Carson City is trying to promote the planting of more trees in city rights-of-way.
The Street Tree Program allows residents and other property owners to have attractive and easy-to-maintain foliage by offering specific species, then provides professionals to plant the trees, and monitor their growth and health.
It's a way to "enhance the urban forest," said Scott Fahrenbruch, director of operations for the Parks and Recreation Department, about the program started in 2001 by the Shade Tree Council, a resident advisory panel to the Board of Supervisors. "And it's a good deal."
Species offered for $235 each have been chosen for appearance, ease of maintenance, and because they won't cause safety problems common to cottonwoods, for example, he said.
"Cottonwoods have shallow roots that break concrete, and cause hazardous situations with heavy overhead limbs," Fahrenbruch said.
There are several species offered through this buying program.
• Small: Hawthorns produce red flowers during the spring that ripen into small, bright red fruit by the fall that is attractive to birds. And crabapple trees bear white or reddish-pink flowers, then perhaps a little fruit. Both are considered good species for sites underneath power lines.
• Medium: Columnar maples are resistant to wind, disease and pests, will produce dense foliage and will thrive in street locations. And ornamental pear trees bloom early each year with white blossoms and provide dense foliage, then colorful fall leaves. This species also has high tolerance for city conditions.
• Large: A maple with dense foliage that becomes orange, scarlet and bronze in the fall that can grow to 75 feet high to provide ample shade. Oaks that reach 70 feet tall with fall leaves of yellow and red suitable for a very large site. And a hearty honey locust that stands up well in an urban environment.
Planting is done during the spring and fall. Deadline to apply for May and June planting is March 30. Inclusion in the program is based on whether the land is a city right-of-way and appropriate for a tree to be planted.
Funding of the program comes from the Quality of Life Initiative, or Question 18.
• Contact reporter Terri Harber at tharber @nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111, ext. 215.
For your information
Contact the Parks and Recreation Department for details about Carson City's Street Tree Program, 887-2115 ext. 1003.