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One
of the greatest and commonest errors in tree-planting, is that
of setting out large trees and many of them, in small areas.
The home improver thinks that he wants a great variety of trees,
such as he has seen on Mr. Smith’s place, and at Judge Jones’
great establishment. So he adds tree to tree, year after year.
While they are small, they look pretty, and all goes on well.
But ere long, they spread out their limbs on every side, until
they meet and overlap each other, making a complete forest
jungle. None of them can become well-formed trees; they grow up
spindling, or lop-sided, and give little real satisfaction. And
besides, what can be expected of the grass under such
overhanging boughs and such a mass of tree-roots? And what of
shrubs and plants? Where, too, are the views of the street, or
of the surrounding country? Everyway, the practice is bad.
Here
let a remedy be suggested: Set out but few trees. Plant the
largest along the boundaries, and the smaller around the
dwelling. Set them so as to preserve views of the neighborhood,
at the best out-looks. Calculate for their growth many years
ahead, and plant accordingly. Many persons plant a large number
of trees in their grounds, intending, at some future day, when
the trees become crowded, to thin them out. But very few persons
have resolution enough to cut down a tree which has become large
and thrifty, especially if it was planted by themselves.
The
American Agriculturist, 1862
Plan
on how big your trees will be after they’ve grown. |
