CHAPTER IX 



Deciduous Trees 



THERE are two distinct aspects under which the question of 

 tree planting, and the shade and shadow resulting from 

 tree planting, must be considered. One is shade in its 

 relation to buildings, the other is shade and shadow in their 

 relation to landscape composition— in other words one is a 

 purely practical, the other an esthetic, aspect. The small 

 place is limited usually to the former. The practical aspect 

 being therefore of more general application, we will give it first 

 attention. 



It is very difficult not to go to extremes in the use of trees. 

 The tendency is invariably to plant either too many or not 

 enough, according as the planter loves "cool shade" or abomi- 

 nates "somber shadow;" and in this connection, as in many 

 others, personal prejudice is very strong and does not take kindly 

 to being reasoned with. There is a standard, however, set by 

 hygienic demands as v/ell as by those of beauty— the two are in 

 absolute harmony, by the way— which will regulate this unruly 

 tendency to extremes, if it is permitted to do so. 



In the triangle of air, light and shade that this subject of tree 

 planting resolves itself into, there is one member which we cannot 

 Hve without. We need all three of course, to live happily, and 

 comfortably, and healthily; yet light and shade are not vital. 



(86) 



