Care in Planting Trees 183 
have ample space, so as to avoid all interference and give 
ample distance from disturbing effects. To gauge its 
proper space, the planter must be somewhat familiar with‘ 
the spreading habit of the species, which may vary from 
ten feet for many of the smaller conifers, to a hundred feet 
and more for the spreading oaks. The space between 
may then be filled out with temporary specimens, which 
must be removed as soon as they begin interfering with the 
favorite, or else with low shrubbery. 
For streets and avenues, where not the single specimen, 
but a row loosely connected is desired, a distance of at 
least thirty to forty feet will suffice for the majority of species 
that are usually planted, and leave enough space to permit 
free circulation of air and light. With low trees this may 
be reduced to fifteen to twenty feet. Contrary to orthodox 
belief, the writer would not hesitate for the sake of quicker 
shading effect, to put temporary trees half way between the 
permanent ones, even of a different species, to be removed 
when the latter require it. But, to be sure, the same lack 
of judicious use of the axe at the proper time, as is usual in 
the parks, is apt to frustrate the results of such a plan. 
When planting groups, where not the form of the single 
specimen, but the combination of foliage of different kind 
is sought, when a judicious combination of shade-enduring 
slow growers, and light-needing rapid growers is made, a 
distance varying between five and fifteen feet, and with low 
shrubbery even closer, will usually be found satisfactory. 
The tendency is always to plant closer than desirable, nor 
is it objectionable, provided the planting is thinned out at 
the proper time by the use of the axe or by removing and 
transplanting undesirable or interfering parts. 
