SHAKER LIFE | SUMMER 2014 5
Shaker
Online
Living in the
Urban Forest
Trees in the Urban Forest:
They’ve Gotta Be Tough
Imagine the life of a tree in an urban forest. Roots that yearn to push out
nearly twice the width of the branches are confined due to sidewalks and
roads; soil is compacted by pedestrians and machines; pesticides diminish
soil quality; nutrients and oxygen are limited; and root and trunk damage
is common from mowers, cars, and people. An urban tree’s life expectancy
is only ten years. Given the multiple challenges it faces, it is a wonder it
survives at all.
Plant new trees in spring and fall, not in
stressful hot, dry summer. Shaker’s Forestry
Division planted more than 450 trees this
spring replacing many that had died.
Protect roots by applying mulch correctly
(think “donut,” not “volcano”), in as large an
area under the tree as possible. This keeps
machinery away from roots and the trunk,
helps catch and hold water, maintains soil
moisture, and keeps competing grass and
weeds away.
Water your trees. A new tree needs
approximately 10-15 gallons per week, which
is best applied in a deep slow soak. New trees
planted by the City come with gator bags
which residents are asked to fill once or twice
a week.
Consider pests. Most insects are crucial
to pollination, eat harmful pests, and feed
birds and small animals. However, some can
destroy healthy trees. Inspect your trees for
holes in the bark, beetles, and browning,
dying leaves. These problems could indicate
the presence of Emerald Ash Borers or Dutch
Elm disease and soon, perhaps an Asian
Longhorn Beetle infestation.
Currently, these are found in southern
Ohio. If your ash or elm appears ill, contact
Forester Pat Neville at 216-491-1490 or call a
certified arborist.
To learn more about Shaker’s urban forest,
sign up for the TREENews at http://bit.ly/
ShakerHtsENews. Also, check out the newly
enhanced tree information in the Forestry and
Tree Advisory Board sections at shakeronline.
com/departments/public-works.
What can you do
to help these
urban trees
survive and
thrive?
2014 Heritage Tree Award Winners
The Tree Advisory Board has announced two winners of this year’s award. One is an American elm at the home of Julio Cortez at
3311 Lee Road. The tree was nominated by a neighbor for its size, beautiful canopy, and for surviving Dutch Elm Disease.
It measures 48 inches in diameter, has a 90-foot crown spread and is over 80 feet tall.
The second is a pair of twin oaks at 3290 Elsmere Road, nominated by the owner, Sarah Humm, for their unusual size, form, and
age. The trees measure 35 inches and 42 inches in diameter, have crown spreads of more than 80 feet, and stand over 80 feet tall.
The nomination form included a photo of a 1928 Certificate of Survey showing the two recently planted trees.