Resident shares ideas regarding town’s tree planting initiatives

I think it wonderful that Town Council made the decision to have saplings planted on public property throughout the town. 

Further, I was happy to see that the varieties chosen are indigenous to the Carolinian forest species i.e. native to our region. 

What I am disappointed in, and where this initiative falls short, is the lack of attention and follow up as to how these saplings have taken, or not taken.

In my travels around town, both afoot and by car, I see far too many of these trees that have not taken hold and should’ve been replaced by the supplier within the normal one year guarantee period.

Many of these failed plantings could have survived had the supplier and/or the town contracted arborist furnished homeowners with simple care instructions.

I understand that not all said residents would have spent the small amount of time and energy to ensure a higher growth success rate but I’m sure many would have. 

It’s a shame that this project, involving several thousands of tax dollars, hasn’t been seen to completion. 

At a minimum, these unsightly failed saplings should be removed, the root bowls filled, and seeded with grass. 

I leave you with this to think upon:

“The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” — Nelson Henderson

—Wm. Beale 

Amherstburg 

Resident shares ideas regarding town’s tree planting initiatives