Street trees

STREET TREES 
'TREE CITY USA'

Covered with snow or even ice, trees add beauty and interest to the winter landscape.

Tall Trees are an integral living part of our environment in the northeastern United States. Trees provide food and shelter for birds and wildlife, shade from the summer heat, produce oxygen and add four seasons of beauty to our area.  From early flowering trees until the burst of autumn color and snow covered branches, it is impossible to imagine life without them.

A line of trees cools off this otherwise hot paved street. 

 'Tree City USA'* 

Established in 1976 the Tree City USA program is a nationwide movement that helps provide the framework for communities to manage and expand public trees.  More than 3,400 cities, towns and villages have received this status.  

Designated Tree Cities and towns proudly display this sign on their main roadways.

There are four requirements to become a Tree City.  (1) A tree board or department  (2) Having a community tree ordinance*  (3) Spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry 

(4) Celebrating Arbor Day.

Most towns and cities utilize both the Deportment of Public Work
and volunteers to plant and monitor street trees.

As part of their commitment to this goal, the Department of Public Works actively works with home owners to select, plant and maintain street trees on their property.  

One of the main advantages of street trees is that the town is responsible for treatment and removal
of sick or damaged tree, saving home owners the expense.   

  

Trees in our region have been devastated the in the past few years.
First by the Asian Long-horned Beetle which killed many maples, a favorite for autumn color.  That was followed by hurricane Irene and super storm Sandy. Sadly the toppling of so many trees put fear into many homeowners who removed otherwise healthy trees.

The untold tale of those storms is that millions of trees in New Jersey did not fall. Storms are a natural way of culling weak or compromised trees and allow space and sunlight for younger trees below.

Surrounded by pavement, most trees cannot survive the conditions required
to be a successful street tree. 

For many people the good news is that there are many trees that grow under 20 feet high. They fulfill the requirements of taller trees, for shade and respiration, but don't interfere with electric overhead wires and are safer than massive trees. 

Tree experts are well qualified to discuss these details and help you decide which street tree variety is best for your property. Your only responsibility is to water it, especially during the first year which is crucial for the healthy root growth of all plants.  

If you would like to request a street tree you should call your local Department Public Works.

They may direct you to a 'Tree Planting' planting request form on the town or cities website.

It's impossible for most people to imagine a walk though a town devoid of trees.  

*Even if your city is not a designated 'tree city'
chances are good that your Department of Public Works spends a great deal of time and money on trees to beautify your town. Contact them for more information.

Happy Gardening,                                                                                            James