Shade trees

From Gardening Wiki

Shade trees are used for many purposes in landscaping the home grounds, but we will first consider the planting around the home. Trees should be planted behind in order to form a background, and on the sides to frame in the house, but they should never be planted directly in front of the home, as this will obstruct the view and detract from the general effect of the landscape planting. We often see the mistake of planting shade trees in the center of the front lawn. This is wrong because it not only obstructs the view, but it breaks up the wide expanse of the lawn, making it appear much smaller in extent. It also prevents a satisfactory growth of the grass and everyone knows that a beautiful green lawn is one of the most important parts of the landscape planting. Another point to bear in mind is the fact that the trees spread very much as they become older and for this reason it is not advisable to plant them too close to the house, as it will make the house damp and prevent the entrance of sunshine. Sunshine in the home is a necessity.

Shade Trees in History and Art

In history and in art, shade trees occupy an important position. Was it not under the immense American White Elm at Cambridge,' Massachusetts, that the father of our country took charge of the Continental Army? In many parts of America there are enormous trees true patriarchs of Nature which shade roads and gardens.

Shade Trees for Avenue, Street and Driveway

Shade trees are planted at regular intervals along avenues and streets. The distance of planting ranges from 20 to 50 feet. Some prefer to plant the trees rather close, say 20 to 25 feet, with the understanding that later every other tree will be removed thus allowing the proper development of the remaining trees. Another plan that is followed is to plant every other tree as a permanent tree, using for this purpose trees of moderate growth, but which are long-lived, such as European Sycamore, Norway Maple, English or American Linden, Sugar Maple or one of the Oaks.

Some of these trees we have just mentioned, such as the Norway Maple, European Sycamore, American White Elm and English Linden are of fairly rapid growth, while the Sugar Maple and the Oaks are of slower growth.

In between the permanent trees, which we have just mentioned, are planted sonic of the very rapid growing shade trees. The plan is to let the very rapid growers furnish shade for a few years while the permanent trees are getting established and becoming large enough to furnish effective shade.

As soon as the trees begin to crowd, the rapid growers(or temporary trees) are removed. Some of the best trees to plant for very quick growth are the following:

Silver Maple, Box Elder Maple, Catalpa Speciosa, American White Ash, Carolina Poplar, Lombardy Poplar, Tulip Tree. Some of these trees are very rapid growers and of long life; can be used for permanent planting. We refer particularly to Silver Maple, American White Ash and Tulip Tree.

Street trees, as a rule, should be headed rather high and the trunks should be protected from injury, such as cars passing by. There are many ways of protecting tree trunks, by the use of wovenwire, board protectors, etc. In case the bark is injured the wound should be smoothed down and the edges cut smooth, then painted. For full details of treatment of wounds and the kind of paint to use see tree care