The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-10-01
REMOVAL OF DEAD TREES.

It is with unaffected pleasure that we OBJ
serve that steps are being taken to remove
from our sidewalks the many dead trees
which have 80 long disfgured our streets
The TIMES has urged the necessity of doing
this upon the attention Of our city authori-
ties during the course of several months, but
up 10 the present time, our suggestion has not
been adopted. There may have been reasons
for the delay of which we are not aware.
Whether however, there have been or not,
il 10 gratifying to know that our people are
no longer to be offended by the spectacle of
dead trees in the heart of the city, and that
the appearance of the city itself is no longer
to be injured by their presence.
This is a matter of more importance than
it has generally been considered to be, and
we hope that there will not hereafter be any
ground for criticism in the same connec-
ton. The dead trees should be removed as
soon as they exhibit signs of permanent de-
cay. instead Of being permitted to increase
in number until it becomes q long and ex-
pensive undertaking 10 cut them down and
cart them away. An expert can tell at
glance whether the indications of disease are
superficial or deep seated. If the latter. the
axe should be applied to the tree so that it
shall no longer cucumber the ground, mas
much as it is failing to perform the purpose
for which it WAS planted.
As soon as one of these dying trees is re-
moved new tree should be planted in its
place in order that the gap may be filed up at
the earliest moment which nature will allow.
In this way the removal of trees will hardly be
observed. Grace street between Sixth and
Filth is an illustration of the extent to which
the appearance Of a street can be injured ~
not following this plan. On one side Of this
square we have many small trees all carefully
boxed. the larger number of which are per-
fectly dead. the few remaining showing only
faint indications Of life. All should have
been cut down long ago. those that are dead
as we'll as those that are dying, and substitutes,
living and sound, planted in their place.
Other points in the city, probably. however,
not quite so much disfgured, might be
named
Care should be taken in replanting to select
only the most suitable varieties of trees. We
have always thought it a mistake to make the
maple the fayorite tree for our sidewalks. as it
is liable to early de ay and is easily broken by
heavy winds. II is apt to become disfgured
as soon as it attains to any size, presenting an
unsightly object to the gaze. while subscribing
only 10 q limited extent the purpose Of shading
the streets.
Whatever may be the tree preferred in the
process of replantinR any is far preferable to
dead trees. We had almost said that any
would be preferable to an exposed sidewalk
but this is open to some doubt. We do not
think it would be well TO plant large forest
trees in the city. rs their roots upheave the
sidewalk, and their limbs if torn from the
trunk in storms may be instrumental in
crushing persons who are passing. The tree
that should be selected should be
one that is tough. long lived of medium
height. and not too heavy in its growth Of
foliage All these conditions would appear to
be met in the Linden.