232 TREES AS GOOD CITIZENS 



With a shade tree certain factors are recognized as 

 establishing definite value. For the single specimen these 

 are such characteristics as size, form, type of foliage, lon- 

 gevity, ability to thrive under the local conditions, relative 

 immunity from attack of insects and diseases, vigor of 

 growth, shape, condition with respect to wounds and 

 cavities and ravages of insects and diseases. 



Methods of appraisal have become fairly well stand- 

 ardized through experience. As a result of close observa- 

 tion, more than one tree formerly appraised at high value 

 for street purposes has been "marked down" in some local- 

 ities, because of the local development of increasing 

 troubles affecting them, such as the ravages of the elm 

 beetle or the leopard moth, inability to withstand dry 

 weather, or other conditions. 



Location is a factor of much importance in connection 

 with accurate valuation. A tree in the center of a narrow 

 walk may become a nuisance as traffic increases, and for 

 this reason it is not as valuable as one set in a tree-belt. 

 A well-planted avenue gives to each of its trees greater 

 value than an avenue poorly planted, and the tree which 

 is one of a uniform line has greater value than the tree in a 

 line which is irregular. A tree top close to others is of less 

 value than one with plenty of room for its growth. A 

 wide tree-belt gives a tree more value than does a narrow 

 one. A narrow street lessens a tree's value; a wide street 

 enhances it, by giving it the necessary room and by mak- 

 ing it possible for water mains, sewers and other under- 

 ground construction to be placed farther from the tree's 

 roots. The greater the distance of a tree from the curb, the 

 better its chances for satisfactory growth, and therefore, 

 the greater its value, since nearness to the curb involves 

 closer amputation of the roots in the placing of street, 

 curb, and underground construction, with the added dan- 



