I loved your article in the Deer Park neighborhhod newsletter about improving property values, but another thing you could mention is the added value that mature trees can add, for example pin oaks, red maples, ginkos and birch trees. When placed properly they can provide excellent shade in the brutal sun, keep your car from deteroirating from UV rays and cut down drastically on cooling bills in the summer. Trees also produce oxygen to combat polllution . It would be nice to invite the city's arborist for an instructional seminar about planting trees, which ones to avoid (Bradford Pears are not a good choice of tree because they break apart in windstorms and are not long lived) and maybe spend some of the neighborhoods money on a tree give-away. As you know a lot of the trees lost during the tornado 30 years ago have still not been replaced. It would also be nice to have a tree policy like the city of Anchorage where they are true tree huggers. I believe you need a permit to remove any tree with a trunk greater that 6 inches in diameter. It is also wonderful to see the lovely trees that the city is replacing along Eastern Parkway and Willow Ave. I just hope they don't forget to water them occasionally during this hot dry season.Another great thing about deciduous trees is the awsome colors they sprout in the fall to the enjoyment of all leaf peepers.

trees

What a nice paragraph on the value of trees. Did you know that decidious trees that are well branched can act as a wind break in the depths of winter, thus reducing your heating costs. the prevailing winds are from the Southwest. They compromise about 85%. The next, come from the Northwest totaling about 10%. The remaining 5% are from the Northeast and Northwest. The mountains prevent a lot of weather from coming from that direction, so plant your trees accordingly.

By Elizabeth

Info in our newsletter

I read your message back in August, but meant to respond and I'm just now getting around to it. I stand with you 100%. Last Fall we planted a Whitespire Riverburch in our front yard. I had to do some research on the net to find one that was the right fit for us. Your post was right after our newsletter had been distributed and the next one to come out was late Nov/Dec., which is a bit late in the planting season. I would love to put in article in our newsletter about this but I think the best time is in our August Newsletter which last through Fall. I plan to do that! Thanks for you comments.

How about tree advice for all?

Dear M. Bohn,

I agree that trees make a neighborhood. The streets in DP that are tree scarce are noticably less attractive than those with trees. I'd love to participate and help plan some neighborhood event where we could get some tree advice out and help with some planning.

Peace,
David