Historical April–May 2020 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Changes are here and I’m not just referring to all of the closed businesses, canceled events, and school closings. Before COVID-19 sent everyone inside, you probably had already seen some changes in the neighborhood, changes for the better.
The forestry division has been hard at work in the 28th Ward and throughout the city. For the last few years there has been a backlog of tree trimming, removals, and plantings. Recently, the forestry division was able to bring on additional help through a contract with a local company to assist the city in caring for all of our trees.
This resulted in several trees in the neighborhood coming down at one time. I’ve received several calls about what seemed like a rash of tree removals. Before a tree is marked to be removed at least one certified arborist has to determine it is necessary.
The city never wants to take a tree down but will when necessary.
As we’ve seen in recent storms, weak and diseased trees can cause a lot of damage.
When a tree is removed a new one is planted and over 300 trees are being planted this season in the 28th ward.
If you have a preference for a particular type of tree to be planted in the tree lawn in front of your home you may make a request of the forest service.
They have a list of trees that are appropriate for urban settings.
We are lucky in Skinker-DeBaliviere to have streets lined with tall, shade trees and I recommend that we replace dead and dying trees with more shade trees whenever possible.
They help keep our homes cool in the summer, add to property values, and maintain the special character of the neighborhood.
The city maintains a map of its trees and you can see many of the trees in the neighborhood mapped at showmotrees.mytreekeeper.com.
The map shows you the species and size of the tree along with the benefits it provides. Check out the map and contact forestry with any questions.
Then get outside for some fresh air and take in our beautiful urban forest. Trees provide great benefit when they are healthy and strong so please help new trees planted near your home by providing water, helping keep them supported so they grow up straight and tall, and contacting forestry if you see that a tree has been damaged in any way.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, April–May 2020.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2020_04.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 6.
