"Could you make a design of mountains with cedars and red pines?"

Fir, spruce, and red and white pines are among the most common trees in the Northeast.

Still, Arkady found himself breathing easier when the red pines gave way to a mix of ash and birch.

"In three to five years, people with red pines can expect to lose them," he said.

"It's not as big a threat as it once was because we don't have as many red pines," he said.

Hemlocks were common and there was also a stately stand of mature red pines that he, as a boy, had helped his grandfather plant.

In time red pines and spruces may become dominant.

Even in the stand of snapped-off red pines, Mr. White saw hope.

He said that in 40 or 50 years they could be as tall as the red pines once were.

Umeda, a district on the north side of the city, is well known for its cedar trees, while red pines are also common in other areas.