ARBOR OR TREE DAY.

Forest and Bird, Issue 33, 1 June 1934, Page 3

ARBOR OR TREE DAY.

A Call to All Nature-Lovers.

A well-directed effort is being made to resuscitate this somewhat decadent institution, and the Ist of August has been gazetted as a most fitting day. The next thing to decide is what to plant and how to plant. So far as native trees are concerned we cannot go far wrong if those plants are chosen which are indigenous to the locality. As to planting, if we cannot afford the properly hardened-off seedling procurable from a reliable nurseryman, let us select those growing under hard conditions. Probably 90 per cent, of the delicate plants wrenched from their snug forest dwelling die. Great care should be taken not to expose the tender rootlets to sun or wind—nay, even air. Keep the roots damp and plant as soon as ever possible. This planting should be carefully done or disappointment will follow. Puddle your plant in the hole with water, excluding all grass, turf, etc. See that the soil gets into every crevice and hole, and, finally, when the surplus water has disappeared, compress the soil with the foot solid and firm. People with big feet make good planters. Plants must not be likened to fencing posts which, having been stuck in a bole, are finished with. No! Plants are live things like ourselves, and when planted they have undergone a very severe operation. Therefore for a fortnight or so they will require nursing and care.