Georgia has wanted a tree since we moved into this house four years ago. We’ve got juniper and arborvitae and one tall, odd palm tree, and shade from a magnolia in the neighbor’s yard, but no nice tree of our own. Georgia wants a fruit tree, or at least a tree to climb, but first we were renting, and then there wasn’t really a good place for a tree. Plus, trees are expensive! But we just got a postcard from the Friends of Trees alerting us that our parking strip is designated as having “above average potential to help manage stormwater and improve watershed health.” Which means we can get a tree at a discount, with an extra deal for “identified properties,” and people will help us plant it and tell us how to take care of it!

There’s tree history on our block. To the left, right and two houses across the street there are no trees on an otherwise verdant street. There was this storm, see, and several ash trees went down or were damaged. Neighbor Left is getting a tree. Bill across the street offered us another stick for the Friends of Trees lawn sign that was destroyed by the recyclers, and laughed as he said, “80 years old and NOW I want to plant a tree!” Neighbor Right’s daughter’s car was smashed minutes before she was getting ready to leave for work. He is NOT getting a tree. Georgia points out all the signs across the city, “More Friends of Trees?!?” We’re one family of many taking advantage of this terrific service this year. So now all we have to do is pick out a tree.

Friends of Trees sent me a link with a list of good trees for our spot. I liked the hackberry, but further research brought up aphid problems. Same with the linden. The black tupelo is beautiful and great for birds and bees, but is messy in lots of seasons. I’m nervous about any tree that’s going to need pruning, but am considering two different elms. The seemingly easiest tree is the least inspiring, the Zelkova serrata "Green Vase," but, according to #7 of Lime’s Top Ten Ways to be Green any tree will be great. We can’t plant a fruit tree on the parking strip, and Georgia probably won’t be able to climb it, but it will shade our house, add value to our property, trap air pollutants and help keep tons of stormwater from the sewer system and rivers. I’ll let you know what we choose, and how it goes. We’re getting a tree! 

Photo credit: myguitarzz