The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1890-08-13
Trees and Shrubbery Near the
Buildings.

a misehievous error is tiat Of placing
trees close 10 buildings. Although trees
and shrubs are the chief decorative orna-
ments Of a place, they beeonle positively
injurious when ciosely massed around a
+ habitation Where large trees are al
lowed 70 spread and oyeThaag the roofs.
choking cutters and wster-leaders, and
causing d deposit Of mold and other fun
gus as far as their iniuence extends, it is
impossible sor the house to be dry, COM
Portable, or healtliful Many Of the older
houses throughout the country are rem
deFed almost uninhsbitabls By the dense
surroundings Of trees and shrubbery.
and the evil is greatly aggravated when
the trees are Of evergreen species. Plant
ing OF the finer species Of dwarf Towering
shrubs may be placed in moderately large
masses on the lawn near the house with
out injury, if not TOO freqlenily repeat
ed 0Jt continuous thicsets near the
building, on any except ths north side,
viii sensibly exclude the cool breezes, so
grateful during summer The house
nesting on the sunny side of an ever
green plantation is suggestive Of com
fort, and presents cheerful, sheltered
appearance during winter. Il is as eco
nomical as it is attractive; buteven these
to be Of the greatest benefit, should not
approach nearer than one hundred feet Of
the house. Isolated specimens Of rare,
or otherwise specially interesting trees,
may be planted nearer. A certain amount
Of shade is very desirable, especially in
climates where, during sreat portion Of
the year it Is agreeable out Of doors
Trees Of large and spreading growth
should not be planted nearer than sixty
feet from the walls Of dwelling house.
Those Of medium size, such as the Nor
way and English maple, that do not at
tain height Of more than thirty feet.
may be planted thirty to forty feet from
the building. IN additional disadvant-
age resulting from surrounding the build
ing with a thicket Of foliage is that it
shuts out the views Of immediate and
distant scenery. and the house. as an OBJ
ject Of the local landscape, is hidden from
view. IF the structure las any artistic
merit, it should il Itself form feature
which, 10 be properly appreciated, must
be visible 50 that its proportions and de-
tails may be taken IN at a vieW. 4 proper
connection Of the house with its sur
roundings Is the inst point to which at
tention should be given in laying ont
grounds \ house should not appear to
have risen out Of the green lawn like
tree. 1t IS necessary that some evidence
be apparent Of suitable preparation for
the building. AT walks ihould harmon
ize with the lines OF the ground plan.
Zigzag and carving walks close 10 the
straight lines Of large, or even the most /
humble, dwelling are diractly opposed to (
beauty or propriety.
It has long been recognized as a gen /
erai principle that round-headed trees
csntrast best with the perpendicular lines /
Of Gothic architecture. and those Of 4 /
pointed cr comic shape with the horizon
tai lines Of Grecian. II Iaay be question
ed whether either ofthese rules is abso-
lutely correct; cestsin it is that there
may be found compositions Of expressive /
beauty, where the rule Is reversed. It IS
perhaps nearer the faets 70 state that, in !
the Arrangement Of farms harmony viii |
prove more pleasing than contrast !
Aasrieaa AgTirfilsrss.