It then should be
partially filled with good surface soil, upon which the tree
should stand, so that its roots could extend naturally according
to their original growth. Good fine loam should be sifted through
and over them, and they should not be permitted to come in contact
with decaying matter or coarse, unfermented manure. The tree
should be set as deeply in the soil as it stood when first taken
up. As the earth is thrown gently through and over the roots it
should be packed lightly against them with the foot, and water,
should the season be rather dry and warm, poured in from time to
time to settle the fine soil about them. The surface should be
levelled at last with a slight dip toward the tree, so that spring
and summer rains may be retained directly about the roots. Then a
mulch of coarse manure is helpful, for it keeps the surface moist,
and its richness will reach the roots gradually in a diluted form.
A mulch of straw, leaves, or coarse hay is better than none at
all. After being planted, three stout stakes should be inserted
firmly in the earth at the three points of a triangle, the tree
being its centre. Then by a rope of straw or some soft material
the tree should be braced firmly between the protecting stakes,
and thus it is kept from being whipped around by the wind.
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