19
Leyland Cypress Leyland cypresses are a popular ev- ergreen tree, as they grow quickly and provide a good hedge or screen. Leyland cypresses are intolerant of overly wet or dry conditions more than other evergreens, and can con- tract fatal fungus and other disease issues. Because they are commonly planted in groups or rows, disease can spread rapidly. These problems can be reduced by creating hedges of multiple alternating species, and by planting other evergreens for screening. Type and Size Class In this climate region, large-growing deciduous trees provide more to-
TABLE 5: Recommended Alternatives to Commonly Planted Street Trees
TREE TYPE PLANT FEWER: PLANT MORE:
Large growing deciduous
oaks, red or Freeman maple
river birch, tulip poplar, fruitless sweetgum, katsura tree, hackberry, hornbeam, black gum, and ginkgo
Evergreen
Leyland cypress
cryptomeria and arborvitae
Small ornamental
crapemyrtle
goldenrain tree, smoketree, fringetree, witchhazel, magnolia, waxmyrtle, and chaste tree
tal value and a better benefit-cost ratio than smaller-growing trees or conifers (USFS, 2006). About 40% of the town’s street trees are in the largest size category. There are some locations where large trees cannot be planted due to lack of root space, overhead power lines, or nearby buildings. Half of Wake Forest’s street trees are less than 4 inches in diameter (Figure 9). Some of these are small-growing trees, while others are larger growing trees that have been planted in recent years. Few trees were observed in the larger diameter classes; these largest trees provide the most value to the town, but many have not received the care they require. Following neglect or injury, it is not uncommon for a large growing tree to be removed as a potential hazard.
FIGURE 9 : Trees by Diameter Class
0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 7,000 8,000
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the 10/20/30 rule to protect and improve the town’s street tree population. Discourage or disallow the planting of trees that are too commonly planted.
<1 1-3 4-7
31-36 25-30 19-24 13-18 7-12
37-42
>43
Diameter in Inches
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