THE RED OAK AS A SHADE TREE 



\V. T. MACOUX, WITH II.LUSTRATIOX I'.V I'KAXK T. SHLTT. 



IX the L'liitcd States the oak is j^rowiiig^ in its present position nine years ago when 

 in popularity as a shade tree for street it was about ten years old and about the 

 planting, and more trees are being planted size required for street planting. It is now 

 every year. The popular species is the Pin 20 feet 8 inches in height, with a spread of 

 Oak (Ouercus palustris), which is of good 

 form, and has attractive foliage which 

 colors liighly in the autmr.n. 



This species is a native of the province 

 of ( )ntario. hut onl\- grows in the natural 

 con.dition in the southwestern peninsula. 

 At ( )ttawa it has not proven satisfactory, as 

 it is not very hardy and is a slow grower. 

 There is a nati\e species, however, which is 

 doing remarkably well at Ottawa, namely, 

 the Red ( )ak (Ouercus rubra). This is a 

 very hardy oak with a wide range in 

 Canada, as it is found growing wild from 

 the Maritime provinces to the height of land 

 west of Lake Superior. It is a rapid 

 grower compared with other oaks and com- 

 pares very favorably in rate of growth with 

 the hard maple. 



The tree, though not particularly grace- 

 ful, is of good form an,d has a particularly 

 clean look about it. The leaves are large 

 and prominently dentated. of a deep green 

 and quite glossy. In the autumn they 

 usually assimie the rich tints for which the 



oaks are noted, and will remain on the trees has been in the same place since, at 19 years 

 until n.ear winter and long after the leaves of age is 30 feet 6 inches in height with a 

 from other trees have fallen. The Red- spread of 24 feet. 

 Oak is rarely, if ever, affected by insects or 

 disease at Ottawa, and the absence of these, 

 together with the other good points already 

 mentioned, makes this tree particularly de- 

 sirable for street planting, but, as it becomes 

 very wide spreading with age, if planted 

 for this purpose it should only be used on 

 wide streets and avenues. 



It has never, to my knowledge, been used 



for street planting to any extent either in This is the fourth year I have advertised In 



Canada or the United States, but why it The Canadian Horticulturist, my advertisement 



1,1 ,1- 1^ , j_ ^ ^ occupving a half column in each issue. I find 



should not be is what we have yet to learn. j^ ^ p^^j^g investment and consider it one of 



The tree in, the photo, which was taken at the best means I have of making sales. — (Wil- 

 liam Fleming. Isurseryman and Florist, Owen 



A 10 Year Old Red Oak Tree 



14 feet. Another tree of the same age, 

 growing in almost pure sand, which was 

 transplanted when it was two years old, and 



Xo man with a spark of manhood in his 

 composition cares to see his neighbor's home 

 surroundings more tidy and beautiful than 

 his own. nor to admit to the public that he is 

 lacking in those evidences of culture and 

 refinement of which these things are the 

 outward expression. — (P. G. Keyes, Otta- 

 wa. Ont. 



the Central Experimental Farm, was planted 



Soimd, Ont. 



