BURBANK: STORM DAMAGE TO CEMETERY 
21 
ignore the fact that what has occurred may recur, and as we contemplate 
the destruction we have seen in our cemeteries, this possibility brings 
to mind certain questions that seem to require free discussion, through 
which we hope co arrive at conclusions that will satisfy, so far as past 
experience and reason may do so, a desire to safeguard remaining and 
projected plantings. 
While we may seem to limit this discussion to areas affected by the 
storm of September 21, 1938, its conclusions can certainly be applied to 
other regie iS, and ought to be, for no one in any of our Eastern States 
can now say with assurance, “It could not happen here.” 
And so, as we run through these slides, I wish to comment very 
briefly on some of them, and I wish you would consider them very 
critically from a professional viewpoint. 
While the planting and care of trees is less vital than many other 
duties, it is an important part of the work of cemetery officials. And 
so, with no pretense of special knowledge farther than that which any¬ 
one in my profession is bound to pick up after twenty years, I should 
like to offer for the consideration of this group several questions which 
their education, training, and experience seem to fit them to discuss, 
and upon which their opinions should carry the weight and authority 
that we look for from specialists. 
First, should a study and examination of the effects of this storm lead 
in future planning to modification, as to variety and location, of shade 
trees ? 
Should we not curtail, perhaps eliminate, expenditures for repairs on 
trees when found to be in a condition similar to those which, after repair, 
failed to survive this storm ? (Possible exception might be when a private 
owner, by reason of sentimental attachment to a particular specimen, 
might be willing to gamble.) Is it not sound practice to consider, not 
only the space which will be required both above and below ground for 
future growth, but also whether or not you are planting greater numbers 
than will be given adequate and proper future care? 
Should not more consideration be given in the future than in the past 
to the question of whether or not the variety is adapted to its proposed 
environment ? 
Will any landscape effect gained by close grouping of shrubbery around 
a tree compensate for the possible injury to the tree by such a practice ? 
What effect, if any, did systematic feeding have upon the ability of 
specimens to withstand this storm ? 
