Trees Coming to our Hood
Crews are planting 23 new trees along Westover Hills Boulevard from New Kent Road to Forest Hill Avenue. The plants are managed by the Urban Forestry Division of Public Works and are part of Mayor Dwight C. Jones tree planting program. The trees are a mixture of Fruitless Sweetgum, Ginkgo, and Chinese Elm. Although there is plenty of natural watering taking place right now they will probably need some help in the spring, so keep an eye on these new additions to our neighborhood. This planting follows a similar one earlier in the season along Forest Hill Avenue from Westover Hills Boulevard to 41st Street.
I just do not understand why they continue to plant non-native species. There are huge numbers of gorgeous tree varieties native to our area, in particular oaks and maples, that would be more appropriate than ginkgos or chinese elms. We recently purchased a tree through the city program to replace one that was lost to disease and had to call to ask for a willow oak after all that was offered were three non-native options. The Virginia DCR website provides information on native plants and trees, as well as citing the many benefits to opting for native versus alien species. While I appreciate the fact that the city is finally planting trees instead of just cutting them down, they would do well to follow the advice of the experts and make every effort to plant native trees whenever possible. Very disappointing.
And I hope the gingkos are males and not females–that’s a very stinky fruit to step in . . .
The reason we plant non-native trees to augment the native species, is to diversify our urban forest so it will not suffer as it did when the native American elm population was devastated with Dutch Elm Disease. We presently have more than 80 species in our urban forest with oaks and maples making up approximately 40% of our tree population. This does not give us the diversity we prefer. Studies have shown that planting non-native species to diversify the urban forest is important; particularly in eastern North American cities whose trees are primarily maple, ash and oak. They estimate that 50% of the urban forest could be lost to exotic pests such as Asian longhorned beetle and emerald ash borer if they escape federal quarantines. Certain species are preferable for certain sites due to the size and location of the planting site, utilities present (seen and underground), site conditions, and the surrounding infrastructure. The arborists consider all of this when selecting the species to be planted at each site.
Thanks for coming onto H&H and explaining the logic behind the tree selections.
The problem with “Fruitless” sweet gum (Liquidambar Rotundiloba) if this is the variety chosen is actually semi fruitless if they start to have growth that reverts back to the fruited sweet gum they will need to have those branches pruned out and I don’t see the city sending people out who would know what to take out. This tree can get to 35 to 75 feet tall
The Ginko does well in our area and certainly has beautiful fall color.
Chinese elm is a nice tree. The biggest concern is the physical size of the tree.
If there are powerlines in this area will we see the usual hacked up trees to keep them out of these lines. The Ginko can be larger, in the area of 60 feet tall. The Chinese Elm can be in the area of 40 ft tall.
Was this taken into consideration when these plants were choosen?
Is the area going to support these trees root growth. I wonder who does the research on these plants.
Richmond has a fully trained staff of arborists. They not only work during the day, but it is not unusual for them to attend neighborhood association meetings at night to seek imput from residents, to talk about Adopt a Tree programs, and other tree-related issues. They really do good work, Sandra.
The city seems to be putting a lot of thought into tree selection. Based on what I’ve seen so far, they have not been putting tall-growing trees under power lines (a major problem in the past), and they are avoiding monocultures (row after row of the same species), that can effectively be wiped out over a very short period of time.
As someone who also has a preference for native trees, I just want to point out that not all native species are well suited to be street trees. Growth habit is another consideration: branch structure on some trees just isn’t suited for street use (low, wide branching, e.g.)
On my street, dogwoods and redbud were planted under the power lines, and sweet gum on the opposite side (minimal if any pruning required).
Well done, Urban Forestry!
Jennifer, I believe that the city uses those varieties along stretches of frequently used roads because they are pollution resistant varieties that will be able to grow without dying in their first year. Additionally, they probably use these trees because their root structures are not as powerful as that of Quercus alba etc. As to whether they’re female or male Ginkophyta, I’m with you Foust. I know they try to avoid planting the females.