The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-04-05
PLANT TREES NOW.
April q Good Month TO Make Perma-
nent Improvements.

To THE EDITOR OF THE SUN-Sir. The
lengthening days and warmer sun are
actual signs OF spring and of tree plant
ing time. Those Interested in street tree
planting in the city may carry on
this pleasant and profitable enterprise
throughout the month OF April. hut in
this ne!ghborhood planting deciduous
trees later would probably be attended
with poor results on account OF the ad-
vancing season.
Aside from the destruction OF human
life and desolate homes no incidents
Illustrative OF tho havoc and sCOurge
OF the present war abroad so deeply APP
peal to us as those which tell the story
OF tho widespread extinction OF the trees.
historic highways ruthlessly despoiled,
ancient forests and wooded areas pre-
served through the vicieSltutes or
hundred years destroyed. and parks and
Old estates dismantled and shOrn OF
their greatest attraction, never 70 be
restored TO their former grandeur and
beauty.
A prodgal nation. by the story of
these irreparable losses we are re-
minded OF the duty 10 enlarge upon and
perfect our present des7i,tOry and In
complete work OF forestation throughout
the whole country. Concerning the
planting Of trees in our several Dor
ouehs where, by the way. many oppor-
tuuities are offered 10 enterpr.sing prop
erty owners | can but repeat what !
have so often said IN TIRE SUN, tlat a
good tree carefully planted will more
than pay for itself and prove not only
valuable asset to the property but VIII
add a substantial feature OF attractive
~ IS to the ncighhOrhopd.
1t must he remembered that before
planting permit must be procured from
the borough Park Commissioner, which
$ supplied without cost In this permit
there are prescribed he requirements 10
be- coufurm"t 20 You may plant trees
b ~ amy Of the following named Varieties
which have been officially designated Tor
street use. TIE cimS, naples, liudous,
sycamore or plane trees and tho oaks.
In the less populous outlying territory
.t Is possible that this list might be eX-
tended to include limited use OF pop
ilrs. sweet gum, d'.aniu-, Catalpa,
/ willow NC These latter constitute
trees that grow rapidly in exposed
| places and meagre soil. where often
others fail. In this class may be IN
/ Guided the silver leaf maple
The trees must be nursery grown, with
| straight sound stem or trunk, nat
urally grown head or top in order that
4 may develop characteristically and
any pruning. If needed to be done after
I planting. The roots must be compact
and fihrous II is by way of these hats
/ Ike iibres that the tree Is fed, Size is
. determined by the diameter OF tho trunk
/ just above tho ground For ordinary
| ana moro general use one OF a diameter
! Of from 81, TO inches Is usually pre-
s'rihed. but larger and necessarily more
costly trees ara permissible. These trees
may be procured from any substantial
. nun Serynan directly or through n flor
.st or gardener selected to do the work.
The tree must be safeguarded against
damage In transportation and the roots
/ must not be exposed to wind or sun and
should be kept moIstened until placed IN
the PIT, After planting water freely oc-
/ casionally. Trees are quite human In
some respects, they thrive on food
water, air and kindly care,
II your sidewalk Is paved an opening
equal 10 about four square feet must be
cut through the pavement. The pit must
equal In capacity two cubic yards OF
soil, this opening in the sidewalk Ia
. usually IN the form OF a cube a little
. over three and half feet square. This
amount il stipulated and is essential
for the support of the treo Many choice
/ plants fan for lack of sufficient sol! "a
sustain them.
! Until this work can BE- done hy the
city nj the cost OF the property owner, as
II seems desirable It should be. the
prop rty owner must deal with tho un-
/ dortaking directly. through the agency
of a responsible nurseryman, florist or
gardener with whom a specific agrrr-
/ mcnt should be mace as TO price and
/ tulI compliance with the requirements
: Of the permit
/ The cost Of the work 4, controlled by
local conditions. In many parts OF che
. horoughs. where natural soil IL sufficient
and no paved walks exist, tree may b'