Now is a great time to plant trees, which are so beneficial to people and wildlife. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants from the air, thereby helping to protect the climate and people. They provide shade, which can save cooling costs in the summer if placed strategically around your home. They also cool the environment and reduce flooding. They provide habitat for wildlife like birds. And they beautify our city.
So how do you choose a tree? First determine how much space you have for a tree and then discuss this with a nursery in town to ensure you choose the right size tree for the available space. Fruit trees are wonderful, as they provide food as well as the benefits listed above. Fig, citrus, apple, plum, and persimmon trees grow especially well in Alameda.
Next, to plant the tree, dig a hole about twice the size of the tree container and add fertilizer to the bottom of the hole. Rest the tree on its side being careful not to break any of the branches, and gently step on the container to loosen the soil around the tree roots. Pull the container off. Use a hand rake to gently loosen the roots around the bottom two thirds and bottom of the tree. Remove the nursery stake. Place the tree in the hole adding or removing soil, so that the base of the tree trunk is about one inch above the soil line. Fill in around the hole. Then make a circle of compost around the tree ensuring no dirt or compost is on the tree trunk, as that causes rot. Stake the tree with two stakes and loosely tie it in place with rubber ties. Give it a good soak to get it started. Remember to remove the stakes after a year or so when the tree is established. For more information on staking, check out this Wilson Bros Gardens article.
To request a street tree in front of your property, complete a request on See Click Fix Alameda. Click New Request, then select Trees (Street Trees), and complete the online form. Once the tree is in place you are responsible for watering it. The city provides tree trimming service for street trees.
If you want to help plant trees in public parks, sign up to volunteer and/or make a donation to 100K Trees for Humanity. Their next planting in partnership with Alameda Recreation and Park Department is being planned for Linear Park on Mainstreet in April or May. 100K Trees for Humanity recently obtained a grant from ReLeaf, sponsored by PG&E, to plant 50 trees there! Lots of volunteers will be needed for such a big endeavor, so check out 100K Trees for Humanity on their website, Facebook, or Instagram to get involved! Email [email protected] to get in touch.
Alameda’s Draft Urban Forest Plan goal is to increase our city’s tree canopy coverage from 11.2% to up to 20%, depending upon funding levels. Let’s all help Alameda exceed those goals by planting trees in our yards, parks and street strips.
Joyce Mercado is an author and member of Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda (CASA). Her columns are collected at alamedapost.com/Joyce-Mercado. She can be reached at [email protected].
