232 
TREES AS GOOD CITIZENS 
With a shade tree certain factors are recognized as 
establishing definite value. For the single specimen these 
are such characteristics as size, form, type of foliage, lon¬ 
gevity, ability to thrive under the local conditions, relative 
immunity from attack of insects and diseases, vigor of 
growth, shape, condition with respect to wounds and 
cavities and ravages of insects and diseases. 
Methods of appraisal have become fairly well stand¬ 
ardized through experience. As a result of close observa¬ 
tion, more than one tree formerly appraised at high value 
for street purposes has been “marked down” in some local¬ 
ities, because of the local development of increasing 
troubles affecting them, such as the ravages of the elm 
beetle or the leopard moth, inability to withstand dry 
weather, or other conditions. 
Location is a factor of much importance in connection 
with accurate valuation. A tree in the center of a narrow 
walk may become a nuisance as traffic increases, and for 
this reason it is not as valuable as one set in a tree-belt. 
A well-planted avenue gives to each of its trees greater 
value than an avenue poorly planted, and the tree which 
is one of a uniform line has greater value than the tree in a 
line which is irregular. A tree top close to others is of less 
value than one with plenty of room for its growth. A 
wide tree-belt gives a tree more value than does a narrow 
one. A narrow street lessens a tree’s value; a wide street 
enhances it, by giving it the necessary room and by mak¬ 
ing it possible for water mains, sewers and other under¬ 
ground construction to be placed farther from the tree’s 
roots. The greater the distance of a tree from the curb, the 
better its chances for satisfactory growth, and therefore, 
the greater its value, since nearness to the curb involves 
closer amputation of the roots in the placing of street, 
curb, and underground construction, with the added dan- 
