably give the re-
suit of our own experience, unless we dis
tincty state to the contrary. There is gen
orally greater difficulty experienced ii
successfully transplanting evergreens thar
deciduous trees. When growing in the for
est, they are generally found occupying an
entirely different soil from the one they are
destined to occupy in their new positions
for it is seldom we find them indigenous to
localities at all adapted to garden culture;
SO that even if removed with the greatest
care, it still remains question as to their
ultimate success in.mantaining life and vigor
Another important feature, as connected
with the successful removal of evergreens,
pines, cedars, hemlocks, ETC., is found in the
fact that, in nearly all such trees, the juices
or sap is specie of turpentine, basam or
gum, that once becoming hardened or dried,
is ever after, as with pitch or rosin, insolu-
BILE in water. The small tibrous roots as
well as the surfaces of the larger ones, on
becoming dry by exposure to the air, seldom
maintain their vitality; because no amount
of water can ever again dissolve the once in
spissatel sap or rosn in the roots. Hence
the reason why so few of the resinous trees,
taken from the forests and conveyed long
distances with their roots exposed to the sun
and air survive their transpanting.
1t is not so with the saps of most de-
ciduous trees they are moro of watery
character; and, though some of them may
possess to a considerable degree the propre-
ties of gum, as in the peach, plum and
cherry, vet these are all soluble in water;
so that it, on the removal of such trees, their
roots become in measure dried, copious
supply of moisture will more easily re dis
solve their juices and set them in full flow.
The reverse being true of evergreens, the
importance of keeping their roots always
moist, during the entire process of displant-
ing, is plainly a. parent.
Another difficulty in removing evergreens
successfully, is found in this that nearly all
coniters in their natural positions have a
strong main or tap.root, which renders their
dispanting extremely difficult without Sc
we're loss of the most important roots. So
also owing to the perfect symmetry of most
conifcrs growing in the open grounds there
are but few limbs that can be spared with
out marring the beauty Of the tree; therefore
no chance to head back the top, properly to
maintain balance between it and the roots,
if the latter suffer loss This makes it neces
sary either to use great care in their reno
val, or resort to very small trees; as the
smaller the tree, the easier its removal with
roots entire.
In regard to the proper time Of transplant
mo evergreens there is no question but that,
with care, it can be done at amy time from
November to the first of April, as with all
decduous trees; but the best time is unques
tionaby Just as the tree is commencing to
put forth its new growth, whether it be in
April May or June. We have found, after
repeated trials, that all evergreens Of the
cone or confer varieties, suffer less when re-
moved at that season than when done eari
er Both top and roots are then more com
pletely filled and flowing with thin, fluid sap;
and, therefore, less likely to suffer from in
spissation Or drying. But, at whatever sea
son the transpanting is done, the ut
most care should be observed in saving the
roots as entire as possible, and never allow
them to become in the slightest degree dried.
If the roots unavoidaby suffer much injury,
trim off as many Of the loaOer limbs as will
be equal to the loss; then, by giving prefer
ence to small trees over large ones, success
can be generally rendered certain.
California; Culturist.