Help Cda Turn Over A New Leaf Program Gives Away 20 Trees

Residents here can beautify their city, and their own view, by investing only a little TLC.

People willing to water and otherwise care for a tree can “adopt” one for planting in the public right-ofway, according to urban forest coordinator Karen Hinson.

About 20 trees are available for April planting on a first-come, firstserved basis. Some are small trees such as flowering plum and dogwood, suitable for planting under power lines.

Because the city hasn’t purchased all the trees, some people will be able to choose the species they’d like to have beside their street.

There are a handful of species that the Parks Department wouldn’t approve, such as messy black locusts and horse chestnuts.

“Some trees have bad streetside habits,” Hinson said Friday.

Shallow-rooted poplars are hard on curbs and sidewalks. Whatever the species of tree, it should be planted so that it’s two feet from pavement in any direction, Hinson said.

Most of the trees available for planting are 12 to 15 feet high.

They are being paid for by Washington Water Power Co., which removed trees last year to clear power lines, mostly along Fifth and 11th streets. The company gave the city $50 for each replacement, Hinson said.

The Parks Department has tree selection and planting information, along with free planting permits, for anyone interested in planting trees within the right-of-way.

Lists of suitable trees are available for anyone, whether or not they’re “adopting” street trees.

Information is available from Hinson at 769-2266, any weekday except Wednesday.

The street trees are among 150 the city will plant this spring. Those will include oaks, which will attract more squirrels to City Park, and trees to beautify the city workshop on Ramsey Road.

Thanks in part to a Small Business Administration grant, Hinson said, “We’re going to be planting big time this year.”