44 College of Forestry. 



GOOD SPECIES FOR STREET PLANTING. 



The selection of a specie for street planting must be guided 

 by a few fundamental considerations of such qualities as 

 hardiness, adaptiveness to soil conditions, ornamental and 

 shading value, immunity from attacks of insect pests and 

 tree diseases, general habits of growth, and length of life. 

 These points will be borne out in the discussion of each 

 species given. The list is conservative although not ex- 

 tremely so. The best results will follow adherence to the list 

 in making selections for street planting. 



1. ORIENTAL SYCAMORE (Platanus orientalis). 



While the Oriental Sycamore is not so hardy as the native 

 Sycamore, it is, however, perfectly hardy in the southern 

 part of the State. In the northern part where it is killed 

 back slightly in winter, it has been used with success on 

 account of its rapid growth, which makes up for the loss 

 from winter killing. The Plane-tree, as it is sometimes 

 called, is quite adaptive to a wide range of soils and is one 

 of the few trees that succeeds when planted in an opening 

 made in paved sidewalks. It makes the most luxuriant 

 growth in sandy loam soil. The sturdy, bold appearance of 

 the tree, the greyish white color of the bark, and the pendu- 

 lous, ball-shape fruit make the tree very imposing in winter. 

 The coarse texture of the foliage is quite distinctive in sum- 

 mer when it affords ample shade. It is not attacked seriously 

 by insects and not subject to the fungus disease that com- 

 monly injures the foliage of the native Sycamore. The 

 Oriental Sycamore is a large, broad spreading tree although 

 quite compact in its habit of branching. It is especially 

 suitable for planting on wide streets and avenues. However 

 it may be used on any width of street by proper pruning, 

 which it withstands without injury. This is one of the few 

 trees that combines rapid growth with a long life. The ease 

 with which this tree may be transplanted and its ability to 

 grow rapidly under many adverse conditions makes it one 

 of the best for street planting. 



