MOST AVAILABLE TREES FOR PLAXTIXG. 57 



ASH. 



Of all the ashes, the white ash (Fraxinus Americana, L.) 

 has the most desirable qualities as a shade tree. It requires 

 a rich soil and does best in the presence of considerable mois- 

 ture. Under favorable conditions it grows fairly rapidly 

 and attains a good size with a moderately broad, open crown 

 and thin foliage. It makes a desirable tree where a moderate 

 shade is wanted in summer and much sunlight in winter. 

 The tree has few enemies and is little subject to disease. 

 The chief objection to it as a shade tree is that the leaves 

 come late in the spring and fall very early. The European 

 ash is less desirable than this. Green ash (F. pennsylvanica, 

 rar. lanceolata Sarg.) is a comparatively small tree but 

 hardier than white ash. It is planted largely in the West 

 and should have a place here on narrow streets and where 

 onlv a moderate shade is wanted. 



BASSWOOD OR LINDEN. 



The most important species is Tilia Americana, L., a beau- 

 tiful, large tree with compact crown, broad lustrous leaves, 

 and a curious winged fruit. This is an admirable tree for 

 avenues and streets of moderate width where sun glare is not 

 excessive. On closely paved streets, and near brick or stone 

 buildings, the tree suffers seriously from sunburn. Bass- 

 wood requires good soil and considerable care. Where that 

 can be given its beautiful foliage and fragrant flowers justify 

 its planting. Under other conditions it should not be at- 

 tempted. The European linden is apparently less able to 

 withstand the trying conditions of city streets than the na- 

 tive species. 



BEECH. 



This tree has no value for street planting, but either the 

 native species (Fagus Americana, Sweet) or the European 

 (F. sylvatica, L.) makes a beautiful lawn tree. They require 



