STREHJT AND HIGHWAY PLANTING. 



59 



THE OAKS. 



The use of the oaks for street planting is one of the indications that 

 popular attention is turning to the matter of street planting. A few 

 years ago most people would have been impatient at the thought of 

 using oaks for shade trees. Now it has been demonstrated that some 

 oaks make as rapid growth as many species of trees commonly used. 

 Of course there is variation among the different species of oak; and, 

 similarly, it must be admitted that they are not suitable for plantings 

 where quick results are wanted, but in spite of this, their permanence 

 and charm of individuality recommend them to the planter who is 

 seeking an expression which shall be most perfect in its way. The 

 characteristic live oak which is found throughout the State would not, 

 at first thought, seem a suitable species for street use. 



This oak (Quercus agrifolw) (Fig. 30) has been used, however, 

 rather extensively in Hollywood and Garvanza and the young trees 

 give great promise. One thing appears in their development, and 

 that is great irregularity in rate of growth and in many cases a 

 tendency to bad form. The gnarled top-heavy branches which are so 

 admirable in private yards are hardly suitable for street use. This 

 question of irregularity is one which must be dealt with in a most 

 thoughtful way. To confine the trees to a rigid form would remove 

 all individuality and yet the individuality must be kept within bounds. 



A very wide parking is the first thing to be obtained and constant 



