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A Short History of Trees in Portland | 1900-1934 Yearly Reports | Shade Trees
Our Annual City Reports contain an interesting view back and
make for interesting reading.
1900-1934 Forestry Division Yearly Reports
Forestry 1900
In writing the report for this department, I wish to impress upon
every citizen that it is his duty to help in every way possible
to protect the trees on our public streets, and that it is an
investment giving large interest. I also wish to impress upon
the City Marshal and the police of our city that the rigid enforcement
of those city ordinances which forbid the bruising, injuring or
destruction of our shade trees by horses being left to gnaw them,
which by the way, is one of the worst conditions we have to contend
with, is highly necessary, and the Commissioners think that if
a few cases of this kind were put before the court it would help
to stop this nuisance.
The appropriations for this department have never been sufficient for the work which should be done on our trees. We have been unable to give systematic treatment to any one street, neither has it been sufficient to allow enough work to be done to satisfy the requests of individuals who have called on us for special work.
There are at present quite a number of dead trees on our streets which are considered dangerous and are being removed as rapidly as possible. The ice-storm of December last did a large amount of damage to our trees; some trees were blown down and a great many large limbs were broken from the tops of some of our largest elms, leaving unsightly stubs which will have to be removed this spring.
There has been some good work done the past winter by the electric light company in many cases where their wires ran through large trees. They have, at our suggestion, put side-arms on their poles and by doing so have been able to carry their wire outside the trees, thereby removing the necessity of cutting off large limbs from those trees, which would disfigure them, and in many cases necessitate removing the trees
Forestry Department 1901
The past season has been a busy one for this Department. The most
important feature of the work done has been in the way of trimming
out the dead wood from our elm trees, which, owing to the unfavorable
condition in which our trees are placed by the wires of electric
light, telephone and fire alarm, have had a hard show to live.
We have found that we are losing some of our trees by the leaking of gas pipes in our streets. This trouble might be prevented if the Gas Company would be more careful in marking gas pipe connections.
We are still having trouble with the careless way in which drivers of horses will leave their teams so that the horses can gnaw the trees. I still think this trouble could be helped to a large extent if the police would interest themselves in the matter.
The Park Commissioners intend the coming season to do something in the way of putting on trees guards in cases where it will help to save the trees.
Considerably more work was done upon our shade trees the past year than in former years, for four reasons:
First - We had more funds to work with.
Second - More requests were received for tree work.
Third - We had more reports for work needing immediate
attention.
Fourth - On account of the severe wind storms we had in
the early fall and during the winter.
I am pleased to say that up to the present time we have not had very much trouble with the many different insects which have been found on the trees in some of our large cities in New England. The San Jose scale has not as yet appeared on our trees, but we may expect it at any time. Late last fall I found a large number of nests of some kind of insect on the trees in Lincoln Park. We went to work at once and cleaned all of the trees on which they were found, and shall go all over them again in the early spring, and in this way hope to destroy them before they can do any harm.
In the prosecution of the forestry work we have received timely assistance from the employees of the different electric light companies, also the fire alarm, telephone and telegraph companies and the Portland Railroad Company, which was furnished without extra expense to the City.
James P. Jordan, Park Commissioner
A.W. Smith, Park Commissioner
Geo. E. Raymond, Park Commissioner
Forestry 1902
The work done in this department for the past season was limited
to actual necessities. The orders received by mail together with
orders taken on the streets where we were already at work, kept
our crew busy the whole season.
During the summer we removed more dead and dangerous trees than ever before, and we still have many more which we hope to make safe the coming summer. A large part of our work consists in removing dead and dangerous limbs which hang over the sidewalk. We also remove many limbs which hang over the sidewalk. We also remove many limbs which interfere with the draft of chimneys. Some of these complaints are real and some are fancied, but we try to please all. The labor, expense and maintenance of the trees of Portland has been enhanced by the annexation of the City of Deering to Portland. When they came under our control they were found in bad shape, owing to the indiscriminate way they had been trimmed by a certain electric light company, who showed no regard for the beauty of the tree, instead only thought being to get the wires through; and if a limb was so large that they dared not cut it off they would run their wires against the limb and burn it off which they did in many places, and it will be many years before that part of our City will recover from the damages done at that time. I am please to state that for the past two years all the companies running lines through our trees are trying to help us save them.
The Civic Club, with the money at their disposal did good work in protecting the trees, and we hope they will continue the good work another year.
The last of July there appear on some of our trees, more especially in the eastern part of the City, a caterpillar which we thought at first might be the dreaded brown tail month, but which proved to be the white-marked tussock moth or caterpillar. This insect is often a serious pest to the shade trees, feeding on nearly all of these except evergreens among which, however, the fir, larch, cypress and spruce are sometimes attached, and it is not uncommon to see the tree trunk nearly white from the cocoons and egg masses, while large trees are frequently completely stripped of their leaves by the caterpillars in August. Maples, elms, and horse-chestnut trees seem to be their particular favorites of food.
As soon as we found they were with us in large quantities we commenced to exterminate them, and kept at it until the last of October, and shall begin again in the early spring as soon as the men can work nine hours a day, and in this may hope to check their work.
I would like at this time to say something about the usefulness of parks, and will begin by quoting from Charles Jacobs, of Springfield, Mass., who says: "God made the country; man made the town." This proverb, terse and true has, really within its narrow limits, the solution of the whole question as to the benefit arising in many ways to city communities from free possession and unstilted enjoyment of large and easily accessible public parks.
The difference between town and country in bringing about certain results most natural and therefore most vital, as according to proverb text, the difference between humanity and divinity. A city may thrive in many respects, even in the absence of nature's simplest, yet most abundant and most perfect gifts. But material results are not by any means to be regarded as the highest from of good. If we can have the invaluable blessings which nature presents in such rich variety, in addition to benefits of another kind, of which man has so to speak, been the creator, then we shall have that rare combination of the natural and the artificial which leaves little to be desired.
Forestry 1903
The usual amount of trimming of the trees on our public streets
has been done the past year, and, as in the past, the work has
been mostly in answer to complaints received by mail or otherwise.
Most of the complaints are for trimming, that should be done,
and some are calls for work we cannot do. We always call on the
parties, and tell them why we cannot attend to their complaint.
The amount of funds at our disposal, does not allow of much being done in the way of systematic trimming. Much work is needed to be done on the trees in the City property, also in the Deering District, and a special appropriation will have to be made for that purpose in the future.
We have removed quite a number of dead and dangerous trees the past year, and have quite a number on the dangerous list the past year, and have quite a number on the dangerous list now, that will have to be removed the coming summer.
We have removed quite a number of trees which, in our opinion, were killed by gas from leaking gas pipes. Some of them have been slowly dying for a number of years, and at last have had to be taken down. While, perhaps, from a legal point of view, the Gas Company is not liable so long gas the City gives it permission to go through our streets, yet the board is of the opinion that all corporations should be more careful of our trees, when working on our streets.
The guarding of the trees is an item of large expense, and no little annoyance on account of the heedlessness of the drivers of horses. This is not confined to the boys who take orders for stores and markets, but many professional and business men persist in driving past a hitching-post to hitch to a tree a few feet away, and the guards and trees are mutilated and often destroyed by the gnawing of the horses. That the attractiveness and comfort of the City streets are largely enhanced by the shade trees, no one will deny, and it would seem that the public, generally, should take pride enough in them to see that they were not injured through their carelessness. There is ample law for the protection of the trees, and a vigorous application of it in a few cases, would doubtless have a most salutary effect, and prevent his needless injury and consequent expense.
The City government appropriated $400.00 in all for the protection of trees, in the way of putting on wire and other devices for that purpose. This money was placed at the disposal of a committee of the Civic Club; they did good work and the money was well expended.
As will be remembered, in the summer of 1902 we had a large amount of what is known as the White Marked Tussock Moth. This moth left on our trees, a cocoon filled with eggs, in the fall of the year, and were removed a large number of these cocoons. In the spring of 1903, we gave most of our streets a systematic cleaning, removing in all fully twenty barrels of these cocoons, which were burned, and the result has been that we have has very little trouble from them the past season.
Within a comparatively short space of time, the parks of the Forest City have been extended, improved and beautified to such an extent, that in this respect Portland is one of the cities to be congratulated in having ample breathing spaces and pleasure resorts for her citizens.
Every park, which was the property of the City at the date of the organization of the Commission, has been improving greater or less degree, the most noticeable among which, perhaps, is Deering Oaks, that being our largest park, but they have been improved in the way of grading, draining, seeding, sodding, planting of shrubbery and trees and numerous other like improvements which were necessary to make them pleasing to the eye, and transform them into places where the education, comfort, health and pleasure would be promoted.
In closing this report, I will say that it is the hope of the Commissioners that the committee on estimates will be liberal with us this year, as the number of caretakers and help necessarily increases each year as our parks are advanced.
Respectfully submitted,
James P. Jordan, Park Commissioner
George E. Raymond, Park Commissioner
Alonzo W. Smith, Parks Commissione
Forestry 1904
The present annual appropriation for the care of trees on our
public Streets is not so large as to warrant any systematic work
being done. Many of the old trees in the western part of the City
are in a dying condition, and many of the worst ones have to be
removed every season.
The care of the thousands of trees now growing on our public streets placed upon the Park Commissioners is a responsibility of no small moment. With trying to protect the trees from injury from horses, the trimming of the growing trees and the removal of dangerous limbs from older ones, it does not take very long to use up our annual appropriation.
The City of Portland enjoys the distinction of being one of the six cities in the country where the shade trees on the public streets come under the jurisdiction of the Park Commissioners. In thirty other cities of over fifty thousand inhabitants the shade trees are under a forestry department, or, in a few instances, under control of the street department, and find that in many of the smaller cities throughout the country the Civic Clubs are urging upon the municipal authorities the necessity of more care being given shad trees on public streets.
The following is the work done by the forestry department from April to November 23rd, 1904: number of dead and dangerous trees removed 86; number of trees trimmed, 994; number of trees guarded, 264; among them the following:
4 on West Street, 4 on Lancaster Street, 2 on Cushman Street, 3 on Anderson Street, 6 on Spruce Street, 9 on Wilson Street, 12 on Spring Street, 8 on Beckett Street, 10 on Neal Street, 3 on Atlantic Street, 4 on Thomas Street, 2 on Sherman Street, 6 on Pine Street, 5 on Morning Street, 36 on Congress Street, 4 on Mountfort Street, 7 on Brackett Street, 2 on India Street, 13 on Pearl Street, 12 on Cumberland Avenue
We still have on our list twenty-six trees on which we shall place guards this fall and three more dead trees to remove.
This report should include between twenty and thirty trees guarded in the Deering District. These were young trees.
Respectively submitted,
James P. Jordan
A.W. Smith
Edward A. Noyes
Commissioners of Cemeteries & Public Grounds
Forestry Department 1905
The Commissioners feel that this department is doing very good
work, and one of the main facts to prove this is that for the
first few years after the trees were turned over to this department
we always had a lot of trouble after every big wind storm. At
that time there were many trees in different parts of the city
that were in a dangerous condition, and every high wind was sure
to bring some of them down. This trouble has been eliminated to
a large extent by the removal of many of these trees that were
considered unsafe.
Another trouble we had was from large limbs in the top of high trees where their condition could not be noticed from the ground; but we are constantly on the watch for them and have very little trouble from that source now. The most trouble is from limbs that have been burned by direct contact with electric wires, and I want to say here that the erection of electric wires for telephone service, trolley lines and illuminating purposes are a prolific source of injury to our shade trees, and I hope to see the day when all the wires on our streets will be placed under ground.
"It would be pleasing to the Commissioners if they could have money enough in this department to do more systematic work. As it is, the most of our yearly appropriation is spent in attending to the daily calls from different parts of the city, and in the removal of trees by orders passed by the city government."
During the past year we have done some systematic work. Congress Street, from the Cleaves Monument to the Union Station, has been trimmed and all dead limbs removed. The trees on Congress Street are now in fair condition. In the Deering district we have been through the following streets and given them a systematic pruning. These were all young maple trees:
Falmouth Street, William Street, Lincoln Street, Fessenden Street, Coyle Street, Pitt StreetWe have placed new guards on 416 trees and repaired the guards on 210 trees. We have used $190.00 worth of Hooper tree guard wire and $60.00 worth of stout wire netting.
In regard to the brown-tail moth, I think, after looking over the city carefully, that we have not got anywhere near the amount we had last year. I find the most trouble will be in yards where they have got fruit trees.
As the householder generally has only a few trees to look after, he could, if only would, with proper care and diligence, effectively check any insect pest before serious damage was inflicted.
When we start our work we shall make it a point to see that the pest is removed from all trees in back yards as well as on the streets
Forestry 1906
The cause of our shade trees is a very important one and one that
demands a great deal of attention.
With the numerous electric railway lines, with their trolley wires and poles, and the increasing number of telephone poles. The question of trimming trees and placing poles where there shall be no interference with the trees is an important matter. The moving of old buildings through the streets of the city is a menace to our shade trees, and although the route be examined and the permit granted on condition that no injury happens to the trees. It sometimes occurs that unforeseen circumstances cause great mutilation.
The trouble caused by the removal of the buildings on Federal Street from the site of the new court house lot must be fresh in the minds of the public. In that case it necessitated the moving of telephone wires and the cutting off of large limbs from the street trees and pulling back those that could not be cut off without spoiling the tree. It is a question whether the expense does not far exceed the value of the buildings in most cases.
It is suggested, as is done in some cities, that a city ordinance might be passed to prohibit such moving. The annoyance of having the streets blocked is considerable.
The subject of hitching horses to shade trees and permitting them to gnaw the bark has been brought to the attention of the Board frequently. The Board has called the attention of the public to the matter and urged that all should endeavor to cooperate to prevent tree from being ruined as many now are. Tree guards should be proved by the abutters, either of wood or a coarse wire netting which is an excellent protection. If the appropriation were sufficient, it would be advisable for the Board to protect all of the shade trees by suitable guards, but in the mean time each abutter should do his share of protection.
In regard to work done the past season, will report as follows:
Owing to the ice storm in March last, work was begun much earlier than usual and has been continue through the entire summer and fall.
The ice storm in March caused much damage to the trees, also much expense. We trimmed and repaired on account of the storm. We trimmed and repaired, on account of the storm, two thousand five hundred and forty eight (2,548) trees. The damage was mostly from broken limbs, but in some eases we had to remove the whole tree.
We have trimmed and removed the dead wood from one thousand and sixty (1,060) trees, taken down seventy four (74) dead and dangerous trees: have guarded with new wire five hundred and forty six (546) trees and repaired the guards on one hundred and fifty eight (158) trees.
The following trees have been repaired by filling the cavities with clay and covering it with canvas and then with new wire: two on Congress Street, one on Carleton Street, one on Spring Street.
Brown Tail Moth
A vigorous effort was made in the early spring to stay the devastating
work of this insect pest.
A systematic examination was made of the city, taking sections, street by street, and examining the back yards of the abutters. Many trees were found to be infested and the abutters notified and urged to have the nests destroyed. In most cases a hasty cooperation was met with and efforts made to destroy the nests: in other cases, a feeling of indifference was shown and rather than allow the moths to hatch and destroy the trees that were not taken care of by their owners, the Commissioners had the nests removed by their own men and the rest was that Portland was practically free from them and only three cases came to the attention of the City Forester during the summer.
Forestry Department 1907
Tree planting is one of the best expressions of altruism. The
man who plants trees is thinking of others rather than himself.
He enables people to gratify their love of the beautiful, to enjoy
better health, to become more prosperous, he makes the world better
and happier.
It has been justly said that a country without trees is almost hopeless as to the future. The presence of trees about the abodes of men has a sanitary influence; the leaves, which are the lungs to the circulation of the sap, are absorbers of much that is noxious in the atmosphere, the shade protects the earth and pavements and prevents heated radiation, and prevents full passage of dust and smoke, possibly disease bearing, into the dwelling, and the green foliage, especially in a wide asphalt paved street, breaks the glare and relieves the tired eye. The contour of the trees against the grim walls of the houses of crowded streets or in the open space of neutral grounds or lawns, or against the sky line, even if there is a smoky atmosphere, is a beautiful medium in the midst of the hard creations of man.
Portland has been justly called the Forest City, but when you hear this report you will wonder how many years longer it can pose as the Forest City, for unless something is done to replace the old trees that have to be removed each year, some of our streets, especially in the western part of our city, will be about treeless, and I think the child born fifty years hence will wonder why Portland was ever called the Forest City.
The beauty of our city is so enhanced by shade trees that every effort should be made to preserve them, and when by reason of age or disease trees die and have to be removed, their places ought not to remain vacant. Many of the trees are dying from old age, some from the wounds received when young from the gnawing of horses, and many from being used for hitching posts by men who ought to know better.
We are pleased to report that the young trees in the Deering District are doing well, and the abutters are doing their part to protect them.
Will report in regard to the brown-tail moth that we had very little trouble from them the past season. We started a crew of five men n February 4th and continued until April 20th: we went over every street in the city proper and most of the Deering District, and the result was that we did not have one complaint from the trees on private property.
It is a little early in the season to report the condition of four trees in regard to the brown-tail moth, but should say, from a careful observation, that we do not think the city trees are so badly infested as last season. We shall start our work of extermination about February 1st, and hope to keep the pest under control.
Some parts of the city were badly infested last summer by the Tussock Moth, but we fought them so hard that by the last of August they were about all gone and there are very few cocoons on our trees this fall.
Will report work done by the Forestry Department for the season of 1907 as follows:
Dead and dangerous trees removed - 107The trees on the following streets were given a systematic pruning. Much of this work was made necessary from orders received from the lighting committee:
Trees trimmed from orders - 1,742
New trees guarded - 407
Tree guards repaired - 208
Valley Street, Florence Street, Emery Street, A Street, Ashmont Street, Pleasant Avenue, B Street, Lincoln Street, Thompson Street, Gilman Street, Coyle Street, Carroll Street, Waverly Street, Neal Street, Revere Street, Arbor StreetRespectively submitted,
Forestry Department 1908
The year 1908 has been a very busy one in the Forestry Department,
from the fact that we had more money appropriated for this work
than usual.
Work was begun in February to exterminate the brown-tail moth in the public streets, and was continued until we had been over almost every street in the city, including the Deering District, and the trees are witness to the efficient work done, as it is a positive fact that the superintendent of parks did not have one complaint from brown-tail moths on the street trees, and the city's foliage has never looked more beautiful than it did last season. There was not a tree the length and breadth of our streets and parks that showed a sign of the pest, which shows that the crusade was mot successful, and we hope to be as fortunate in our work this spring.
About the middle of March we began the work of exterminating the months on private property. We found many places where the owners had removed the moths, and we also found a large number of back yards where the parties said they received a bill from the City Treasurer. The Commissioners hope to have the law governing this point changed, so that the city can be reimbursed for money paid out for work done on private property.
There may be the utmost efficiency in the removal and destruction of the nests in this city, but if in the neighborhood towns the work of removal is inefficiently done, this city will suffer the next season, as there is no dead line between the towns and the city over which the moth cannot pass. The growing expense incident to the removal of the nests of the brown-tail moth makes it certain that the only effective way to deal with these pests is by the importation and cultivation of the parasites that are the natural enemies of the moths.
The work of trimming the trees, and the removal of dead and dangerous trees, was begun the first of June. There were many applications for work in this department during the year.
The following is a summary of the work done.
From June 4th to December 11th, 1908, the trees on the following streets were trimmed, and all dead wood removed:
Burnham Street, York Street, Park Street, Lowell Street, Munjoy Street, Eastern Promenade, Cherry Street, Deering Street, St. Lawrence Street, Huntress Street, Waterville Street, Summer Street, Portland Street, North Street, Forest Avenue, Vaughan Street, Quebec Street, Winter Street, Neal Street, Lafayette Street, Clark Street, Brackett Street, Adams Street, Western Street, Bramhall Street, Federal Street, Lancaster Street, Danforth Street, Oxford Street, Chestnut StreetAlso part of Cumberland Avenue and part of High Street.
There were 1,697 trees trimmed during the season.
There were 110 trees removed. Seventy-five trees were removed for the Street Department, and the removal of these trees was made necessary by the widening of Deering Avenue at Brighton Hill and at Veranda Street.
The wiring and protecting of the trees was begun on June 5th, and we spent one or two days of each week on this work. We have accomplished more in this line of work than in many previous years.
There have been 278 new wires put on and 273 old wires repaired. We have found out that the so-called Hooper's Guard is no good for our trees.
Respectively submitted,
F. P. Jordan
A. W. Smith
E. A. Noyes
Park Commissioner
Forestry 1909
Nothing adds more to the attractiveness of our city than its shade
trees. It would be easy to demonstrate that from the financial
standpoint alone; money invested rightly in the planting and care
of trees will add more to the value of real estate than any other
improvement, and with that end in view a force of men has been
kept at work throughout the season cutting out dead and unsightly
limbs and removing dead and dangerous trees.
A large territory has been covered this year, as we have many complaints from the Deering District out as far as the Falmouth line.
The following is a summary of the work done for the year ending December 31, 1909. All trees on the following streets were trimmed and all dead wood removed:
High Street, Pine Street, Congress Street, Deering Street, Lancaster Street, Western Promenade, State Street, Arbor Street, North Street, Danforth Street, Forest Avenue, Cumberland AvenueThere were new guards placed on 178 trees, and the guards were repaired on 345 trees.
Respectively submitted,
James P. Jordan
A. W. Smith
Edward A. Noyes
Park Commissioners
Trees 1910
The Commissioners have never been able to properly care for the
city's shade trees because of the insufficiency of the maintenance
appropriation. There are many tree stumps and dead and dying trees,
which should be removed: a great many trees with dead and dying
branches which are a menace to safety, and a great many instances
where trees should be thinned out or removed to permit proper
growth of others or to decrease the increase shading of trees
and property.
The men whom it has been possible to employ have not been able to do even enough to satisfy the requests of individuals for trimming and removing trees, putting on new guards, repairing guards, etc. Some of our trees are in a dangerous condition, owing to the dead branches in them, but with the usual available appropriation either these trees must be neglected or the requests of individual citizens must be denied.
The work on the street trees accomplished this year is as follows: 42 dead and dangerous trees removed, 6 trees bolted that were injured by heavy wind storms, 130 new wire guards put on, 164 wire guards repaired.
Trees on the following streets were trimmed and all dead wood removed:
Woodford Street, Deering Avenue, Emery Street, Vaughn Street, Danforth Street, Spring Street, High Street, Spring Street, Cushman Street, Congress Street, Clark Street, Deering Street, Portland Street, Cumberland Avenue, State Street, Mechanic Street, Parris Street, Winter Street, Oxford Street, Chestnut Street, Pine Street, Lancaster Street, West Street, Forest Avenue, Carleton Street, Thomas Street, Concord Street, Brackett Street, Neal Street, Pleasant Street, Munjoy Street, Atlantic Street, Howard Street, Wilson Street, St. Lawrence Street, Stevens Avenue, Waterville Street, Brentwood Street, Fore Street, Monument Street, Washington AvenueThe most serious and annoying proposition that confronts the Forester is protecting the trees from the gnawing of horses, and in view of the fact that the public statutes provide for the protection of ornamental shade trees in the streets and highways. It seems hardly reasonable that the city should feel obligated to pay out hundreds of dollars each year to enable the people to do what the city ordinance and the public statutes say they shall not do, vis., hitch horses to the shade trees. There is law enough to protect the trees, and if it were enforced in a few cases it would prove a greater protection than any guard that could be put on. The growth of a tree is not promoted by any guard, and in many cases it is retarded. If people are not inspired with love for the trees they should be with fear of the law.
Forestry 1911
Brown-Tail Moth
The work of removing the brown-tail moth nests from the street
trees and trees on public property was begun the first of the
year and the work completed before the time for the caterpillars
to leave the winter nests. This work was resumed the early part
of December and will be carried on during the winter months.
The cleaning done during the months of January, February and March covered practically the entire city, including Peaks Island, Long Island, Great Diamond Island and Cliff Island. 13,634 trees were cleaned, in addition to shrubs and bushes.
The work of cleaning private property was begun about February 20th, and all private property which had not been cleaned by the owners was cleaned of the brown-tail moth nests and the cost of the same assessed against the property as required by law. The cost of cleaning private property and the amount assessed against the same was $1,155.25.
The total cost of the work, including the cost of cleaning private property, is as follows:
City proper - $2,558.60
Peaks Island - $127.50
Great Diamond Island - $175.50
Long Island - $201.00
Cliff Island - $143.25
Forest City Cemetery - $71.50
Total - $4,289.44
In addition to the work of suppressing the brown-tail moth pest, as herebefore noted, the following work has been done.
Deering Oaks - Number of dead and dangerous trees removed, 78; number of trees trimmed, 145.
Lincoln Park - Number of dead removed, 1; number of trees trimmed, 32.
Eastern Promenade - Number of dead and dangerous trees removed, 13; number of trees trimmed, 167.
Western Promenade - Number dead and dangerous trees removed 6; number of trees trimmed, 77.
Public Streets - Number of dead and dangerous trees removed, 107; number of trees, 1,408; cavities treated and filled, 8; number of trees sprayed, 12; number of new tree guards put on, 132.
Total number of trees removed, 205.
Total number of trees trimmed, 1,829.
Forestry 1912
Brown-tail Moth
The work of suppressing the ravages of the brown-tail moth has
been carried on by the department during the year, and, as in
previous years, the work has extended over all portions of the
city, including Peak's Island, Long Island, Great Diamond Island
and Cliff Island. Private property which was not cleaned by the
owners was cleaned by the department and the cost assessed against
the property.
With the exception of the cleaning on private property, the work of suppression has been successful up to a certain stage. The removal of the winter nests from the trees throughout the city has had the effect of suppressing the pest for a time and preventing the feeding which takes place between the time the caterpillars leave their winter nests and the middle of June, when the transformation to the pupae state takes place. In the early part of July the moths emerge from this state and prepare to take flight. As the brown-tail moths are great fliers, it is natural to expect that the surrounding towns, containing large areas of wood lands which are impossible to clean of the nests, are prepared to emit swarms of these moths, which infest the city and prepare to lay their eggs for hatching. It is during this flight that the public gets the best idea of the pest, and the time when most complaint is made.
If the cleaning of wood lands and property in the surrounding towns was done as thoroughly as in the City of Portland, the pest might be held in check, but under present conditions the money expended for brown-tail moth cleaning only serves the relieve conditions for a few months each year.
The cost of cleaning public and private property for the year has been as follows:
City proper - $2,802.04For cleaning private property the amount of $1,380.60 was assessed against the owners thereof as required by law.
Peaks Island - $170.00
Great Diamond Island - $184.00
Long Island - $174.50
Cliff Island - $75.38
Total - $3,405.92
The trees in Deering Oaks have received careful attention during the year. All dead trees have been removed and a large number of old stumps have been taken out by blasting. A systematic effort has been made to trim all trees and to remove all dead wood. Number of trees removed, 29; number of trees trimmed, 523.
The work of caring for street trees has been continued during the year. Number of dead and dangerous trees removed, 108; number of trees trimmed, 1,233; broken limbs removed, 51; number of trees removed for street department, 8; number of trees sprayed for moths, 17; number of trees cut away from roofs, chimneys, etc., 19.
Total number of trees removed, 137.
Total number of trees trimmed, 1,756.
Ninety-one new guards have been placed on street trees and 1,096 guards repaired. Two hundred new trees have been set out in the nursery, and 59 new trees panted on streets and public property.
Respectively submitted,
Oakley C. Curtis,
J. P. Jordan,
E. A. Noyes
Asbury F. Waldron,
Commissioners of Cemeteries and Public Grounds
Forestry 1915
In addition to the work done in Deering Oaks, the work of caring
for street trees and trees in all other parks and public grounds
has been continued during the year with the same careful attention
and treated in the same manner as those in the Oaks. Number of
dead and dangerous trees removed, 117; number of trees trimmed,
2,627; number of trees removed for street department, 12; number
of trees removed on complaint, 4; number of trees cut away from
roofs and chimneys, 8; 14 trees blown down by storm of September
27; 106 broken limbs removed; 27 trees and bushes removed from
the High School lot to make room for the new High School building.
Total number of trees removed, including those in Deering Oaks, 190.
Total number trees trimmed, including those in Deering Oaks, 3,369.
One hundred and ninety-eight new tree guards and wires have been placed on street trees; 1,415 tree guards repaired; tree planting, 186 maple trees have bee set out on the streets; 100 oak trees have been set out in Deering Oaks; 911 street trees have been cleaned of brown-tail moths.
High School Lot
The iron fence on the Cumberland Avenue side was taken down and
the stone foundation taken up to the Eastern Cemetery to be used
for fencing the Congress Street side. the iron fence was stored
in the barn on Park Avenue, ready for use when needed. All the
trees and shrubs were cleaned off the lot ready for contractors
to start excavating for the new building.
Back Bay Boulevard and Boulevard Bridges
The latter part of August 1914, a contract was awarded to build
and complete a portion of the Back Bay Boulevard.
Eastern Promenade and Fort Allen Park
Three acres of land were plowed, and prepared to seed down to
grass, three hundred and seventy-five plants and shrubs set out,
and grading and turfing done around the gun at Fort Allen Park.
The grass has been kept cut, shrubs pruned, flower beds and walks
kept in order. The roadways were repaired and oiled, at a cost
of $1,176.02. In preparing the flower beds it was necessary to
buy $10.70 worth of loam.
Trinity Square
The lawns have been kept cut and the walks clean, the shrubbery
trimmed, and the usual care given the grounds.
Monument Square
Fifty feet of new turf was laid, the grass kept cut and necessary
attention give the grounds.
Boothby Square
Repairs were made on the fence, the grass kept cut and the usual
care given the grounds.
Winslow Park
The lawns have been kept cut, the walks clean and the usual care
given during the year.
Lincoln Park
The park has received the necessary care during the year. Sixteen
hundred feet of turf bordering the walks was laid, old loam taken
out and replaced with twenty-five loads of new loam and ten loads
of dressing. Two new culverts were put in and the old ones repaired.
The lawns have been kept cut and the flowerbeds in order.
Brown-Tail Moth
The work of exterminating this pest has been continued as thoroughly
as possible, and the result shows a decided decrease from former
years. Sixteen hundred and forty-six trees and eight hundred and
fifty-four bushes have been cleaned, including Peak's Island,
Great Diamond Island, Long Island and Cliff Island. The cost of
cleaning the trees on public property for the year has been as
follows:
City property - $1,449.05A total of six barrels of nests burned.
Peaks Island - $52.94
Great Diamond Island - $40.00
Long Island - $21.00
Total - $1,562.99
Forestry 1916
In connection with the work of caring for the trees in Deering
Oaks, and all other parks and promenades, the trees in all of
the streets have been looked after and kept free from dead wood
and trimmed, and trees have been removed where it was thought
advisable.
Number of dead and dangerous trees removed from streets, 77; number of dead trees removed from Deering Oaks, 10; cavities filled with cement, 14; number of new tree guards, 46; number of tree guards repaired, 127; trees bolted (split by storms), 4; planted 38 maple trees on North Street, 31 on Park Avenue, between Mellen Street and the Exposition Building, and 60 on the Western Promenade, from Bowdion to Vaughn Street.
Total number of trees trimmed 3,856.
Forestry 1917
The forestry crew have cleaned 3,984 trees on streets and in the
parks and public grounds, besides cleaning all bushes in the care
of the Park Department, filled the cavities in the trees, furnished
49 new tree guards and repaired 185 old tree guards, bolted 9
trees that were split by the wind, removed 141 dead and dangerous
trees, trimmed and painted with creosote 3,220 trees, transferred
18, planted 10 new trees to replace those damaged by horses, and
planted trees on the following named streets: Park Avenue, 16;
Pitt Street, 42; Washburn Avenue, 27; Payson Street, 6; Granite
Street, 5; Deane Street, 15; Chadwick Street, 1; Durham Street,
1; Forest Avenue, 2; and North Street, 2.
Forestry 1918
It was difficult, on account of the demand for men in the shipyards
and other positions, to obtain suitable help in the Forestry Department
and much work had to be neglected. Four hundred and eighty trees
were trimmed and painted with creosote, forty-five dead and dangerous
trees removed and one split tree bolted. Four hundred and eleven
tree guards were repaired and ten new ones furnished. At the request
of the Public Utilities Commission all brush obstructing the view
on street corners and crossings was removed, and cleared the ground
of brush for a sidewalk on Read Street for the Street Department.
Forestry 1919
Eight hundred and five trees were trimmed, one hundred and twenty-three
dead or dangerous trees removed, and one tree bolted. Six hundred
and ninety-seven tree guards were repaired. Trees were replaced
on North Street and the Western Promenade, and new trees planted
on Payson Street. Storms and high winds have done considerable
damage to the trees during the year.
Forestry 1920
Nine hundred and ten trees were trimmed, forty-three dead and
dangerous trees removed, and six hundred and two tree guards repaired.
The widening of Deering Avenue necessitated the removal of twelve
or fifteen large elms, at a cost of $893.12, half of which was
paid by the Public Works Department. Several large trees on Woodford
Street had to be removed to allow the grading of the street by
the Public Works Department, which was done by the Park Department
and added much to the forestry account.
Forestry 1921
Seven hundred and seventy-nine trees were trimmed and one hundred
and six trees removed. One hundred and twelve tree guards were
repaired. Fourteen trees that had been run into and damaged by
teams or automobiles were treated. All young trees along Forest
Avenue and adjacent streets were straightened and cared for, and
one hundred and eighteen new trees were planted.
Baxter Boulevard
One hundred European linden trees were planted along the esplanade
from the Forest Avenue entrance to Brown's Point. Four hundred
and fifty Japanese barberry were planted in the form of a hedge,
running from the entrance at Forest Avenue to the end of the Winslow
line. The hedge will probably be extended each year until completed.
A large shrubbery bed was made along the wall of the Gilson garage at the Forest Avenue entrance and planted with an assortment of two hundred and fifty shrubs. The grass was cut, trees watered, etc., during the summer. The esplanade at Bates Street was graded and twenty-four lindens from the Payson Park nursery were planted. Thirty-two double and sixty-eight single loads of gravel were hauled from the Western Promenade bank and used to keep the temporary drive in shape during the early spring.
Forestry Division of Park Commission
This report is based on facts submitted by Jesse E. Scott, Forestry
Supervisor, succeeding C. R. Goodrich, who resigned at the end
of 1929.
One thousand five hundred two street trees were trimmed, 345 trees removed, 255 treated for various wounds and diseases, 232 shade trees planted, three transplanted, one cabled for structural weakness, 68 broken limbs removed, 17 tree guards removed, 318 trees fertilized and 126 small stumps removed.
Previous to the disastrous ice storm of December 18th, 19th and 20th, the trees of the city were considered in excellent condition. A vigilant watch was kept for weak and broken limbs. The ice storm took an unprecedented toll of damage. It was necessary for the permanent workmen of the department during this critical time to work day and night for the greater part of the week clearing the streets of dangerous hanging limbs and fallen branches. It was due to the splendid work of these employees that the city came through this crisis without outside aid.
Forestry Report 1930
The year 1930 began with a vast amount of work to be done as a
result of the ice storm of December, 1929. The first three months
work of the year was caused by the storm. It was necessary to
employ the John Lucas Tree Expert Co. to assist the department
in this work. About twenty-five streets (bounded by Vaughn, Congress
and High Streets and the water front) were cleared by the Lucas
Co. The rest were taken care of by the department crew. This work
was all of a relief nature only. During this period the Lucas
Co. did corrective work on the Eastern and Western Promenades,
Lincoln Park and State Street. After the rush emergency work,
the Park Department crews were reduced to normal again. The regular
crew is just of sufficient size to take care of complaint and
emergency work. During the year there was a large amount of complaint
work due to weakened limbs and branches, which limited the amount
of corrective work that could be done. At the present time there
are about twelve streets that have been put in first-class condition.
Practically the whole city remains to be done.
A city-wide survey showed a general infestation of the brown-tail moth. Newspaper publicity, a personal check-up and notification, with a follow-up letter, seemed to have the desired effect, as the majority of the nests were removed and the damage of these pests was small. During the late spring the spay-rig of the Bureau of Plant Industry, Department of Agriculture, spend two days in the city and sprayed poplar and willow trees for a check on the satin moth.
Forestry Division removed for the Public Works Department the following trees: Twenty-five large elms on Veranda Street, 15 large elms on Stevens Avenue, and 14 on Deering Avenue on account of street construction. 218 maple trees were planted on city streets in the spring. 250 maple whips were planted in the nursery.
Annual Report
Trees trimmed and put in first-class shape - 934
Trees removed - 241
Trees cabled and bolted - 2
Trees treated - 116
Trees transplanted - 4
Trees from which broken limbs were removed - 334
Trees from which dead wood was removed - 51
Forestry Report 1931
The trees so terribly mutilated by the ice storm during the winter
of 1930 have had corrective work on all of the important and most
of the other streets. Work, was completed on 3,112 trees. Of this
number 1,516 were restored by the Lucas Tree Expert Company, all
other work being done by the Forestry Division.
A complete survey of the brown-tail moth was made in the spring. Owners of property on which nests of this pest were fund were notified to have them removed by a certain date. Very satisfactory results were obtained, the insects being held well in check. Spraying equipment was used on receipt of complaints of the caterpillars. This equipment belonged to the Lucas Tree Expert Company. The Park Department should have its own spraying outfit. Without a spraying outfit, in event of bad infestation, the Forestry forces would be seriously handicapped. With a spraying outfit, a regular spring spraying program to control the myriad's of leaf eating insects could be work our each year.
The following is a summary of the forestry work for the year:
Trees on which corrective work was done - 1,596
Trees removed - 153
Trees treated - 97
Trees planted - 351
Trees on which broken limbs were removed - 133
Trees trimmed to clear roofs - 20
Trees from which dangerous limbs were removed - 60
Trees cabled and bolted - 2
Trees transplanted - 1
Trees on which guards were put - 7
Trees on which guards were removed - 4
Trees from which brown-tail moth nests were removed - 21
Streets on which spraying was done for brown-tail moths - 16
Trees on which corrective work was done by Lucas Treat Expert
Co. - 1,516
Forestry Division 1933-34
The annual report of the Forestry Division of the Park Commission
for the year ending December 31, 1934. Included is a detailed
account of work done on City shade trees, showing the type of
work completed and the location.
The total expenditure for the year was approximately $4,000.00*, including the account for street tree planting. While this is not the smallest total figure for tree work since the ice storm, it does represent the lowest figure for a year in which the crew was maintained throughout the whole year.
This branch of the Park Department was helped greatly by the Federal Relief Projects; the C. W. A. during the first four months of 1934, with six tree workers and number of laborers for woods clearing, and again under the E. R. A. from the middle of September to the end of the year with two tree climbers. On all this work the Park Department maintained its own foreman and furnished the truck and driver, also all tools, equipment and materials were contributed by this department. It is interesting to note that this project was one of the few in the City where practically no material expenditure was necessary to carry on the work. It is very gratifying to the writer, as City Forester, to have these workers furnished to us, enabling us to complete much needed tree work. It is a fact that n years such as the last few we have experienced, the trees are among the first to be neglected.
The following figures show the number of man days worked by men on these projects:
C. W. A.:
307 Tree Climber days
257 Laborer days
E. R. A.:
98 Tree Climber days
11 Laborer days
The early months of 1934 were usually trying for tree work, due
to the extreme cold and great amount of snow. This necessitated
working accessible locations and consequently considerable time
was used at the golf course and Pine Grove Park. Teh work completed
ther was very necessary and has added greatly to both places,
especially at the Municipal Golf Course where the construction
work on the second nine holes has progressed rapidly.
*Note: Actual Expenditures from Secretary's Record
(a) General care of shade trees - $3,941.29
(b) New plantings in City street - $164.78
Total - $4,106.07
During the months between the Government Aid Projects, a small crew as maintained by this department. This crew was of necessity small, due to reduced budget figures, and enabled the crew to do only emergency prevailed upon the Parks Department to help combat a bad infestation of tent caterpillars. Here, extensive spraying was done on both private and public land, and a very bad situation was cleaned up. It was necessary to use a hand-operated barrel pump, the only equipment we have. Along this line and as mentioned in reports of previous years, this department should be equipped with a power spraying unit. With such a unit we could have a regular spraying policy, including one for dormant work. The writer can furnish specifications for a sprayer, to fit our needs, when such can be financed.
Brown Tail Moth
A C.W.A. project, carried on by the State for the extermination
of these moth nests, was of great value to the City. The nests
were cut and destroyed on both public and private trees. This
made a minimum of spraying necessary during the summer.
Gypsy Moth
This pest appears to be on the increase in Portland, especially
in the Deering and Woodfords sections. In the event of an outbreak,
this department will be badly handicapped without the use of a
power spraying outfit.
Dutch Elm Disease
Much has been said and written about this disease. There is no
indication of any infected trees in Portland or the disease carrying
insect, the European elm bark beetle. Considerable investigation
and examination work was done during the year on suspicious appearing
trees. This office should have the sanction of the Park Commissioners
to do examination work on any private trees. As it is possible
that this disease may reach this State, no time should be lost
in checking its spread.
Emergency Work
Aside from the regular routine daily work, the department is on
call twenty-four hours each day. This, of course, is for emergency
work and calls are usually due to storms, wind, lightning, rain,
or sleet. This office also receives various the calls, including
those to rescue cats, destroy hornets nests and poison ivy and
to remove kites.
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