May 31, 2019 12:00 p.m.
Editor’s Note: During City Manager Dale Martin’s absence, Dave Holley city arborist, was asked to provide information to the public on the Fernandina Loves Trees Campaign.
Hello! This is Dave Holley, your City Arborist. To get right to the point, the City is starting a tree planting campaign called FERNANDINA LOVES TREES, and we’d like to see 7,000 trees planted within the city limits over the next year or two. We have approximately 10,000 parcels inside the city, so a tree on each one would more that accomplish our goal. I’m going out on a limb here and trusting you’ll participate! When you plant your tree (or multiple trees), please send us a photo with your address to [email protected], to make sure your tree gets counted. We’ll post the photos on the City’s Facebook page periodically to inspire others to start planting trees.
To add another level of FUN, let’s see WHO can plant the most trees… the KIDS or the ADULTS! We plan to visit several local schools this winter to give away FREE tree seedlings and to provide a little tree education. The City will also be giving away seedlings to residents this fall and winter at outreach events. Okay, so who’s eager to start planting now? If that’s you, I suggest planting a SMALL TREE because they can be purchased for about $20, and one person can easily handle the installation. They also don’t need to be staked, and they require less water and mulch. If you forget to water them and they die, just grab another one. If you prefer a larger tree, that’s even better, but it will cost a tad more. Either way, our local nurseries and landscape companies can provide guidance or help to install a suitable native tree for your property.
Here’s WHY we’re implementing this campaign. As you may recall, in the beginning, Adam and Eve were given the awesome responsibility of dressing and keeping the Garden. In another famous book by Dr. Seuss, the LORAX emphatically declared, “I SPEAK FOR THE TREES!” I could go on, but we all understand that WE are the caretakers and stewards of the earth. And more specifically, it’s our responsibility and privilege to KEEP FERNANDINA BEAUTIFUL. Residents and visitors don’t want to see just concrete and wood. Give us trees, please! Allow your eyes to see as a child again, and let these beautiful trees WOW you! They’re simply breathtaking when we slow down for a minute and simply look at them. Whether we realize it or not, our trees create a sense of place or belonging for all of our residents and visitors. Our tree canopy is one of the reasons we love Amelia Island so much!
So where do we start? Well, when in doubt, a LIVE OAK is always an excellent choice. For those looking to be a little more creative, try another one of our iconic tree species like red cedar, magnolia, pignut hickory, pecan, or longleaf pine. Other good choices include willow, black cherry, common persimmon, sycamore, various elm species, red maple, river birch, yellow poplar, or sweetgum. I think we already have enough hackberries and laurel oaks growing naturally, so let’s skip those for now! Trees that might be suitable for tight spaces include redbud, dogwood, holly, crape myrtle, bottlebrush and more. For something that will produce fruit for humans or wildlife you might consider trees or bushes such as citrus, peach, pear, plum, loquat, fig, persimmon, mulberry, or blueberry. Evergreen trees or bushes can also be used to hide unsightly objects or to create natural privacy buffers. Before making a final decision on which tree species to plant, consider the amount of sunlight and water that’s available, and perhaps your soil type. Also, how will this tree look at full maturity? Do you have enough space overhead and underground?
Finally, don’t skip the MULCH. The colored types from the stores will work great, and it looks nice. On the other hand, fallen leaves, pine straw, and little sticks will perform equally well. For some reason, most people just rake that stuff up and set it beside the road like trash. That’s more for me, I guess! Mulch also prevents destructive mower or weed-eater damage, and it retains moisture as it decomposes and improves soil structure. Mulch should extend 1 to 3 feet or more from the tree, and it shouldn’t be piled too high against the bark.
Remember to water your new tree a couple times per week at first, and then maybe once every week or two for about a year. Rain counts, but if we’re not getting enough, you’ll need to give your trees more water. Okay, that’s it. Good luck on planting 7,000 trees, and THANKS for helping to keep Fernandina Beach beautiful! For more tips on tree planting & maintenance, check out this link:
https://www.treesaregood.org/treeowner.
Great start David! This is exactly what our community needs.
Thank you David, this is going to be great!
I asked Dave how folks could assist the tree planting effort in public areas of the city. He replied as follows: “If someone wanted to donate money for tree planting, they could write a check to the City of Fernandina Beach and put “TREE TRUST FUND” in the memo line. That pot of money is ONLY used to purchase trees, install trees, or purchase accessories needed like “Gators” (refillable water bags). I’m told that someone would notify me of this donation, and then I’d THANK the individual or business profusely AND would advise them of WHERE we’d be planting trees with their dollars.”
This is an opportunity for everyone to assist in the tree planting efforts of the city!
Great Idea for our Community. “I hope it Takes Root”
Great campaign! And game on kids, we have a jump on you. This April, my husband planted six trees on our vacant lot to benefit the wildlife – all natives. A catalpa, two flatswoods plums, a fringe tree, a paw paw and two citrus. The oaks on the property distributed acorns which are already sturdy seedlings. Free trees courtesy of nature. Thank you Dave Holley for being a champion for the trees.
Thank, Dave!! A great campaign!!
Great job, Dave! Let’s not forget to protect what we have along the way.
Don’t overlook one of Florida’s most iconic trees – the bald cypress can be grown just about anywhere from super wet bogs to suburban yards. Their beauty lies in the fact that they grow straight and true and within 20-30 years produces a specimen tree not to be equalled. Outstanding fall color and a virtually “indestructible” tree that provides wonderful nesting opportunities for wildlife. It’s a cousin to the western redwood and was often referred to as the eastern redwood.