trees make the home beautiful-

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 March 1939, Page 5

trees make the home beautiful-

TREES exert a powerful influence on the beauty—-or lack of beauty-—of a home. They can either “rpake” or “break” the appearance of the average dwelling. Consequently, the selection and location of trees for your home are matters that call for your mqst serious consideration. The first point to consider is the design of your residence. Is it built massively, on a grand scale? Is it a cosy bungalow—English, French, provincial or Spanish type? Or does it fall between these extremes? These factors must be considered before you select your tree, if your home is a small one, exercise care so that the tree you choose will not dwarf it in comparison. At the same time try to choose a tree that conforms with the general design of your home: a catalpa, for instance, would present an incongruous appearance if it were located on the grounds of a stately, dignified residence. An elm or an oak would be much more appropriate with the general appearance.

The physical requirements of the various species must be kept in mind at all times, too. Different kinds of trees require different kinds of soils for best results, some species need much more sunlight than others, some need more moisture, which makes the annual iate of precipitation an important factor in their growth; and

some are less hardy than others, succumbing to very cold weather. The kind, size and location of shade trees are also affected by the surrounding landscape; the location of small ornamental trees, hedges, flower beds, .gardens, shrubs, driveways, walks, garages, clothes lines, pools, lawns, and portions of the house —such as entrances, windows, gutters, basement walls and exterior tiling. The type, size and proximity of street trees must be taken into consideration, especially when such trees are under the jurisdiction of the municipality, and the home owner cannot change them. In connection with the factors over which you have no control, but which should be considered, are the homes and landscapes adjacent to your site. By all means try to choose trees that merge with the general tone of your community. If at all possible, consult a landscape architect before undertaking the job. His experience will prove invaluable to you in reaching the objective you set, and he may save you money in the long run by obviating the trial-and-error method usually used by amateurs. Should you do your own planting, it is wise to have your nurseryman either to inspect your grounds and make recomrnendations or to show him photographs of your premises, accompanied by a scaled chart of your yard, indicating details of present landscaping.