76 
EASTERN SHADE TREE CONFERENCE 
terrific gusts of wind is impossible to predict. The straining and 
wrenching to which the roots of these trees were subjected probably 
resulted in a very considerable amount of root breakage and stripping of 
root bark. 
The problems ahead are bound to be numerous and complex. There 
will be the need for replacing thousands of shade trees with young 
specimens. The choice of the better species and the employment of 
the best planting methods must prevail. The partially uprooted trees 
and the down trees that have been straightened present particular 
problems because they and many others not so drastically damaged 
will be in a weakened condition for lack of roots, adequate stability and 
injuries that expose them to disease. 
Experience in the culture of shade trees has shown the effectiveness of 
fertilizing or feeding weak, non-thrifty trees as a means for bringing them 
into a state of vigorous growth and to a greater degree of resistance to 
unfavorable climatic conditions and in overcoming the effects of disease. 
This practice will unquestionably be emphasized more in the coming 
growing season in the hurricane area than ever before. It is well to 
review some of the fundamental features which underlie this practice 
and which have contributed to its increasing use. 
The well-grown deciduous shade tree is a relatively heavy feeder of 
nitrogen and mineral nutrients each year in the elaboration and main¬ 
tenance of its extensive foliage system. The formation of wood and the 
growth and renewal of feeding roots are also nutrient-demanding growth 
processes. The shade tree on a lawn or along a street does not have the 
benefit of a cyclic return of nutrients and organic matter cast off by spent 
leaves and dead twigs. The shade tree is largely dependent on the 
nutrient-supplying power of its original soil which is too frequently 
infertile, of poor texture and often limited in volume. With age the 
lateral and vertical roots explore greater volumes of new soil when not 
limited by street paving and impervious layers of rock, hardpan or dense 
clay. Root extension when possible has its limitations and competition 
with neighboring trees, shrubs and grass is often a factor preventing 
further extension. The competition with grass is worth noting as grass 
roots are very dense and occupy the surface layers of the soil where the 
conditions for root growth are generally most favorable. Trees also 
have a great concentration of feeding roots in the upper layers of the soil 
particularly near the stem and in the area covered by the branches. 
The extensive areas of surface soil upturned by American elms blown 
