can I plant a tree?
A reader writes: “I’m a new home owner and I would like to get some information regarding planting a tree along the sidewalk. There is a spot out front that used to have a tree; however, all that remains now is a mulched, empty square in the sidewalk. Is it allowable to take it upon myself to plant a tree? Does the city have to be involved? Do I need to call the public utilities to come out and confirm if there are any lines running underneath?”
We planted 2 trees out front of our house and no one has ever said anything, though we live outside of any of the as of yet identified historic districts. We were careful to select trees that thrive in the area and yet will not get big enough to become an issue w/ the power lines above, which is more than the city seems to do…
The Church Hill Association (CHA) is going to purchase trees in the fall to be planted in many empty tree wells. If you would like a tree and would maintain it, I am sure we can get you one and a gator bag too. Contact our Planters Society at 788 8157 for more info. Tell others too.
JJ
yes you can
Please check with Urban Forestry before planting. There are species of trees recommended for the area and others that can create lots of problems. Luke McCall is the City Arborist, he’ll be able to tell you exactly what can be done. Luke.McCall@richmondgov.com
I think trees on my street would really help the appearance (Marshall, across from Chimborazo Elementary). However, we do not have any tree wells on the sidewalk. Is there a way to get tree wells “installed”?
Be sure and plant trees that grow into that elongated v-shape that the city so loves to cut trees into. It will save time later.
Billie Raines with the Adopt a Tree Program can be of help in the selection and care of trees. She can also provide information on opening tree wells. 646-6785.
For the first time, the NYC Parks and Recreation Department has calculated the cost and benefit of the city’s trees in a quantitative dollar amount. The project began with a two-year long tree census in which 1,000 volunteers counted every tree on every street in the city. Then, the figures were inputed into a computer program, Stratus, developed by researchers at the University of California Davis and the United States Forest Service.
Of the 592,130 trees counted (not including the 4.5 million trees in parks and private property) the study concluded that the city receives $5.60 in benefits for every dollar spent on trees. The program analyzed several factors, including impact on property values, contribution to cleaning air through carbon dioxide absorption, water drainage, and energy conservation through shade. Some other results that were found were that trees in lower-density areas are generally more valuable than those in high-density areas because they provide the greatest environmental benefits. Trees with large leaves, like maple trees, are more valuable because they provide more shade and absorb more carbon dioxide. Dr. Greg McPherson, lead designer of the Stratus program and director of the Forest Service’s Center for Urban Forest Research said he developed his computer program over the last 25 years by building on years of economic research. “I hope this model provides ammunition for people on the front lines who have to battle for budgets to maintain their trees and expand their urban forests,” he said.
Source: New York Times
kudos to everyone out there that is wiiling to spend time and energy in getting trees planted along the sidewalks. They make a huge impact on the overall appearance of the neighborhood. The city has always been willing to open the sidewalks where no tree wells currently exist. Public works cut the concete near my house to create tree wells. I must say, they did a great job too. I coordinated the effort through the city arborist volunteering to supply the trees and labor to install them. Although my out of pocket expenses were not necessary, I wanted very specific trees to be planted around my home. I can’t agree more with a prior post about trees on Marshall Street. This area is crying out for trees to soften the harsh look of the area. Too bad everybody up here is not as involved as those who have posted here.
[...] a timely follow-up to a recent question: The Church Hill Planters are currently seeking residents who would be willing to adopt a new tree [...]