Trees intended for planting in towns, and especially alongside streets and footpaths, should be specially prepared in the matter of transplanting and pruning. As tree guards are a necessity in protecting trees by the sides of streets, the trees must have their stems free of branches; therefore the buds and branches on the stems, for a distance of 6 or 7 ft., need to be removed, whilst surplus leading shoots and ungainly branches should at the same time receive attention in pruning. The tree also needs to be frequently transplanted in order that an abundance of fibrous roots may be produced, and every effort made to produce healthy, vigorous specimens suitable for the ungenial surroundings of their permanent quarters. In street planting it is advisable to use trees that are from 12 to 14 ft. in height; and if these, for some years previous to their final shift, have been specially prepared in the way of frequent transplanting and careful pruning, little fear for their future welfare need be entertained. Autumn or early spring planting is to be recommended, the former time being in most cases preferable. As little time as possible should be allowed to elapse between the lifting of the tree in the nursery and its being transplanted in the new position. Spread the roots out to their full extent around the stem and avoid planting too deeply; the nursery mark on the stem serves as the best guide as to the depth it should be inserted in the soil.

Planting too deeply under the mistaken idea that it will secure the tree in the ground is a fruitful source of decay and ultimate death of many street trees planted in the metropolis, and it is not uncommon to see whole avenues of trees that have made little or no progress for many years owing to this cause. After a tree has been placed in an upright position on the prepared site and the roots properly disposed, the soil should be filled in and trampled firmly both amongst and over the roots. It may be well to warn planters against the pernicious practice of allowing leaves, packing materials, or grassy turf to come in contact with the roots of newly planted trees. In dry situations a saucer-shaped hollow may be left around the stem of the newly planted tree, while mulching applied during dry and warm summers is to be recommended. The planting of shrubs should be carried out with as much care as in the case of trees. It is preferable to trench land in which shrubs are to be planted rather than to make a separate pit for each shrub. Street trees should be carefully matched - that is, those of similar height and shape used in the same street. Too often such is not the case, as in a new street near the Strand, where some of the specimens are about 10ft. high, others 15ft. and 20ft. high -a very irregular, badly matched row. Many newly planted town trees are destitute of leading shoots and with ungainly side branches - faults that should never be permitted when choosing specimens for such an important purpose. In choosing trees for street planting, the following rules should be observed: -

1. Stout, healthy, well-rooted and recently transplanted trees should alone be chosen.

2. They should, for the same street, be of nearly equal height and branch spread.

3. Straight-stemmed trees, with stout leading shoots, are to be preferred.

4. The height should range from, say, 10 ft. to 14ft. or more, and the strength of stem should be proportionate to the height.

5. Trees with wand-like, crooked, or cankered stems should be avoided in street planting.

6. They should be beautiful, shade-giving, and easy of culture.