Historical Fall 2006 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
One of the many things this summer’s storms remind us is that our much of our tree stock is coming of age.
As publicized in WU’s study of the pin oaks lining the drive to Brookings Hall, oaks and other varieties planted when our neighborhood was developed are reaching the end of their illustrious careers.
While storm damage and leaf raking may not put tree planting at the top of our project lists, I think we would all agree that in the end, the canopy our foliage provides is worth having.
The Times noted the importance of trees shortly after it began publication, and given environmental and energy considerations today that import has only grown. Even though planting a generation tree may not yield benefits short term, there is no time to start like the present if we want future generations to enjoy the forestry we have. Tree planting is simple enough, but there are some things to be aware of that can help with getting the right tree in the right place. I’ve learned the hard way; my first tree was a dogwood (shade) that I planted in almost full sun (fortunately plenty of water and tree growth to its West helped it not only survive but in fact thrive). One of the main things to be aware of are utility lines. For most of us that means water & sewer, but you may want to verify electric and telephone. For example, my electric service to the garage is underground. Sewer and water lines are especially important to locate when planting a tap root tree (e.g. maples). Water lines are usually easily located by finding your pipe inside as well as your outside box. Sewers can be harder; usually we can rely on the vent stack but the exact route can take turns.
I would also be careful of assumptions; I found my sewer line runs to alley while common knowledge is they all go to the street. Numerous resources abound for finding the right tree. Shaw’s garden is a great source for not only trees in general, but also naturally local specimens. Contact your alderman or the city’s forestry department to see about receiving a free tree in your tree lawn.
A permit may be required if you want to plant your own.
A list of accepted trees is at the Forestry Department’s very informative website, http://stlouis. missouri.org/citygov/parks/forestry_div/tree.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, Fall 2006.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2006_09.pdf, printed page(s) 3; PDF page(s) 3.
