SHADE TREES. 131 



possess, however, the qualifications of the former species, and is best 

 adapted to country roadsides. 



Scarlet Oak {Qvercus coccinea) . — The scarlet oak is one of the most 

 beautiful oaks in New England. It is adapted to the driest and poorest 

 of soils, often being associated with the black or yellow oak. It is a tree 

 of slow growth, and on this account has been planted very sparingly in 

 the past. Recentty, however, it has come to be more appreciated. The 

 beautiful scarlet foliage, characteristic of this tree in the fall, is much 

 admired. It is well suited to dry, gravelly soil where other trees, such as 

 the elm, will not thrive. In some cases it has been effectively alternated 

 on countrj^ roadsides with some tree of rapid growth, as the Carolina 

 poplar, the poplars being removed when the oaks have reached a fair 

 size. The scarlet oak is worthj'^ of much more attention as a shade tree 

 than it has received, especially for suburban streets and country roadsides. 



Pin Oak {Quercus pahistris). — The pin oak has its northern limit in 

 Massachusetts, and in the Connecticut valley, where it is found quite 

 abundantly, it becomes a handsome tree. It naturally grows in rich, 

 moist soil and often in water, and appears not to tolerate too dry con- 

 ditions. The s.ymmetrical, triangular or pyramidal shape of the crown 

 and its drooping branches give it an individuality distinct from other 

 trees. The growth characteristic of this tree in New England appears to 

 be somewhat different from that further south, as is the case with most 

 trees. In the north it appears to retain its youthful form longer than 

 elsewhere. It should be planted in soil having a texture capable of hold- 

 ing moisture, and the addition of organic matter is advisable. Under 

 desirable soil conditions the pin oak attains a diameter of 6 or 7 inches in 

 nine or ten years. It is well adapted to narrow streets, and especially to 

 lawns and parks. The characteristic drooping habit of its limbs neces- 

 sitates careful and high pruning when planted on streets. The pin oak 

 resembles the red oak in being relatively free from troubles induced by 

 insects, fungi, etc., and may be considered one of our most promising 

 shade trees. 



Mossy Cup Oak {Quercus rnacrocarpa) and swamp wliite oak {Q^iercus 

 hicolor) are sometimes planted on country roadsides. The latter, which 

 makes slow growth, is adapted to wet places. 



Basswood or American Linden {Tilia americana) is a native of New 

 England, but is seldom planted on streets, although it is adapted to certain 

 locations. It is a beautiful tree — ■ with bright green foliage, graceful and 

 symmetrical when young, but when planted too closely it loses its lower 

 limbs and is inclined to early deterioration. 



European Linden (Tilia sp.). — The linden has been much planted as 

 a shade tree, and is a good tree when young and vigorous. The tree is not 

 as a rule long lived, and it is often subject to sun scald and frost cracks 

 from which it deteriorates rapidly. It is also likely to be affected with 

 sooty mold, which follows the honey dew secretions of aphids. This 

 materially affects the appearance of the tree. There are several species 



