SHAKER LIFE | WINTER 2014 5
Tree branches silhouetted against a
winter sky; the first leaves in the spring;
the cooling effect of massive tree canopies
in the summer; the blaze of colorful
leaves in the fall: This is our urban forest.
Tree-lined streets create an everyday
visual feast in Shaker Heights and play a
critical role in human and environmental
health. Studies show that trees reduce the
amount of run-off waters during storms,
increase air quality, and reduce global warming. They have a calming effect on residents and
drivers, and, yes, they actually increase the value of houses, too.
To highlight the importance of Shaker’s trees, each issue of Shaker Life this year will
focus on an aspect of the urban forest. In this issue, residents are invited to nominate a
tree for the 2014 Heritage Tree Award.
In creating the annual Heritage Tree Award, the City recognized the aesthetic value
of trees as living natural gifts. Beginning in 2006, when a majestic silver maple on
Chagrin Boulevard won the award, and each year since, a local tree is recognized
as a Heritage Tree.
The descriptions used in past nominations tell a story about the impact and importance
of trees throughout the City. The 2008 nomination for the award winning sugar
maple on Drummond Road says, “This beautiful tree shades our entire home and provides
it with character throughout the year.” The tree is estimated to be over 150 years old.
The 2009 award went to an oak located at 3455 Colton Road, which was planted in
1968 to celebrate the birth of a son. “Passers-by and neighbors remark on its unusual beauty
and the formation of its lower limbs which resemble open arms welcoming us home!”
Last year, a pair of dawn redwood trees on Townley Road were recognized because they
“look like two giant candles. The image is even more vivid during fall colors of reddish-brown
that with a good sunset look like flames.”
Residents are invited to continue the tradition of recognizing Shaker’s notable
trees by nominating a tree for the 2014 Heritage Tree Award. Nominations are due by
Arbor Day, April 25.
Nomination forms are available at shakeronline.com/downloads/nomination
forms or from the Public Works Department, 15600 Chagrin Boulevard. If you
have questions, contact Forestry Superintendent Pat Neville at 216-491-3285 or
patrick.neville@shakeronline.com. SL
Nominated trees
fall into one of
three categories:
Association with a famous
person or significant event
An historical landmark
Unusual size, form, age or
other unusual quality
Winter Photo ~ courtsey of Deborah Edwards
This oak, at 3455 Colton Road, was
the 2009 Heritage Tree Award Winner.
@ shakeronline
Living in the
Urban Forest