SHADE TREES. 



143 



able to plant the trees near the abutter's line to protect them from horses, 

 etc.; besides, the conditions for development are better here. When 

 trees are planted too close to the sidewalk and curbing the roots interfere 

 with them, and if the tree belt is narrow the roots are continually injuring 

 the walks. In no case is it advisable to plant trees in the ditch, or even 

 so close to the roadbeds that they are likely to be constantly scarred. 

 Wide tree belts make it possible to alternate two rows of trees and secure 

 more massive effects. A street having wide tree belts provided with good 

 soil furnishes an excellent opportunity for tree growth and development, 

 and with the installation of the best modern gas lines, sewer conduits, 

 etc., there is no reason why trees should not nourish under these con- 

 ditions. When the streets are narrow it is desirable, if conditions will 

 permit, to plant alternately. This system allows much better opportunity 

 for development of the trees. 



Besides the tree belt, many of our modern cities reserve a space in the 

 center of the street for a miniature parkway, to furnish a chance for the 

 planting of trees and shrubs. 



Much more attention should be given at the present day to the laying 

 out of streets, and towns should be more careful about accepting too 

 narrow highways. The present generation might learn much concerning 

 street planning from the early settlers of our New England towns. 



DISTANCE TO PLANT. 



Opinions naturally differ in regard to the distance apart to plant 

 trees. In fact, we must expect to find a diversity of opinion in all matters 

 relating to the care and treatment of trees and shrubs owing to the vari- 



Fni. 14. Plan of street with parkway and 6-foot tree belt. 



able conditions under which they grow; neither are the results sought 

 for always the same. 



If street trees are to be planted for their final individual effect they 

 should be set far enough apart not to interfere with one another; but if 



