I 



CHAPTER IV. 



SELECTION OF TREES FOR PLANTING 



T is of basic importance in the planning of shade tree 

 planting that due care and attention be given to 

 the selection of the species best suited for the particular 

 location. Choosing the right variety is the starting point 

 of shade tree success. A tree unsuited to the climate, soil, 

 or other local conditions of growth can not be expected to 

 produce the desired results. All other rules may be care- 

 fully observed and the most painstaking and intelligent 

 attention may be given to planting, pruning and general 

 care, but if an unsuitable variety is selected, the results 

 will be disappointing. 



Choice of proper varieties is not difficult. The factors 

 that determine the selection are adaptability to the 

 climate and to the soil of the locality, suitability of the 

 size, form and denseness of shade to the streets upon 

 which they are to be planted, and ability to withstand 

 gases, smoke and other untoward city conditions. 



To secure hardiness, trees should be used that are known 

 to thrive locally or under similar conditions. They should 

 also be selected with regard to the soil where they are to 

 be grown. The soil of streets is often far from ideal and 

 as it is impossible to modify more than a small part of 

 the future feeding ground, trees must be selected to suit 

 the soil. Another requirement is hardiness, ability to 

 overcome handicaps, combined with adaptability to 

 particular environment. In cold climates this factor 

 includes strength to withstand snow, ice and freezing, 

 and in all climates it involves power of resistance to wind, 

 mechanical injuries, insects and diseases. Rapidity of 



41 



