Street Trees. 



325 



poles, or may be made in the form of a crate. The objection is that 

 they are Ukely to be unsightly and clumsy. Guards of wire netting 

 are less clumsy and equally as effective as pro- 

 tection against horses, and are commonly used. 



The most economical and best guards may be 

 purchased ready made, from a number of firms. 

 These guards should be removed as soon as the 

 trees attain the size when binding is likely to 

 take place. Such binding is likely to force the 

 upper part of the trunk to grow out over the top 

 of the guard and so lessen the strength of the 

 tree, if not completely to girdle it. 



Large trees on the corners of streets where 

 the w^heels of passing vehicles may injure them, 

 may be protected by planting a block of stone 

 in front of the tree at an oblique angle, sloping 

 away from the road. 



(3). Protection against drought. The chief use 

 of grills has been outlined in the discussion of 

 the starving of roots (page 465). Most of the 

 grills on the market are circular or hexagonal in 

 form and are provided w4th a circular opening in 

 the center which is approximately adapted to the 

 size of the trunks of the trees around which they 

 are to be used. They are made in sections, and 

 are supported on wooden pegs driven firmly in 

 the ground. As a means of securing the desired 

 open spaces around the trees and at the same 

 time not interfering w'ith the traffic, there is 

 nothing better. Their use in cities offers almost 

 the only method of protecting trees against the 

 dangers from paved streets. 



(4). Protection against winter-killing. The nec- 

 essity of affording winter protection for many 

 species of ornamental trees and shrubs is great. 

 However, while protection is sometimes given to 

 certain species of young shade trees, it is not a 

 profitable practice for two reasons. First, because 



a species of shade tree should be chosen that is perfectly able 

 to withstand the normal climatic conditions of the locality. Second, 

 because any such tree which winter-kills back each year will naturally 



I 



8fe^^:P5 



Fig. 245. — An excellent 

 method of staking and 

 protecting newly plant- 

 ed trees. 



