8 SHADE TREES. 



tree, it is a failure if it does not fit the situation. By careful 

 pruning almost any tree can be made to grow upright, or to 

 develop a broad crown, but it is much better to chose a species 

 that naturally takes the desired form. Trees are beautiful, 

 or otherwise, as they harmonize with their surroundings. 



On narrow streets with houses close to the curb only slen- 

 der trees of moderate height growth should be planted. Red 

 maple, reel gum, ginkgo, are good. For wider streets, or 

 those with parking in front of the houses, larger trees like 

 ISForway maple, basswood, horse chestnut, or pin oak, may 

 be chosen. Wide avenues should be dignified with the most 

 majestic trees white elm, white oak, red oak, tulip poplar. 



2. Hardiness and Adaptability are qualities of prime im- 

 portance in a street tree. Under any circumstances care- 

 ful consideration must be given to the native soil, the pave- 

 ment, the nearness of buildings, as well as to the vigor of 

 the tree itself and its power to adapt itself to unusual strains. 

 Strength to withstand the pressure of wind, snow, ice, etc., 



ability to recover from mechanical iniuries, and 



A street . " . J 



tree must resistance to insect attack and to disease are also 



be resistant. 



factors. JNo tree at all susceptible to irost 

 should be planted in this State. Sweet gurn grows well in 

 clay but not in sand; sugar maple and basswood suffer from 

 leaf burn when over a smooth, light colored pavement ; horse 

 chestnut is apt to be infested with insects and fungi. 



3. Rapidity of Growth. To most people who plant trees 

 that which grows most rapidly is best. Thus our streets are 

 filled with silver maples, box elders and cottonwoods instead 

 of IsTorway maples, oaks and elms. Quick growing trees are 

 desirable, yet it is a fact that those which grow most rapidly 



are commonly the shortest lived. Plant silver 



trees are maple or cottonwood it you must have a good 



lived. sized tree in a hurry, but don't forget that it 



will have to be replaced when a Norway maple, a red oak, or 

 a sycamore is at its best. And bear in mind that cultivation 

 and care will make any good tree grow comparatively rapidly. 

 A red oak well nurtured will increase in size faster than a 

 maple that is neglected and abused. 



