CHAPTER XV. 
INJURIES TO SHADE TREES 
T HOUGH a shade tree may have a thousand enemies 
and but one friend, its chance of life is good if that 
friend holds a determination to give proper care to injuries 
which the tree may sustain. 
The sources of injury to the street tree are many and 
persistent. City traffic aims countless blows at the trunk; 
overhead wires, snow, hail, sleet and windstorms are a 
constant menace to the branches and foliage; underground 
construction of pipes and conduits constantly threatens 
the roots; and, as if these were not enough, carelessness 
endangers growth in many ways that can not be enumer¬ 
ated. Wounds and injuries come from these various 
sources. These may be overcome only by careful attention. 
Even a slight injury may develop into serious results 
unless properly treated. For this reason, no wound should 
be neglected. Every injury which extends beyond the 
outer bark makes a place where insects, parasitic diseases, 
or wood decay or all may enter. Every broken limb or 
branch offers opportunity for attack. To prevent trouble 
prompt action is demanded. Here, if anywhere, is the 
need to apply the remedy before the trouble spreads, as 
it is not only the cheapest but also the only safe way. The 
neglected wound invites decay, which may easily prove 
to be fatal. 
Traffic injuries take many forms. When a street 
tree has outgrown the guard of its youth and this pro¬ 
tection has been removed, damage is possible. Horse 
bites are frequent sources of trouble, while other traffic 
dangers come from runaway horses or unruly automobiles 
H9 
