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IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRlCULtUREi 



THE PLANTING OF TREES. 



As one ot the larger features of the landscape, the location and number 

 of trees are of special importance. In selecting kinds, the size of tree at 

 maturity should be considered. The white elm, for example, may attain 

 a spread of one hundred feet, while the green ash or white birch will 

 hardly exceed one-fourth of that. Do not overplant the lawn. By filling 

 up the front yard the landscape effect is not only destroyed but the 

 buildings are obscured or entirely hidden. Prom the sanitary point of 

 view this is also undesirable for it encourages dampness. Keep the 

 trees back far enough to permit a free circulation .of air and plenty of 

 sunshine. Overshadowing is bad for a building and under these condi- 



The Bulletin Board Serves a Useful Purpose. 



tions the shingles decay quickly. As a protection against the afternoon 

 sun, a shade tree or two to the southwest of the house is desrable. 



In general, plant along the sides to border or frame in the picture. 

 I this way a vista is formed with the house as the central feature. Most 

 people err in getting things into the wrong location rather than in the 

 selection of varieties to plant. Keep an open front. Immedately in 

 front of the house there is nothing so appropriate as a well-kept stretch 

 of greensward. Keep the tree planting mostly along the sides and in 

 placing them avoid a stiff, mechanical arrangement. If an evergreen 

 is located so many feet from the walk on one side, do not place another 

 one at a corresponding distance on the other side. Avoid a stiff checker 

 board plan and plant the trees more in clumps, securing the effect of a 

 curve rather than a straight line, so that the whole will be as natural 

 as possible. A limited number of tall trees to the rear of the house 

 is useful for a background and the pictorial effect thus secured is a 



