CHAPTER XV. 



INJURIES TO SHADE TREES 



THOUGH a shade tree may have a thousand enemies 

 and but one friend, its chance of life is good if that 

 friend holds a determination to give proper care to injuries 

 which the tree may sustain. 



The sources of injury to the street tree are many and 

 persistent. City traffic aims countless blows at the trunk; 

 overhead wires, snow, hail, sleet and windstorms are a 

 constant menace to the branches and foliage; underground 

 construction of pipes and conduits constantly threatens 

 the roots; and, as if these were not enough, carelessness 

 endangers growth in many ways that can not be enumer- 

 ated. Wounds and injuries come from these various 

 sources. These may be overcome only by careful attention. 



Even a slight injury may develop into serious results 

 unless properly treated. For this reason, no wound should 

 be neglected. Every injury which extends beyond the 

 outer bark makes a place where insects, parasitic diseases, 

 or wood decay or all may enter. Every broken limb or 

 branch offers opportunity for attack. To prevent trouble 

 prompt action is demanded. Here, if anywhere, is the 

 need to apply the remedy before the trouble spreads, as 

 it is not only the cheapest but also the only safe way. The 

 neglected wound invites decay, which may easily prove 

 to be fatal. 



Traffic injuries take many forms. When a street 

 tree has outgrown the guard of its youth and this pro- 

 tection has been removed, damage is possible. Horse 

 bites are frequent sources of trouble, while other traffic 

 dangers come from runaway horses or unruly automobiles 



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