We plant trees for their beauty of leaf, whether green in Summer or red in the Autumn; for their bark which becomes particularly fascinating. We plant trees because we love them. Some trees linger in our memories as old friends, from whose branches we have swung and “skinned-the-cat”; under whose cool shade we have rested from play or work. Some trees seem to have moods, changing from day to day, season to season, and from youth to old age.
In Winter; for the delicate tracery of the branches which frame our view of the eternal blue or star-scattered heavens; for their flowers which seem like giant nosegays.
We plant trees to shelter our homes from the Summer sun and from the cold sweeping winds of Winter.
We enjoy a touch of Nature to form a background and a frame for our architecture.
We plant trees to furnish leaf cloisters for the birds which awaken us from our too-late slumbers when all the world of Nature, except ourselves, is awake.
We plant trees because, where they expand their verdant branches the air is purer and less dusty. The medical societies are constantly advocating the planting of city trees to temper the heat of Summer on the torrid pavements.
We plant forests that floods may be prevented; that fertile soil shall not be carried to the valleys below; that rainfall may be regulated.
We plant trees for their economic use-lumber, furniture, turpentine, rubber, quinine, nuts, cork, paper, windbreaks, and one thousand and one uses for which we have as yet found no substitute.
We plant avenues of trees in cities and along the roadsides, because we believe that no road or street is dressed or finished until it has been planted to furnish shade, frame vistas of outlying beauty, and prevent snowdrifts.
Aside from this aesthetic and civic value, the realtor knows that trees increase the value of the property. Business on a tree-bordered avenue is likely to be brisker than on a sun-parched thoroughfare.
Some of us plant trees that we may be silent witnesses to the life processes of the tree.
We enjoy pruning a tree to our whims, improving its fruits by breeding, and its vigor by supplying plant food.
We are interested in a tree for pure botanical and horticultural reasons. The strength of its woody fibers, the incomparable complexity of its flowers, the abundance of its fruit, and the growth processes fascinate us.
We take joy in supplying a fit environment for growth that approaches perfection.
– Horticultural Trade World
What Is a Tree?
What is a tree?
Well doubtless he
Who dwells in city streets by choice May never know.
But souls that breathe expanding life outdoors
Know trees as brothers, friends; and feel aglow
With kindred fellowship and common voice.
Yes, bees do know
And birds have made
The trees their lifelong homes
And what is nearer or more intimately ours than home?
What is a tree?
The soul of God!
Whose budding leaves and blossoms in the Spring
Bespeak Creation.
Whose shade in Summer cools
The burning heat of life and brings us peace;
Whose bronzing colors in the Autumn landscape glow
With pride of fruitfulness, God’s bounty, man’s maturity.
Whose bare strong arms in Winter steadfast hold
Against- the ice and storms of life when courage sags
When green and sap of youth have lost their bold
Firm power and interest lags.
What is a tree?
Oh! Yes, I know! ‘Tis God.
‘Tis His own way to speak His majesty,
His voice, His power, His love, His mystery..
-G. THoMAs DUNLOP
Articles
Lacebark – Pinus bungeanas
Shade Trees – How to Select and Care for Them
Yews (Taxus) trees and shrubs – Types, planting and care
How to
Cutting Down A Small Tree
Forcing Branches To Bloom
Heeling In
Planting A Bare Root Tree
Planting A Container Tree
Planting Ball And Burlap Tree
Pruning Ornamental Shrubs
Removing A Large Tree Limb
Removing A Sucker From A Tree
Winterizing Small Trees
Links
Trees
Japanese Maples – Acer Palmatum, Acer Japonicum
Planting Techniques for Trees and Shrubs
Transplanting Trees & Shrubs in the Landscape
How to Prune Trees
British Trees
The Right Tree Handbook