One planted to give shade.
1806. It is to be regretted that a shade tree, useful and ornamental as the Poplar, should be in danger of suffering, so whimsically, the loss of its reputation.—The Balance, July 22, p. 228/1.
1835. No state surpasses this [Mississippi] in the beauty, variety, and rapid growth of its ornamental shade trees.—Ingraham, ‘The South-West,’ ii. 101.
1838. The buildings of the Fort are situated within an inclosure around a large, beautiful square, which is covered with green grass, and adorned with shade trees.—Samuel Parker, ‘Tour,’ p. 32 (Ithaca, N.Y.).
1844. [It was Gen. Washington’s purpose that the larger spaces should be] planted with ornamental shade-trees.—Cong. Globe, p. 468: Report on Public Buildings.
1847. Shade-trees and green grass-plots are no part of religion or politics.—Yale Lit. Mag., xii. 278 (April).
