trees, trees, glorious trees

image from: http://news.fredericksburg.com/

Up early for a very worthwhile cause on Friday. I was asked if I would like to attend a tree planting initiative coordinated by the local not-for-profit Tree Fredericksburg, in conjunction with local volunteers from Dominion Power and Cox Communication. The event was made possible with a grant provided by Dominion.

The planting took place on two sites in Fredericksburg. The first included 58 street trees within the newer Villas of Snowden residential subdivision, which was largely devoid of trees. The trees included several species and home owners were able to have some input into species selection for planting in front of their homes. The second site included 38 trees planted around the Old Walker Grant School and the Boys and Girls Club of Fredericksburg. 

All volunteers were fitted out with safety vests, goggles and gloves. We were given a safety instruction, did a quick warm-up and were then given a tree planting demonstration. Breaking into groups of three to four people, each group was issued with shovels, stake tampers, pliers, tree guards and plastic sheet/tarp to empty tree and soil onto. Each tree had had it's hole pre-dug - so this made it easier to remove soil. Prior to the tree plant, trees had had roots washed, been delivered to site and stakes and a bag of mulch supplied to each tree location. 

Working on many large design projects during my life as a Landscape Architect, meant that I was not involved in a great deal of site work: more along the lines of inspection than supervision. This plant was a great insight into in situ tree planting - and application of the bare rooted planting technique developed by Bonnie Lee Appleton from Virginia Tech. 

The morning was cold, but we soon warmed up with some physical work. It was fun working with a bunch of Dominion line and office workers, many who exhibited the bravado to try and 'out-plant' each other - thus making the atmosphere somewhat lighthearted. I had a great time and came away with that feeling of virtue obtained by doing something worthwhile. Paul commented upon how I 'glowed' with enthusiasm on my return. 

Help for urban terrorists...

thermal heat reading - no tree canopy

thermal heat reading - with tree canopy 
images from Sydney Morning Herald 

I really liked Sydney City Council's proactive approach to making urban areas more comfortable spaces in which people can live work and play. The City's Urban Forest Strategy aims to increase tree canopy coverage in city areas. The Council appreciates that trees not only provide visual improvement but ensure many positive environmental impacts. I applaud the initiative's empowerment of residents to have some influence on tree provision and selection. 

I happen to know at least two urban terrorists - people who haven't waited for civic institutions to take action... but who have secretly planted trees in public places, under the cover of night. These trees, many years later have become an intrinsic part of the urban tapestry - the inception of planting unbeknownst, but a personal attachment grown over time and through familiarity.

I  liked the premise for the Neighborwoods program and its understanding that monocultural or native planting need not be the guiding principle, but that a tapestry is made all the richer for its diversity, staggered maturation and appreciation and reflection of trends in time. Bravo.