Decatur Offering Trees 101 Class
Decatur Metro | February 26, 2015 | 12:36 pm
From CSD’s Casie Yoder…
Trees give us shade, clean our air and water, provide habitat for wildlife, and beautify our landscapes. The City of Decatur recognizes that all of us can contribute greatly to the health and structural integrity of these living treasures if we are empowered to recognize common problems and take proactive steps. Our goal is to help you help your trees and to provide that empowerment through education.
When: 9:30am- 11:30am Thursday March 12, 2015
Where: City of Decatur Public Works Building, 2635 Tally Street, Community Room
How much: FREE (for 20 City of Decatur homeowners only)
How to sign up: Email India Woodson at [email protected] with your name, address and contact information (must have email response with seat number from me for verification)
City of Decatur Tree Ordinance Overview: This session will explain the new ordinance, what it means to the average homeowner and show you how to measure the canopy of your trees.
Tree Identification: The first step in taking proper care of your trees is to know what you have. Decatur Trees 101 will guide you through the steps on how to develop an inventory of what is on your property. You will also learn the basic characteristics of trees that will help you identify the species of trees that you have.
Tree Planting and Maintenance: This information session will teach you how to choose the right species for your landscape and feel confident that you are planting it in a way that ensures success. If you have planted trees that are struggling with the transition to their new home, learn what it takes to direct your trees toward long productive lives.
Structural Pruning: Also known as ‘formative’ pruning, this method of care can provide surprising benefits. Decatur Trees 101 can take the mystery out of this technique and show you how easy it is to work pruning into your tree maintenance plan
Tree Walks (TBD): Get to know your local trees while getting to know your community. We will introduce the trees to you by name and explain the distinguishing features that make each species unique. These events are always interactive and participants are challenged to practice their newly acquired skills!
Photo courtesy of Gwyneth
“The larch.”
“And Now No. 3 The Horse Chestnut”
And now for something completely different.
Have met Ms. Woodson. She’s very knowledgeable and thoughtful. It’s ironic that the first major test of the new tree ordinance where a proposed high-density townhouse development that impacts existing neighbors is underway. And the developer’s current plans call for removing virtually all the trees on three residential lots.
It’s not ironic at all. It’s exactly how I and others predicted. The developers are not impacted at all because the ordinance doesn’t prevent tree removal, it just makes it more expensive. So they’ll continue to clearcut lots and pass the expense onto the buyer who can roll the cost into a $700K+ mortgage. It’s the existing homeowners who want to renovate or add-on who will be most impacted.
In related news, I am excited to announce that a very charming 3br/1ba 1948 ranch house (i.e. “teardown”) on a large, wooded lot in the now uber desirable Westchester Elementary district will soon be available for anyone with multiple kids and a large enough bankroll. It’s time for us to cash out!
Yes, I guess you’re right J_T. Sad, too, that what could have been a positive step for Decatur is a backwards one. This new development, as proposed, happens to be 25 townhouses (4BR) in the high $500s. They want to not only remove almost all of the many trees on the property but also 8′-10′ of top soil less than 3′ from the property line — effectively killing a dozen or so of their NEIGHBORS’ trees. And I hate to see you go.