TREE PROTECTION 9 



supposed that wires underground may be forgotten, since tree roots and wires 

 may sometimes conflict. For the present, however, the equipment of wire-using 

 agencies is not likely to be changed materially, and there should be opportunity 

 for additional study of problems concerned with overhead wires and trees. 

 During wartime, extra vigilance is necessary to insure the fullest measure of un- 

 interrupted service from both trees and wires, and accidents resulting from the 

 falling of weakened trees should be prevented. 



The following data prepared independently by L. B. Shepherd, Division Toll 

 Service Supervisor, New England Telephone and Telegraph Company, indicate 

 the nature of tree troubles encountered by wire-using agencies. A total of 35 

 percent of toll open wire troubles is associated with trees, principally sugar 

 maple, poplar, elm, birch, spruce, beech, and oak. 



Sugar Maple — Failure occurs at the crotch, and at the time the limb is in leaf. 

 To all appearances, the tree may be a healthy one. It is suggested that crotches 

 of old maples be checked for decay, and that ends of limbs be examined for indi- 

 cations of dj'ing branches. 



Poplar — Failure occurs by trunk breaking off either at base or near top of 

 tree, after tree has reached 8 to 10 inches in diameter. 



Elm — Failure occurs in large elms at the crotch or midway in limb, probably 

 on account of the resistance to the wind when the tree is in full leaf. Crotches 

 should be checked as suggested under "Sugar Maple", and crotch reinforcementb 

 should be provided for those limbs considered hazardous. Experience has shown 

 that limbs of elms are brittle, and snap easily under pressure. 



Birch (White or Yellow) — Failure occurs during period of hea\y wet snow. 

 Trees become laden with snow and ice and lie over into wires. 



Spruce or Pine — Failure occurs during violent wind, and trunk snaps ofif about 

 15 or 20 feet from ground line. It is suggested that attention be given to trees 

 that are leaning (probably result of hurricane), shallow rooted, and have dying 

 foliage. 



Beech and Oak — Failure occurs when trees are leaning into wires, particularly 

 on sidehills. 



Cutting Wood for Home Use. The fuel shortage has brought an increase in 

 the number of inexperienced persons chopping wood for home consumption. 

 In order to accomplish the most for their efforts, persons will do well to consult 

 their county agricultural agents and inform themselves on time-saving methodf 

 in the cutting and use of fuelwood. Careless chopping has in some instances 

 resulted in serious damage to utility service. Fuel conservation of this type is 

 indeed attained at a high cost in other critical materials and service. The felling 

 of trees on wires should always be avoided, and in doubtful cases, chopping in the 

 vicinity of wires should not be attempted. Extended luelwood programs organ- 

 ized to save other types of fuel serve a valuable need if dangers of spreading the 

 Dutch elm disease and damaging service of wire-using agencie.- are carefully 

 guarded against. With certain limitations on the disposition of elm wood, as 

 indicated elsewhere in this publication, the consumption of wood from hazardous 

 trees may be an important supplement to the fuel conservation program, espec- 

 ially in cities where woodlots are not often immediately available. How- 

 ever, attention should be called to the fact that trees in the public way or on the 

 boundaries thereof are the responsibility of the tree warden, and promiscuous 

 cutting by individuals is unlawful. Disposition of the wood after a tree is cut 

 may be arranged by the municipal officer in charge of trees. 



