92 TREES IX WINTER 



discussed under the head of Eural Homes. The planting for the 

 second group will he discussed under the head of The Suhurhan 

 Lot, and that for the third group under the head of Back Yard 

 Planting. 



The Suhurhan Lot — The size and shape of city and suburban 

 lots varies so greatly that it is difficult to generalize on matters 

 pertaining to its planting. A large proportion of them, however, 

 are about 50 x 100 feet, and have the house located in the center. 

 On a lot of this size it is not easy to follow any particular style. 

 Since prevailing custom is the rule in matters of dress and since 

 trees and shrubs may be regarded as the garb with which we clothe 

 our homes, it seems safe to take custom as our guide in the matter 

 of home planting. 



The main objects of planting, of course, are to furnish protection 

 from the sun, to soften the harsh lines of the buildings, 

 and to furnish ornament. The planting necessarily must be 

 simple, and matters of convenience and sanitation should overrule 

 considerations of beauty. Where trees are planted along the 

 street it is doubtful whether there will be room for any on the 

 lawn. Probably a single specimen of a small-growing variety 

 may be admitted. A white or gray birch may often be so located 

 that it will give diversity to the sky-line and relieve the harsh 

 lines of the buildings. 



On larger lots, two or three trees may be planted, but these 

 should be located in the extreme corners. For sanitary rea- 

 sons, also, there should be no large trees planted so near the house 

 as to prevent the free circulation of air and the admission of sun- 

 light. The most common mistake is in getting too many trees around 

 the house. Evergreens especially should be avoided, except on very 

 large places. They produce a shut-in effect that is objectionable 

 on small places. 



The dweller in the small city or in the suburbs of the large 

 city, therefore, must depend largely upon shrubs and herbaceous 

 plants for his home ornamentation. These are usually grouped 

 in borders along the boundaries and around the buildings. Small 

 clumps are often used also in the curves and junctures of the 

 walks. Occasionally a single specimen or a group may be located 

 in the open lawn, but as a rule an unbroken greensward will pro- 

 duce more pleasing results. When the house is located at one side 



