Jasper County Democrat, Volume 14, Number 6, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 April 1911 — HOW TREES BEAUTIFY STREETS [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

HOW TREES BEAUTIFY STREETS

WHEN trees are budding ana the brown twigs are decorated with clusters of dainty blossoms and tender green leaves unfurl as if by. magic a word* from the'wise will stir popular attention. and all will rejoice in the beauty of the tree and begin to sing of its virtues. This is the reason that Arbor day was appointed for the spring at an hour when Nature pats on her most charming attire. Scientific tree planters reckon that trees are in condition to transplant at any time after the fall of the leaves, and either late autumn or early spring, before the opening of the bads, is the chosen season. It will be seen accordingly that the Arbor day festival date had to consider many things., not only the question of the good of the tree, but a time of the month when Nature would appeal to human planters. Following the happy occasion of Arbor day. suburban homemakers and city Improvement dubs far and wide will begin to plant trees. Many of our most Important public works were the fruits of enthusiasm and somewhat Impractical beginnings. The main thing is to begin work and to do something. Shade trees add so -much to the attractiveness of a locality that their planting is a mark of business sense to property owners. It is probable that after Arbor day resolutions will be passed at more than one meeting and a committee be ordered to bay trees for planting. What shall they buy? What is best for city purposes? What is the experience of other cities? Questions like these are sure to be asked, and an authority should be consulted I before ordering cheap trees and getJ ting the work over without serious de- ! liberations as to the future and success of the tree. Most street trees die for lack of proper soil; many cannot endure the smoke, which clogs the pores of the leaves, and the poisonous gases in the Atmosphere; others suffer from cramped roots under the pavements where the air does not penetrate, others from too much water, and still others from being wounded by horses, hacked by careless hands and general mistreatment. Neglected trees, like, neglected children. show the signs of their misfortunes; hence the improvement society turning over a new leaf on Arbor day should look down its streets with these facts in mintL A vigorous tree will be beautiful, a sickly tree may be returned to health, but a sorrow -fully degenerate tree should be uprooted. , Street trees should possess quaffjtSes of endurance - that is. they -Should have the ability tp rqgfe -unfavorable city life as it ex% soil beat, extremes of water, smoke, gases and dust They should have strength to resist winds, sleet, snow and pressure on the trunk and pruning and various injuries, with the ability to stand transplanting and to be easily propa<eated. The street tree must be selected

from among those that are comparatively Immune from Insect attacks and fungi. Certain trees, like human beings. pick up disease from the air, and i there are other hardy folk who stand 1 the test. Thus the oak and ailanthos ■enjoy splendid health and the horse chestnut and linden suffer severely. A good form with upright habit Is to be preferred. A drooping tree or one that heads too low gets in the way of traffic and keeps the soil continually shaded. If it is too broad it interferes with walks and windows, and if too large sunlight and air are shut off from houses and street. Trees that retain their foliage all summer, small leaved trees that let the sunshine through and those that do not leaf too early and get nipped for their venturesome habits are among the first listed. Then they should not have the badhabit of sprouting at the roots, nor shedding bark, twigs or leaves, nor have thorns nor tempting fruit or flowers to attract the climbing small boy. A long lived shade tree that

lives more than one generation is the wisest investment, as short lived trees must be replanted and require more care and expense. Discussing the merits of various trees, the oak is by far the best shade tree for cities. The white oak is objectionable because it Is of very slow growth and retains its leaves during winter. The sycamore comes second as a shade producer and reliable city tree. It Is widely grown in the cities of India, Persia and Europe. In London it bears the reputation of being the only tree that will thrive in the dust and smoke of so large a city. It Is becom ing popular in the United States. Norway maple, ginkgo, ash. hackberry. sweet gum. elm, silver maple, horse chestnut, honey locust, sugar maple. linden and tulip trees are recommended. their importance and value following the order named.