Evening star., 1921-06-11
Neglect Of the Trees.

Neglect Of the Trees.
The trees Of Washington are among
its chief glories. The scores of miles
Of foliagelined streets are famous not
only in America, but abroad. They are
a crown for the capital which should
be most scrupulously cared for and
protected. But unfortunately they are
neglected. The trees are given but
scant attention. though they live in
conditions that make tree development
difficult. Only a meager sum Of money
is provided annually for their care and
though their number increases year
by year the appropriations diminish.
For example, during the coming fiscal
year a smaller sum will be available
for the tree protection work than was
appropriated for the current year.
Just now a case occurs which Illus
trates the poor policy Of providing In
sufficiently Tor the trees Of the capital.
Owing to the baekwardness Of the
spring, especially in May, certain in
sects which destroy certain other in
sects were not brought into maturity
as abundantly as in normal seasons.
Consequently the aphides, the enemies
Of the naples and poplars, have gained
headway and are attacking those trees
throughout the city, with little hind
rance. They are biting the leaves and
exuding upon them a thick gummy
substance which causes them to drop
from the trees. The sidewalks In
maple or poplar lined streets are
'smeared with the droppings from the
leaves. Unless the lady bugs and other
enemies of the aphides hasten in their
naples and poplars will have been al
most stripped Of their leaves in q few
weeks.
A certain spray will kill this
blighting insect. But there is no money
to the credit Of the tree department
of the District government to buy this
spray. For the lack Of about 5000 the
superintendent Of trees must see miles
Of naples and poplars stripped Of their
leaves.
Perhaps it is too late in the congress
sional session to secure an emergency
fund for this purpose. And when the
regular appropriation becomes avail
able three weeks hence II must be
carefully husbanded. for it is smaller
than that which is just now being ex-
hausted. But out Of it may come a
few dollars to buy the concoction that
kills the aphSdes and save the naples
and poplars, If they are not stripped
Of their leaves altogether by then.
Is this not worthy Of consideration
by those who allot the Districts funds?
There Is no lack Of money for the care
Of the parks. relatively. The govern
ment spends literally for the protec-
tion Of the trees Of the great reserva.
tions. But for the miles Of city trees.
which have to many given Washing
ton its name Of the foliage city, there
is scarcely enough to insure occasional
pruning and trimming, q very little
surgery" to cure diseases, a sparse
dash Of spray now and then, for the
force is too small to cover the ground
as It should be covered to check the
i'll effects Of injuries In season.
Instead Of diminishing. the tree-pro-
lection appropriations should be in
creased from year to year to corre-
spond with the growth Of the city.
Meanwhile Is there some private enter
prise that viii step In and supply the
necessary spray that may save the
naples and the poplars from prema-
t,ue defoliauon? A few dollars from
each Of the large civic organizations
would prevent this happening.