March 15, 2008
Richmond Tree Stewards plant on Monument Avenue
Volunteers from the 2008 Richmond Tree Steward program planted replacement trees along Monument Avenue this morning in a class lesson led by Dennis Gaston of the Virginia Department of Forestry.
The volunteers planted 2 yoshino cherry trees to replace 2 trees from an earlier planting that had not thrived. Many of the other trees along the same median were planted too high and the exposed roots are suffering damage from the grass cutting, which does not bode well for the future of the many existing cherry trees and dawn redwoods.
The 6-year-old replacement trees were donated by the Friends of Monument Avenue West and planted at Monument and Antrim & Monument and Shenandoah.
While working out on the median, it came out in conversation with the tree folks that the pin oaks on Malvern in decline due to recent cycles of drought, saturation, and the rocking from the winds of Hurricane Isabel. Losing these trees would be a huge loss to the area.
The Richmond Tree Stewards have upcoming plantings planned for Jefferson Park and Chimborazo Park in the East End.
photos: (ABOVE) Mary Glenn Taylor of Friends of Monument Avenue West cuts the ribbon on the newly planted trees. (BELOW) Wyn with the water truck.
Thanks to these good folks. It is indeed unfortunate that the Malvern trees seem threatened and the reasons you list are valid. Also valid is that sidewalk work has put these trees in danger. The vigilance required to fund, properly plant and maintain AND assure that other city activities do not interfere with the health of trees is daunting.
Thanks go out to Wynn Price for following up and doing the mulch on these trees.