Document text
- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Archives Revels Classifieds Real Estate Menu Guide Wedding Weather Subscribe Contact Us October 13, 2005 Ashland’s tree canopy remains healthy and vibrant throughout the year thanks to the efforts of property owners and the tree commission. Fred Stockwell | For the Tidings Caring for Ashland’s collective shade Ashland Tree Commission When we take a close look at Ashland’s magnificent trees, we realize that they represent an incalculable value to our community. Trees provide us with many benefits but a few we especially appreciate are the energy-conserving shade their canopy provides, the habitat they create in our neighborhoods and streetscapes and their rainbow of fall colors. Only continuing commitment and dedication will enable us to maintain and sustain the tree legacy we have inherited here in Ashland. That’s because all of us are responsible for ensuring the health and future of Ashland’s urban forest. Citizens, volunteers, developers, builders, landscape professionals, property owners and city employees all have a stake in ensuring the health of our trees and landscapes. Successful tree preservation and protection also requires careful planning and design, proper tree protection measures during construction, local code enforcement when necessary, and, of course, an adequate supply of water and nutrients in the soil. The Tree Commission makes the following general suggestions for proper care and maintenance of trees in Ashland’s yards and neighborhoods: • Plant trees that are appropriate for the space and conditions of your particular site. Plant “The Right Tree in the Right Place!” Pick up a copy of the “Recommended Street Tree Guide,” a manual full of botanic information about trees compiled and published by the Tree Commission with excellent localized information. • Have mature trees assessed by a certified arborist to assure proper pruning, sound growth and long term health. • Evaluate trees and their water needs during the summer drought months, and deep water with a soaker hose as needed. • Carefully plan new construction to avoid any invasive work within the dripline of existing trees. • Properly protect trees with fencing at the tree’s dripline before the start of any construction, as outlined in the City of Ashland’s Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance (AMC 18.61). Soil disturbance and compaction within the dripline may cause damage to a tree’s root zone, so preventative care before and during construction increases the probability that it will survive and enjoy a healthy, long life. • When excavation is required within the dripline of a tree, manually dig around roots. If roots must be cut, make clean cuts using a sharp blade and consult a certified arborist before cutting any roots over 2 inches diameter. • Mulch around the base of trees with 2 to 3 inches or more of wood or bark chips, keeping mulch from making direct contact with the trunk. Mulching provides additional protection and insulation throughout the year to the tree and its root system. This year, the National Arbor Day Foundation again honored Ashland as a “Tree City USA,” including a special 20-Year Commendation. These annual awards formally recognize the many years of tree preservation efforts by our community’s citizens, and they challenge each of us to work to preserve Ashland’s diverse, urban forest. One way anyone can participate in learning more about trees is to cast a vote in this year’s Tree of the Year selection process. Look for your ballot in an upcoming issue of the Ashland Daily Tidings, read a brief description of the five trees nominated as finalists, and vote! The Tree Commission tallies all votes and the 2005 Tree of the Year will be announced at a city council meeting in early December. DailyTidings.com Home Page Archives | Revels | Classifieds | Real Estate Guide | Weather | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2005 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Deep Muscle Stimulator Free Music Downloads Slippers Ceramic Piggy Banks Online Casinos FREE Entertainment Guide Women's & Men's Slippers Accelerate Weightloss Products best online casino teleconferencing High-End Gaming Computers Diamonds Vegas Travel Guide Search Engine Optimization Sportsbook Discounted Website Hostings Student Loans Hotel & Airline Reservations African Safari Myspace Layouts Helzberg Diamonds Online Casinos Community Student Loans Bonus Casino ink cartridges Mortgage Calculator Security Systems Mailing Lists Canadian Pharmacy Casino Gambling Sites Backpacks Click Here .:Advertisements:. Site Search: RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams