37 ' 



PRUNING STREET TREES. 



The butchery that it has seemed fitting to perform on street 

 trees to keep them within bounds just at a time when they should 

 bo growing into their greatest beauty could be obviated by giving 

 them the proper attention when young. 



Branches of old trees are pretty sure to droop and get in the 

 way unless is headed well up from the ground and kept that 

 way by cutting away the lower branches while they are small,, 

 long before the trees seem to need it. This process increases the 

 rate of growth of the upper and outer branches and gives what 

 is needed, a tall spreading tree. 



The elm has a tendency to an irregular or even sprawling 

 habit of growth. This should he corrected by cutting back the 

 extending branches making the top symmetrical. The box el^er 

 should be kept well trimmed from the bottom from the time 

 it is planted and its growth will be faster if the interior limbs 

 are removed before they become too thick. Trees with open tops 

 like the cotton wood may be improved by keeping the tops cut 

 back thus making them more dense. The hackberry requires lit- 

 tle or no pruning except to keep the lower branches cut as it 

 develops in height. The typical street tree is one headed high 

 enough not to interfere with traffic and to allow an open view 

 between the house and street, under the trees. The general eff ct 

 is also infinitely better if the pruning be done gradually as the 

 tree grows instead of waiting till one final day and then cutting 

 oil most of the branches, leaving crippled, crooked trunks sur- 

 mounted by a pinched and straggling top. 



ORNAMENTAL TREES AND SHRUBS. 



The average lawn requires but few large trees and these will 

 ordinarily be at the sides and rear. Small compact trees and 

 shrubs give a better effect and these should be arranged so as 

 not to break up the open effect in front nor interfere with good 

 views from the house. 



Planting in irregular masses about the boundaries of the 

 place and close against the house leaving a free open expanse 

 of lawn between will give the best results. 



We have over thirty shrubs growing upon the station grounds 

 and there are very many more suited to this latitude. There are 

 several trees like the cut leaved weeping birch, mountain ash, 



