II. ®lje £>tmt Sm problem in iHattljatfcm 



Any hasty consideration of the question of growing street 

 trees in New York City, or in that most typical portion of 

 it, the Borough of Manhattan, will develop one of two opin- 

 ions. Either it will be deemed a simple problem such as is 

 being solved in nearly every town or city of the land or it 

 will be declared a matter utterly absurd — a problem im- 

 possible of solution. 



Like the results of most hasty considerations, neither of 

 these opinions is correct. Successful tree growth on Man- 

 mattan streets is something considerably more than a ques- 

 tion of ordinary planting and care. Again it is neither im- 

 possible nor impracticable to secure on many streets a satis- 

 factory growth of shade trees. It is true, however, that to 

 secure any considerable number of permanent shade trees 

 on the streets of Manhattan is a problem which is without 

 question one of the most difficult ones yet approached by city 

 foresters or park authorities in this country. 



In addition to the ordinary difficulties which beset tree 

 growth under city conditions, such as pavements which shut 

 out water and air from the roots ; trunk injury due to heavy 

 traffic; weakened vigor to resist insects and disease, due to 

 gas-poisoned soil and smoke and dust-burdened air; we have 

 in Manhattan many additional hazards to overcome. Thus 

 above ground, the very general presence of high buildings 

 upon comparatively narrow streets causes a very serious lack 

 of sunshine, light and air and produces a prevalence of tear- 

 ing, swirling winds. Below the surface we have even more 

 abnormal conditions in the extensive use of the area beneath 

 the street for subways, sewers, conduits and vaults. These 

 things are true not only of the business streets but of the res- 

 idential streets as well. The grass parking strips between 

 sidewalk and curb which are present on the majority of the 



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