66 



TREES AS GOOD CITIZENS 





HACKBERRY 



_^ 



them is with branches resting on the ground, and the 

 removal of these destroys the beauty of the tree. More- 

 over, they will not withstand the soot and dust and sul- 

 phur fumes prevalent in a city. 



Hackberry. Because of its ability to thrive in 



poor soil and in varying cli- 

 mates, the Hackberry has 

 staunch friends among the 

 planters of street shade 

 trees, especially in the south. 

 It is valuable in the western 

 half of the country, but in 

 the east it is rather ragged. 

 In appearance, it is much 

 like the Elm, although smal- 

 ler and more erect. The tree 

 is affected in someplaces bya disease called Witches'Broom. 

 Ailanthus or Tree of Heaven. The chief recommen- 

 dation for this tree for street planting is that it will 

 thrive where others would die. The poorest soil and 

 the most forbidding environment seem to offer no dis- 

 couragement to it. Its growth is very rapid and, in its 

 younger years, it has attractive form, which it maintains 

 with advancing age if not 

 mutilated by accident or 

 severe pruning. It is useful 

 where other trees would not 

 grow, especially in the heart 

 of cities, and for this reason 

 should have its place among 

 trees to be considered for 

 congested areas. The foliage 

 is rich and heavy and prod- 

 uces good shade. Because 



