Last Tree Standing

Well, we’ve placed the last trees in the arboretum, at least for this year! We had another amazing turnout of volunteers. Again, thanks to all the OSU students who showed up over the past three weeks (and all the other volunteers) because we couldn’t have done it without you. (And the Buckeyes won to cap off the day!) I’m not certain on the exact count, but  it’s over 150 trees that have been planted to date. Now, we will need to go back to check on all the trees to make sure they are being watered and trimmed and staked. I can’t wait to see how they take off next year. The oak planted in our tree lawn about three years ago has doubled in size, so I know that these trees will grow up fast, too. (I feel like these trees are all my children!)

I still can’t get over all of the new trees that I can now see in our Arboretum. And the size, too. (If you look at the photo to the right, you can see how big many of the trees that were planted.) It really is amazing that this all started with a simple, “Wouldn’t it be nice if we could get some native trees planted?” And we’ve come so far and have many more things in store.

Speaking of trees, Ohio State University did a BioBlitz on Saturday, counting all of the trees on campus. They hope to become a Tree Campus USA by meeting standards set by the National Arbor Day Foundation. One tree, a sycamore, is estimated to be 250 years old. I think I know which tree they are talking about as it’s close to Bricker Hall, just behind the Department of Art on 17th Avenue. Mary Maloney, of Chadwick Arboretum, estimated that the tree is providing about $450 worth of value from reducing storm runoff and carbon, and lowering heating and cooling costs. With over 1000 trees on campus, that value the trees provide really adds up.

Our little trees are adding value, too!

Until next time.