Decatur seeking help to replace aging trees

Catherine Godbey

Nov. 2, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Armed with two horticulturalists, an arborist and the community's support, Decatur Parks and Recreation is battling to preserve the oxygen-dispensing, shade-providing, home-cooling trees lining the city's streets.

"We are in a transitional period," Facilities and Operations Manager Paul Floyd said. "At this point of time, the trees are getting really old and have started falling."

To combat the loss of the 80-year-old trees, Parks and Recreation created the tree replacement program, which aims to maintain a healthy tree community.

"Trees don't live forever," said Floyd. "We are working on the next generation of trees."

ReLeaf

Dubbed ReLeaf, the tree replacement program will replace uprooted, damaged and diseased trees while also planting new trees.

ReLeaf's success, officials said, depends on the partnership between the city, businesses, individuals, and homeowner associations.

Parks and Recreation will provide the expertise and labor while other partners will provide donations.

The program was initially planned to begin in 2008, but a tightened budget kept the department from implementing it.

After thunderstorms and straight-line winds toppled dozens of trees in April, May and June, Floyd demanded funding for the program, regardless of the budget. The storms resulted in the removal of 161 Southeast Decatur trees.

The reduction of trees grabbed the attention of the Albany Historic District Association. For the past eight years, the association raised funds to purchase and plant trees in the Southeast neighborhood.

"Ten years ago we noticed trees began to fall, and it really got bad these past two years," said Sally Smartt, who headed the association's tree planting program with Barbara Kelly. "We felt it was so important trees exist in our neighborhood because our tree-lined streets have always been a hallmark of this area."

By working in coordination with the city, Kelly and Smartt hope to move closer to their goal of re-establishing Albany's tree canopy.

While maintaining the city's urban forest, replacing diseased trees also increases safety.

"Safety is our No. 1 priority. They (the trees) are over sidewalks where kids play, over houses and over cars," Floyd said.

Growing danger

Parks and Recreation is liable for trees on city rights of way. And the danger of falling trees is increasing, said Arborist Billy Rye. The danger stems from the drought in 2007 and the recent heavy rains.

By removing susceptible trees, the department is reducing the threat of accidents. According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, in 2007, 14 people died from being struck by a falling object, including trees and rocks.

"It's hard to know what would have happened during the spring storms, if we had not been taking care of the trees," Floyd said.

Along with replacing tress, the citywide program suggests types of trees to plant, records the number, type and location of plantings and lists who donated funds for the tree.

In the next two or three years, Floyd dreams of expanding the program and providing free trees to the public, courtesy of the developing greenhouse at Point Mallard Park.

To participate in the program, residents must agree to plant a tree suggested by Parks and Recreation. The department can only plant trees located on city rights of way.

"The greenhouse is the catalyst for the tree replacement program," Floyd said. "Five years from now we will really see the impact. We won't have to rely on what type of plants the nurseries have in stock."

Greenhouse

A fully functional greenhouse will lessen the impact of city funds on the tree program. Currently, the department is operating with a $2,000 budget for trees, which will purchase approximately 25 trees.

"Fifty years from now, when most of us will be dead and gone, people living in Decatur experiencing the canopy look will have the people of today to thank," Floyd said. "All of this will mean something 40, 50, 60 years down the road. If we don't' do anything now, there won't be anything for the future."

ReLeaf Tree Program

Parks and Recreation will hold an informational meeting about the tree replacement program Nov. 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the Turner-Surles Center on Sycamore Street in Northwest Decatur. Paul Floyd, facilities and operations manager, Laura Jo Rogers, horticulturalist and greenhouse manager, Billy Rye, city arborist, and Ed Richey, tree supervisor, will attend the event.

Parks and Recreation will plant trees from Sunday to Feb. 28. For more information visit www.decaturparks .com/ReLeaf/ReLeaf.htm.

CATHERINE GODBEY

Newstex ID: KRTB-0047-39355555