90 
EASTERN SHADE TREE CONFERENCE 
the best of these large trees rather than destroy them. Proper locations 
were selected and the trees were transplanted rather than destroy many 
well developed specimens that could be placed back far enough to allow 
reconstruction to take place. These trees in their original planting 
were planted too closely together to allow for their proper development 
and existence. This work is being done by properly experienced tree 
movers to insure the best results. In many cases in the future develop¬ 
ment program of our roadsides, this practice will be applied where it 
seems advisable to do so. 
In all cases where reconstruction is contemplated, the trees are given 
consideration as to their preservation and proper location. In some 
places the right of way has been altered to avoid the destruction of trees. 
The Highway Department feels that the money is properly spent in this 
type of project because of the increasing value of trees to the landscape 
value of our highway system. 
Where new construction is being considered and the proper right-of- 
way is laid out to fit the topography and the landscape, the proper cross 
section must be designed to make certain that consideration is given to 
the conservation and the preservation of existing growth in order that 
it might be made a part of the future landscape plan. The rounding of 
slopes to blend into the existing hillside will prevent soil erosion. The 
location of utilities underground or overhead at the side line so that 
landscape treatment may be used J;o screen them from the travelled way 
will assure a more satisfactory place for trees to exist. A survey of the 
existing native or volunteer growth is made to determine the varieties of 
trees to use in the landscape design. These trees may be considered as 
plant indicators as to soil conditions and as to what varieties might be 
best suited in the project. The existing growth is important in dealing 
with soil erosion, wind erosion and other problems along our roadsides. 
It is from the existing volunteer growth that we can determine the use of 
plant material and put it in its proper place in the landscape design. It 
also is used to determine the moisture content of the soil and the natural 
condition that we are trying to duplicate. The landscape man must 
study the natural causes of plant life that he might assist nature with 
its work rather than conflict with it. Soils play the role of the dictator 
in this case because they cannot be fooled when it comes to the selection 
of plant material. Many failures in landscape problems can be traced 
back to the use of improper soil. 
When we have completed the above, we can proceed with the planting 
