Quote:
Originally Posted by Visualize
|
I'm with you on the street trees. Boise's Dept. of Community Forestry, was formerly known as Dept. of Urban Foresty which was a much hipper name imo, don't know why they changed it, but getting off topic already. Anyway they're probably the lowest department on the funding totem poll even though we like to pride ourselves as being the City of Trees. Note: An inside source, who will remain unnamed of course, claimed Parks and Rec would prefer NOT to care for street trees and turf grass like on Harrison. It's a huge hit to their budget and they'd like to stick to real parks.
Observations: Trees are required to be planted in many new developments. However, what happens when they die or get removed due to unforeseen utility work? For example:
1) New office on the west side of 27th between Bannock and Jefferson in 2005 or so planted their required trees. Unfortunately they were removed a few years later due to some kind of leaking pipe problem, they were never replanted. Bummer.
2) Whitewater Parkway. I think I counted 6 or 8 trees have died in the median and curb strips. It's not unexpected, survival rate is not 100%. They've been removed but not replanted. Maybe they're waiting until fall?
3) St Mary's Crossing office's trees have done very well. A+++ would recommend. On two occasions one got run down by a car but they were promptly replanted. Good job to whomever is taking care of that curb strip.
4) A+++ for the all the new Silva Cell trees downtown, but these were facilitated by CCDC funding.
5) Winco downtown: I'm pretty sure some required parking lot trees have died and not been replanted. Can't prove this, don't have before and after pics or pics of trees being cut down, but I swear some are missing.
6) State Capitol: Dying trees on Jefferson and State, although apparently it was an accidental herbicide spraying.
There are definitely tough issues. Our clay soil, the need for permanent irrigation and bureaucratic stuff like ACHD owns the right of way but Boise City owns the trees yet homeowners are responsible for watering them...
Want Free Trees?
City of Boise NeighborWoods Program
Idaho Power Shade Tree Program
Community Forestry: Buy outright or apply for Releaf Boise Arbor Day Program
Jefferson in front of Statehouse: