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How a tree 'affects Most people think of trees in the samne way they think of the sky above and, the earth below-trees exist as a natu- ral part cf our environmient, they're always there, and that's that! But once you begin to, look more clslyou'll realize how comiplex the world of trees really is. Depending on their shape and structure, for example, trees can determine the over- ail miood of your landscape. With this in mmid, you can choose trees that are majestic and towýering, weeping ard willowy, delicate, exotic, and even fruitful with pro- duce you can eat ail year round. Far and near Some trees show off best at a distance, while others should be viewed close up. Many trees are growni for their striking display of flow- ers, and others for their in- --resting foliage and growth ___n4ýtterns. As a fundamental pari of any landscape design, trees can stand out on their own, or provide a lush bac kdrop to set off any other planting you want to feature. But however you decide to use trees, you'll discover themi to be indispensable to, the creation of lovely sur- roundings. While beauty may be only skin deep, the beauty of trees is that they can also be ex- tremely practical additions, not only to your landscape, but also to your environ- ment, Landscape architects rec- ommend the use of trees in community development to establish picturesque transi- tions between buildings, open spaces, streets, and fields, and to create a three- dimensional structural con- Don't fade in the shade Gardeners wbo think that they can't grow too much in the shade are really in the dark, because plants of' ail shapes, sizes and even colors can do extremely well in shady sites. When discussing the v~shade, though, you have to be careful because there are, mnany different degrees of shade. In addition, Io have the miost successful plants in shady locations, you have to make another distinction_ between those plants that will simply tolerate shade, and those that love the shadows. Many vegetables, for example, can grow in shade, but while some will just get by, others can thrive. The best rule of thumb to follow for vegetables is that those grown for their fruits or seeds-like corn, tomatoes, squash, pumpkins, cucum- bers, eggplants, peppers, etc .-should have priority on the sunniest garden spots. On the other band, vegeta- bles grown for their leaves or roots-like beets, cabbages, arrots, chives, kale, leeks, ~'--iettuice, green onions, parsley, radishes, Swiss chard, turnips, etc.-are less demianding of total sunlight and can doi well in partial shade. Even beautiful, eye- catçhing flowers withl en- chanting dolors can bc "1Shady ladies.", But, again, somne will only tolerate the shadows wvhile 9thffers loýve it. Best bets, for tlower' wh!ilcli can thrive in sýhade',Ulude types, of eonscoleus, tinuity throughout the com- munity. Cool comlfort The presence of trees not only creates a feeling of shel- ter and security within a community, but also a natu- raI filtering of light and heat which benefits warmer cli- mates. With the proper selection of trees properly planted arouind your- house, you can actually reduce the amount of energy needed to keep your home cool during the summner and heated during the winter. The percentage saved will, of course, vary fromt climate to climate, but there's no doubt about the energy-saving value of trees. Shelteringsavings Professionals have pointed out that in the Plains states, which have strong Winter winds, winter heating bills have been reduce~d sig- nifrcantly where trees are used as shelter plantings or wîndbreaks. in the Eastern states, where winter winds are not as tierce, the savings are less dramatie but stili sig- nîficant since these states are highly populated. 1Get the total picture When planning for trees in your landscape, think of the you and me! particular problems trees can help you solve, from an en- ergy saving point of view, a landscaiping poïi of view, etc. In additiop think of your- self as a memniber of an entire community, and remember that your selections will af- fect the general environment and appearance of your neighborhobd. Tree success To uise trees most effec- tivelly, there are several con- siderations to keep in mind, First, make certain that the tree is the right size and shape for the planting site, and that it can-tolerate the weather conditions of your particular area. Then, be sure to provide the proper soul conditions for maximium growth- depth, drainage, fertility, moisture, and aeration. 1And, when planning trees for your community's streets, you'U have other considerations-the pres- ence of overhead lines, un- derground utilities, or sew- ers; the amount of planting space between the sidewalk,, and curb; the proper care, feeding, pruning and repair these trees wîll need; possi- ble interference with street lighting and parking; etc. With planting priorities worked out thoroughly be- forehand, you can avoid TREES HAVE BEEN IMMORTALIZED by artists and writers for centuries, and almost cveryone who sces them cai appreciate their beauty. Planning trees for your community is as important as planning theni for your own backyard, because they greatly affect the overali environment; and trees can help) save energy by provid- ing shade and shelter from extreme weather conditions. costly 'mistakes and save ral treasures. *structures can be, rather than precious time in which to Now when you look at a just assuming it's something enjoy the physical delights tree, you can appreciate how that's there, and will always and eye appeal of these natu- marvelous these stately, be there.