The following eight trees are, on the whole, best for general street planting, though preference should be given to the species that thrive best under local conditions. A tree that does especially well in one locality may not succeed in another. The secret is to study your street — its width, its soil, its moisture, the patience of its inhabitants — and then to choose accordingly. Here, in brief, are the finest candidates. · 2 min read
1. Oriental Sycamore
Platanus orientalis — Very hardy; will adapt itself to city conditions; grows fairly fast and is highly resistant to insects and disease.
2. Norway Maple
Acer platanoides — Very hardy; possesses a straight trunk and symmetrical crown; comparatively free from insects and disease and will withstand average city conditions.
3. Red Oak
Quercus rubra — Fastest growing of the oaks; very durable and highly resistant to insects and disease; will grow in average city soil.
4. Gingko
Gingko biloba — Hardy and absolutely free from insects and disease; suited for narrow streets, and will permit close planting.
5. European Linden
Tilia microphylla — Beautiful shade-bearing crown; very responsive to good soil and plenty of moisture.
6. American Elm
Ulmus americana — When planted in rows along an avenue, it forms a tall majestic archway of great beauty. Best suited for wide streets. Requires fairly good soil and plenty of moisture.
7. Pin Oak
Quercus palustris — Exhibits its greatest beauty when its branches are allowed to droop fairly low. Needs plenty of moisture, best suited for suburban streets.
8. Red Maple
Acer rubrum — Beautiful in all seasons of the year; requires rich soil and considerable moisture.
Title: Studies of Trees, Author: Jacob Joshua Levison