370 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF 



off, and the stump remains " like a plug of decaying wood driven into the trunk," from 

 which the rotten mass extends rapidly to the heart of the tree. 



In removing a large branch, enough of the outer portion should be first sawed off to 

 prevent its weight from splitting the wood downward beyond the point where the final 

 cut is to be made. All wounds made in pruning should be covered with coal tar or 

 some other preparation to exclude the air from the raw surface. 



In street planting the trees should be placed with reference to the room they will 

 need when fully grown, rather than with reference to the lot boundary. Otherwise, 

 there will be irregularity, overcrowding, and unoccupied spaces. If a block is fully 

 planted, the trees on one side of the street should stand opposite the spaces on the 

 other side. An avenue should be planted throughout its entire length with the same 

 species, or, at least, for several blocks. By using one species on a street, a stately, 

 architectural effect is obtained that will always be pleasing and impressive. While 

 variety may be desirable for its educational tendency, it should not be permitted 

 because of the irregular, unsightly appearance caused by trees of different sizes and 

 shapes. The advantages of a variety are better secured by planting different species 

 on different streets. A change of trees may be allowed on rural driveways where the 

 irregularity of the scenery will better permit such an arrangement; but, even then, it 

 is better to avoid abrupt, repeated changes, by planting the same species for, a 

 considerable distance. 



Protection of trees. — In towns and cities every tree, whether young or old, newly 

 planted or of full growth, should be enclosed to a proper height in wire netting of a 

 small mesh. Unless this is done, or some similar precaution taken, it is not worth 

 while to plant. The necessity for some such protection is readily apparent on 

 examining trees from the curbstone side, and observing the large number on which 

 the bark has been gnawed by horses. There is a feeling akin to pity when one notes 

 the patient, repeated efforts of the tree to repair the injury, and how it tries each year 

 to cover the wound with new wood and bark, only to have it torn and widened by 

 some fresh attack. It is wasted time to discuss punitive measures as a remedy for this 

 evil. The horse is not to blame, and any law for the prosecution of the drivers would 

 be practically inoperative. A more sensible way would be to protect the tree by some 

 of the simple, inexpensive devices which are available. But this in turn will never be 

 done until the care of the trees devolves upon the city authorities, The man in a 

 rented house will not invest a cent to protect the one in front of his residence ; and 

 the landlord cares nothing about it so long as he gets his rent. 



Municipal control. — The planting of street trees and their subsequent care should 

 devolve on the city government, preferably on the park commissioners, as the officials 

 in that department would be better qualified for the work, farther removed from 



