tagged with: trees
February 20, 2010
City Council takes up new zoning classifications, guidelines on public trees
The adenda for the Feb.22 City Council meeting (PDF) includes approval of a few new zoning classifications, the reappointment of Marilyn B. Olds to the RRHA Board of Commissioners, and the potentially controversial establishment of new procedures “for the maintenance and removal of trees on City- owned property”.
February 17, 2010
East End lags in street trees
A recent tree inventory finds that Richmond lags the nation and that the East End is behind the rest of the city in our stock of street trees:
The inventory, a sampling of Richmond’s estimated 84,000 trees in public rights of way, found that 56 percent of the spaces available were stocked with trees, lagging the national average of 60 percent and well below the ideal of 75 to 80 percent.
Sugar maples are most common, followed by willow oaks and crape myrtles, according to the partial inventory, conducted by Truetimber, a South Richmond tree service. Trees are most abundant along streets in the Fan District, the West End, North Side and portions of South Side, and least well-stocked in the East End and some parts of South Side annexed 40 years ago.
January 11, 2010
Sign up now for Richmond Tree Stewards 2010
Are you interested in learning more about proper tree care? The City of Richmond boasts one of the top urban forests in the country, and now you have the opportunity to learn more about the thriving trees in our community.
January 6, 2010
Trees to be removed in January
The Department of Public Works’ Urban Forestry Division’s list of trees to be removed in January 2010 shows 12 trees in the area that are to be taken down this month.
January 6, 2010
East End leaf collection set for Jan.19-29
The scheduled leaf collection picks up around here on January 19-29. Here is the full revised schedule (PDF). [via]
December 20, 2009
Trees to be removed in December
The Department of Public Works’ Urban Forestry Division’s list of trees to be removed in December 2009 shows 12 trees in the area that are/were to be taken down this month.
November 6, 2009
Richmond Tree Stewards 2010 begins in January
Interested in learning about proper tree care? The Tree Steward Program 2010, a series of classes running through April, begins February 9 at 6:30PM at the Round House in Byrd Park.
November 3, 2009
Sycamore

There is an amazing sycamore behind the dead-end where 24th Street doesn’t meet Franklin Street, down from Bellevue ES. Check out this panorama from Franklin Street.
September 22, 2009
Adopt-a-Tree application due by October 1
The city’s Adopt-a-Tree Program applications (PDF) are due by October 1. From the Department of Urban Forestry website:
Residents may participate in the Adopt-A-Tree Program by making a tax-deductible contribution to the Parks & Recreation Foundation which will go toward planting a new tree or trees. Additionally, participants agree to water the tree for the first two years as outlined in the Tree Maintenance Agreement. Applications are due by October 1. Trees are planted late November through the end of February.
September 20, 2009
Trees fight crime!
A 2001 study finds that the presence of trees and maintained yards reduces crime on a particular block:
“Buildings with high levels of vegetation had 52% fewer total crimes, 48% fewer property crimes, and 56% fewer violent crimes than buildings with low levels of vegetation."
“(Researchers) compared street blocks with higher and lower levels of high-maintenance gardening and found fewer problems reported on street blocks with higher levels of high-maintenance gardening.”
July 26, 2009
The trees of Libby Hill Park before Hurricane Isabel
May 12, 2009
Helpers sought to water trees in Libby Hill Park
The Church Hill Planters and Friends of Libby Hill Park are lining up folks to help water the new trees planted this past February in Libby Hill Park:
We need help watering our newly planted trees as well as our “yearlings.” Please let me know if you can be part of a team and be responsible for watering trees in the park for one week — that means that you’re committing to watering just one time during that week. You don’t have to have a partner to sign up, just let me know the date you choose and we’ll try to fill the spot.
May 12, 2009
A new face and heart
The stunning burl on a sycamore on T Street (between 22nd & 23rd) has recently been made surreal with the addition of a painted face and heart.
May 9, 2009
Updated list has 11 trees coming down
The city’s Department of Public Works – Urban Forestry page list of trees to be removed has been updated and now includes 11 neighborhood trees that will be taken down within the next 30 days. (previously)
May 7, 2009
New trees on 30th Street
Sure to be stunningly beautiful next spring, the Department of Urban Forestry has lined the formerly barren 1500 block of 30th Street with more than 25 plum and cherry trees.
May 3, 2009
New trees need water
The south end of Fairmount has recently been blessed with 25 or so new street trees via the Urban Forestry Division, mostly along the 1000, 1100, and 1200 blocks of 21st and 22nd Streets. Anybody want to volunteer to help water these trees this summer?
April 13, 2009
Help Wanted to plant some trees
Need approx. 5 small trees planted on Church Hill property by Sat. pm 4/18. You’ll need a truck to pick up at Lowe’s on Broad Street. Respond by email with your rate — Also if you have a lawnmower, that would be most helpful. Location: 27th and Broad
April 6, 2009
City now posting list of trees to be removed

The city’s Public Works’ Urban Forestry Division has posted their April 2009 Tree Removal List of “dead and decaying trees that could be a safety hazard to the City’s citizens”. The list of over 100 trees does not include any in the East End. [via]
February 21, 2009
New trees and mulching at Libby Hill Park
The Church Hill Planters and the Friend of Libby Hill Park pulled together community volunteers to plant 24 new trees and mulch 40 existing trees in Libby Hill Park this morning. About 60 people turned out to help, including a solid contingent from the Richmond Tree Stewards.














