AVENUE AND SCREEN TREES. 



129 



When planting for avenues, the known habit of growth of the trees must always be 

 taken into consideration. In many instances they are planted much too closely. Not 

 only is ample space necessary between the trees, but they ought also to be set well 

 back from road or grass ride, or much lopping will eventually be needed to keep them 

 within bounds. Beeches, chestnuts, and oaks, may be planted 36 feet apart and not 

 less than 18 feet from the edge of a drive ; while elms for reasons already given should 

 never overhang a road, and these, therefore, ought to be arranged from 30 to 36 feet 

 apart, and at least half that distance from the drive. liimes and hornbeams require 

 rather less space, 30 feet apart and 12 feet from the road answering well for them. 

 Conifers might be planted 20 feet apart and 10 feet 

 from a walk or road. Where there is room, a 

 double line of trees, angled on each side, makes 

 an avenue more imposing. For a few years the 

 ground around the main trees might be occupied 

 by others less vigorous, and also shrubs, moving 

 these before they interfere with the trees intended 

 to form the avenue. Ivy may be allowed to cover 

 the ground at the base of trees established, but 

 if permitted to take possession of the stems it is 

 an impediment to free growth. 



It is of importance that all the trees planted to 

 form an avenue be of one age and similarly treated 

 to secure uniformity in growth. The trees must be 

 protected from injury by cattle, sheep, and ground k^. 03. wellixutoxia (restricted). 

 game. There are a variety of methods of protection. 



Iron fencing is the most durable and the cheapest in the end, but it must not be so near 

 the trees as to interfere with their growth, or permit cattle to reach them. When the 

 branches are unduly confined by a fence, or can be eaten by animals, trees are 

 gradually ruined. Hundreds, probably thousands, are disfigured similarly to that shown 

 on "Fig. 63, in various parts of the country, and they contrast most unfavourably with a 

 perfect specimen (Fig. 64) of the same age, which would be an ornament to any garden 

 and worthy of being cherished by its owner. 



Screens are desirable in the majority of newly formed gardens and pleasure grounds, 

 for insuring privacy, masking undesirable objects, and for affording shelter from cold 



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