ORNAMENTAL AND SHADE TREES 



993 



50 to 70 feet. Where trees and shrubs of varying foHage 

 and tolerance of shade are mixed in groups for landscape 

 effects, the spacing is closer often 5 to 80 feet. 



"The hole should be dug wider and deeper than seems 

 necessary perhaps 2 or 3 feet deep with an area of 

 about 30 square feet for 2-inch trees, in order that the 

 growing roots may have a sufficient amount of loose rich 

 soil. If the soil from the pit is not good, it should be re- 

 placed with rich loam or forest humus free from sticks 

 and stones. The tree should be planted to the same 

 depth at which it stood in its original site, or perhaps an 

 inch or two deeper if set in light porous soil; the root 

 collar indicates the right depth. Fill in the center of the 

 hole with earth to the height at which the tree is to 

 stand; then place the tree on this slight elevation and 

 spread out the roots in a natural manner. While an as- 

 sistant is covering the roots with the first thin layer of 

 soil, the tree may be moved up and down within the 

 space of an inch, in order to firm it in place and to bring 

 the soil into close contact with the roots ; then as the 

 hole is gradually filled, the soil is pressed down carefully 

 but firmly to prevent drying out, the last shovel full being 

 thrown loosely over the surface. A heavy man with large 

 feet makes a good planter. Water is useless excepting in 

 dry loose ground. 



"Before planting, any broken and bruised roots should 

 be removed with a sharp knife, the face of the cut being 

 made on the under side of the root. The loss of roots 

 must be balanced by pruning of the top in which crooked 

 branches are removed and spindling twigs shortened. A 

 straight and vigorous leader uncut gives the tree a long 

 conical crown; if cut, a short compact crown. The bean- 

 pole style of planting without any top is not advisable 

 excepting in special cases where the root structure has 

 sustained much injury; since rapidity of growth depends 

 on leaf surface, topping is a serious set-back, but good 

 sprouters like willows and poplars will survive such 

 mutilation, and these short-lived trees are recommended 

 for planting where rapidity of growth and shade is the 

 chief consideration. 



"A thin mulch of leaves, or litter mixed with fertilizer 

 will keep the ground cool and free from weeds which 

 would transpire the moisture needed by the young tree. 

 A stake driven into the ground and fastened to the tree 

 by a twine inclosed in a piece of rubber tubing prevents 

 wind-throw. The market affords various kinds of tree- 

 guards against injury by animals. Young beeches, 

 maples, horse-chestnuts and others subject to sun-scald 

 are protected by neighboring shade or by lattice south of 

 the trees. Planting may be done at any time, but from 

 April 1 to May 10 is the most favorable season in Rhode 

 Island. 



"The choice of species is a large topic outside the scope 

 of this essay, but it may be said that adaptability is es- 

 sential. Sidewalks require clean, hardy, symmetrical, 

 long-lived species of moderate size like Red Maple, Nor- 

 way Maple, Hackberry, and Ironwood. Wide avenues 

 admit the more majestic trees, like the Oaks, Basswood, 

 Tulip, Chestnut, Rock Maple and Liquidambar. JJni- 

 formity of spacing and species is effective in a street. 



On lawns, variety of species lends accent to diversity of 

 topography, and charm through the countless tints of 

 bud, leaf, and flower in springtime, and the fine array 

 of brilliant foliage in autumn. For dense shade, use 

 Beech and Maple; for thin shade, Ash." 



SPECIFICATIONS FOR SHADE TREE PLANTING 



The Brooklyn Park Department, in permitting citi- 

 zens to plant a shade tree, sets up the following speci- 

 fications : 



"1. The tree to be at least 23/2 inches in diameter, one 

 foot from ground. 



2. To be straight, to have a compact fibrous root sys- 

 tem and a well-balanced head. 



3. The trunk of the tree to be free from branches to 

 a height of at least 7 feet from the ground and the first 

 branch to be not over 9 feet from the ground. 



4. The tree to be free from disease and injurious 

 insect pests. 



5. The tree hole to be not less than 3 feet square and 

 3 feet deep. 



6. One to three cubic yards of good mould to be placed 

 in each tree hole, according to the conditions governing 

 the location. 



7. The tree to be planted at the same depth that it 

 stood before transplanting. 



8. Wherever possible, trees should be planted not less 

 than 25 feet apart. Thirty feet is preferable. 



9. The tree to be watered and surface soil raked or 

 cultivated at least once a week in dry weather, and other- 

 wise to be properly cared for by the owner of the 

 premises, at his own expense and to the satisfaction of 

 the Department of Parks. 



10. The work of planting to be done under the direc- 

 tion and to the satisfaction of the Department of Parks, 

 or its proper representatives, and subject to the rules, 

 regulations and ordinances of the Department of Parks. 



11. A tree guard of approved pattern, or wire guard of 

 small mesh, to be placed around the tree by the owner of 

 the premises. 



12. The most desirable trees for general street planting 

 are the Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) and Oriental 

 Sycamore (Platanus orientalis). For suburban sections 

 there are other equally suitable trees, and for informa- 

 tion on these consult this Department. The Poplars, 

 Silver Maple {Acer sacharinum, Linn.) and Sycamore 

 Maple {Acer Pseudo-plataniis) are not desirable for 

 street planting." 



THE CARE OF SHADE TREES 



Mr. Carl Bannwart, of the Newark Shade Tree Com- 

 mission, admirably presents the main points in the "Care 

 of Trees" in the following way: 



"Every boy and girl has his or her good points. So has 

 a horse. So has a tree. The good points of a horse 

 and those of a boy are much the same. The horse must 

 have vim, be bright, be well-proportioned, clean-limbed. 

 The boy must have vim, must be bright, must have a 

 good set of muscles. The good horse has a pleasing 

 color and a glossy coat and must hold his head high. 



