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. • BEAUTIFICATION WITH TREES As man becomes more and more aware and appreciative of his environment, he realizes the usefulness and importance of the tree, particularly with respect to development of urban areas. • The most important function the tree performs is the manufacturing of oxygen that we breath. Even as the tree performs this great service to mankind, it is also helping to eliminate the gaseous and noxious pollution in the stoke and exhaust fumes that factories and engines produce in great quantity. The benefits derived from trees do not simply stop with their silent service to man. Trees act as wind barriers, they lower air temperatures, reduce noise pollution, shade us from the summer sun, beautify our drab city scape of concrete and glass, and enhance the environment with their natural beauty and majestic character. We must continue to plant the right kind of trees to keep pace with the ecological problems inherent in a growing metropolitan area such as Portland. We cannot plant trees randomly nor can we plant the wrong variety of tree. We must judiciously select the proper location and the variety of tree most suitable to that location in an effort to maximize the benefits that each tree can provide the City of Portland. At the present time Portland has approximately 1,300 miles of street trees, however, ,many of the trees are dead, dangerous, and creating problems for the property owner simply because good judgement was not exercised years ago in the selection of the • . tree and it's location. The type of trees that were selected were for their aesthetic.appearance, compatibility with space requirements in streets, long life, freedom from serious insect or disease . problemtis, ability to grow•well under city conditions with the least maintenance requirements and availability on the market. The street tree planting program is oonducted.by the Bureau of Parks under the direction of the Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, to assure the orderly placement of trees and to uphold•the values of the neighborhood for many generations • to come. • The type of tree most suitable for street plantings will be determined by the City Forester, and the Street Tree Advisory Committee who will take into consideration the site factors as they make. their decision. We are very fortunate to be located in the nursery capital of the United States where many tree varieties with outstanding characteristics are available and will . best fit our particular planting sites in the of Portland. For additional information call the City Forester at 248 - 4489. Prepared by: Bureau of Parks and Recereation and Street Tree Advisory Committee