Does spring have you thinking about planting a tree?
Visit us before you do! Did you know …
Spring is a great time to PLAN, but not the best time to PLANT a tree.
Spend some time with Richmond Tree Stewards to learn more!
Saturday, April 20 from 9 am until 2 pm
Round House in Byrd Park
April, 6 2013 – A great day at the MAC ISA (Mid Atlantic Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture) Tree Climbing Championship in Richmond’s Byrd Park. An estimated 800 people watched professional arborists in action. The competition included speed climbs, the “work climb” which requires the competitor to move around in the tree to perform various tasks, and the carefully planned and performed rescue of a 120 pound dummy.
At the end of the day there were some official winners, however the “feel” of the event was not one of competetion, but one where each climber did his or her best with encouragement from fellow arborists.
When your trees need work beyond what you can do or if you have concerns about your trees, we recommend you talk to an ISA certified arborist. These people really know the ropes! Find one close to you at http://www.treesaregood.com/findtreeservices/FindTreeCareService.aspx
Have you ever wondered how tree workers get up into those trees that can’t be reached with a bucket truck? You will wonder no more if you stop by Richmond’s Byrd Park on Saturday, April 6. About 3 dozen of the best professional tree climbers in the region will be competing in the Mid Atlantic Chapter, International Society of Arboriculture (MAC ISA) Tree Climbing Championship. The event includes…
But wait, there’s more! Family activities, recreational tree climbing by Riverside Outfitters, supply and equipment vendors, educational exhibits (about trees, of course), and food trucks .
This exciting, one-of-a-kind event begins at 8 a.m. and lasts until about 4 p.m. Free and open to the public!
Article in Richmond Times Dispatch
Thanks to the efforts of Richmond’s three city arborists, new members of the community forest are showing up all over town, especially on main thoroughfares. You can recognize them by the fresh ring of mulch at the bottom and the white mark several feet up the trunk. The mulch will help retain moisture and add organic matter; the white mark identifies this as a first year tree that will need priority when it’s time to water.
If you adopted a tree and have not seen your tree yet, please know that planting will continue until mid spring. Also, be aware that not all the trees are planted at the same time in a given neighborhood; it’s possible for your neighbor to get his tree before you do.
The watering season for new trees begins in May; watering bags will be placed on the trees soon. If your garden hose will reach a street tree planted this year or last, please help these trees get off to a good start by watering at least every two weeks (every week when it gets hot and dry). When citizens help take care of the trees near their homes, the water trucks will be able to water trees in medians and on busy streets more often and we will have healthier, stronger trees providing benefits across town.
On a chilly morning in mid December Richmond Tree Stewards publicized a habitat planting in a city park with a bagels-and-coffee tailgate celebration at the site. Among the 15 or so hardy non-Tree Stewards who came by in the 40-degree weather were representatives of Dominion Virginia Power, two incoming members of the City Council, arborists and the outdoors columnist for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Andy Thompson. His resulting column, “Tree Stewards, volunteers impact Chimborazo Park” in the December 14 edition, explains what he calls this “one-of-a-kind natural area” and delves into how two Tree Stewards, Jan Thomas and Heather Holub, conceived the project and executed this first step in their five-year plan.
Our Arbor Day theme, There’s Treasure in Trees, was intended to bring attention to the many benefits of trees. They are now leaving treasure for us in the form of autumn leaves. Instead of putting our leaves out to be picked up, let’s consider turning this trash into treasure…
Urban tree canopy provides health, cultural, economic and environmental benefits for all. With citizen support, Richmond can have the vibrant urban canopy we need to provide these benefits.
Richmond needs more tree stewards in more places.
Every neighborhood, community organization, and “friends of a park” group should have at least one tree steward. Does yours?
Our goal is 30 new active members.
Classes begin in January. Space is limited.
Our 10 week Tree Steward course includes tree biology, identification, and pathology and will give you the latest information on tree care, planting and pruning techniques. You’ll also learn about watersheds, soils and the challenges our urban trees face. This will prepare you to become a volunteer with Richmond Tree Stewards and be part of a growing organzation that is making postive contributions to our communities.
Click here for more information and to register.
John F. Kennedy once said, “The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.”
And the best time to take care of potentially hazardous trees is well before the storm, but even if everyone had done that, it is certain that trees will still come down during the next few days. Here are some tips:
Good luck to you and your trees!
ISA Certified Arborists may now become members of our organization simply by informing us of their intent to join. This allows interested arborists to participate in our projects and community events and will add expertise to our membership base. All we ask is at least 10 hours of volunteer time during each calendar year. (There is a requirement of 5 hours of education each year for Tree Stewards, but this is waived for the Tree Steward/ Arborists category as long as ISA certification is maintained.)
Now, we would like to express our thanks to the tree care professionals who have been supporters of Richmond Tree Stewards for years. Arborists with the City of Richmond and tree care companies often lend their expertise in the classroom and at the tree.
Learn more about the International Society of Arboriculture
The insect is only about 1/2 inch long.
Photo Credit: Leah Bauer, USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station
Bugwood.org
The emerald ash borer (EAB) is spreading rapidly through Virginia and is now right next door. Information recently released by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services lists 8 more Virginia counties, including our neighbor, Hanover County, with confirmed cases of EAB.
This non-native insect arrived from Asia in wood products and has killed millions of ash trees in the midwestern states. In Virginia, EAB was first found in Fairfax County 2003 and seemed to be limited to northern Virginia for several years, but has recently been found in many more Virginia counties in various parts of the state. A statewide quarantine is now in effect.
Approximately 3% of trees on public property in the city of Richmond are green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica). While that may not seem a significant number, the loss of those trees (and trees on private property) would further reduce the already limited diversity of our urban forest. With approximately 187 million native ash trees in the state of Virginia, this pest will have significant economic and environmental impact. Many insects, arthropods, birds and mammals depend on ash trees for food and shelter. And, when dead trees leave voids in wooded areas, non-native, invasive plant species often seize the opportunity to claim that space. Forest ecosystems and biodiversity will suffer.
1. Humans are responsible for spreading this destructive insect (and others) by transporting wood products. The state wide quarantine does not restrict the transport of ash wood within the state, but there is the potential to spread other pests or diseases when moving firewood or other products.
2. Can you identify ash trees? Do you know signs of EAB damage?
3. If you suspect EAB damage, report this to your local extension office or call Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 804-786-3515.
Photo Credit: Frances Proctor
The beautiful tiger swallowtail butterfly is just one of the insects that uses ash trees to feed its young.
