CHAPTER II. 



TREES CROWN THE HOME 



What does he plant who plants a tree? 

 He plants, in sap and leaf and wood, 

 In love of home and loyalty, 

 And far-cast thought of civic good 

 His blessing on the neighborhood. 



ALL of the arguments in favor of trees for the com- 

 munity at large, and for the town or city street or the 

 country road, bear with concentrated force on trees for the 

 individual home. However small the lot, if there is a place 

 for a tree there should be a tree in that place. If there is no 

 room for a tree, shrubs, at least, should be planted. Trees 

 and shrubs give the final touch that marks the difference 

 between the home and the mere house. Shaded lawns 

 complete the picture of shaded thoroughfares. They pro- 

 vide the poetry of the home setting; they give expression to 

 the bit of sentiment with which every true home-lover is 

 blessed; they color the home with the tinge of romance 

 that meets universal human need. 



No other feature does as much to give the home a well- 

 dressed appearance as the presence of trees. Whether it be 

 the stately mansion, with its broad sweep of spacious lawn, 

 or the modest residence on the forty-foot lot, the graceful 

 foliage of trees or shrubs is necessary to produce the home- 

 like charm. If there is room for many trees, this room 

 should be used; but the space for the single tree must not 

 be neglected. 



It is only necessary to note the appearance of homes in 

 general to realize the emphasis of beauty produced by trees 

 and shrubs. The best kept lawn, whether the impressive 

 slope of the pretentious establishment or the tiny strip of 



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