Volunteers Need for Friends of Trees

Several years ago, we decided that our parking needed a tree or trees. Bev and I worked with Friends of Trees to decide what tree to plant and through them how tall a tree was permitted, due to overhead wires. We decided on a maple that would have bright red leaves in the fall.

Planting was to take place in mid-January. Sometime prior to the planting, some group of volunteers dug a hole in the parking. Then, on the day of the planting, a number of us met at the distribution point where 8-12 groups loaded trees into pickups along with stakes. We set out in individual cars to the streets in our neighborhood to actually plant the trees. I remember it was cold and wet, but in about four hours, my group planted our maple and maybe ten others in people's yards.

Friends of Trees stayed in touch over the first year or so, monitoring the health of our trees and making sure they were watered regularly. I am proud to say that all but one of the trees we planted are alive and doing well. It is a joy to walk the Grant Park-Irvington neighborhood knowing I planted that tree!

Which brings me to

The Beaumont Wilshire Neighborhood Organization along with Friends of Trees are sponsoring a tree planting on February 11, 2006. The organizations are seeking homeowners who want trees. Volunteers are also needed to help organize and carry out the planting. If you are interested in either trees or volunteering contact Albert Kaufman at albertkaufman@yahoo.com. The deadline is November 1st.

Trees cost between $50 and $75 and range from 6 feet to 14 feet. The tree fee covers the cost of the tree, hole digging, assistance on planting day, stakes, twine, and follow-up monitoring. Both street and yard trees will be available.

Mike & Bev