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Post by admin on Sept 12, 2006 17:52:03 GMT -5
I have to bring up a pet peeve. Freehold, being an old town, has many very old trees lining the streets. I hate it when the power company sends out a tree crew and prunes the trees along the streets. I know it has to be done, but the finished result is very ugly and not good for the trees. Most of the time the pruning job is done so the weight of the tree is shifted toward the adjacent house. Over time, when that tree comes down, guess where it will go.
I would expect that as people slowly lose trees, replacements will many times follow. It makes sense to me to see an initiative to encourage home owners to plant trees that are not going to be a hazards, or become victims of terrible pruning jobs.
It makes no sense to plant a maple or pin oak near power lines. Ornamentals can be a nice solution- such as Magnolia, Dogwood, red Bud, or Flowering Cherry Blossom.
I know we have a Shade Tree Committee, but I am not familiar with what they exactly do, any related ordinances, or any help they may be. I looked at the Boro web site and there was little information.
I would not mind a future in Freehold with Magnolia lined streets. Anybody else have some input on this topic?
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Post by Marc LeVine on Sept 12, 2006 18:28:12 GMT -5
Brain:
The shade tree commission understands both the needs of trees and their human neighbors, but is often criticized for its inability to immediately address every need in town with a very limited annual budget. It's a real struggle every year.
There are some real tree experts on the commission, who I am sure would be glad to consult with our residents about what type of trees are most appropriate for street use - saving everyone and the town eventual headaches down the road. For this kind of advice, you should contact them through Borough Hall.
I wish I would have asked about Weeping Willows before I planted one that busted up my sidewalk and ruined my front yard with its surface roots.
Marc
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leelye
Junior Member
Posts: 150
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Post by leelye on Sept 12, 2006 21:59:46 GMT -5
I happen to be a big fan of ornamental trees. I've planted 2 Bradford Pears, a White Dogwood and a Forest Pansy Red Bud. All these trees are great for my little piece of paradise. We used to have a huge Box Elder tree in the back yard but had to take it down due to a diseased trunk. Having grown up on Main St. the Street used to be lined with Cherry Trees that have since been diseased, hit by lightening, or cars. The borough planted a bunch of Maple trees at the curb a couple of yrs ago in my current neck of the woods, yet they will require constant trimming as they mature because most of them are below electric lines. I still have room for a Pink Dogwood and a Red Maple....maybe next spring. There are still a lot of trees that need to be taken down as they are accidents waiting to happen. The borough has always been recognized as tree town usa and I hope the Shade Tree Commission continues to plant more trees !!  One more aside... Kudos to the Borough Road Dept., as usual, for being on the job last weekend when Ernesto blew through. They were great about taking care of the downed trees and brush cleanup. Also on top of sweeping the streets !! ;D |
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Post by admin on Sept 13, 2006 7:50:29 GMT -5
Leelye, Your yard does sound like a bit of paradise! I would love to see more residents with your eye. The town would be overflowing with color every spring! You mentioned the boro planting maples under power lines, that drives me nuts! i see many people and organizations doing that, and it is poor planning. You are also right about the road department--those guys do a great job of clean up ;D
Marc, Be careful of that weeping willow--they are notorious for getting into water lines. The roots will go directly to the line and at times get in to it. I know a few people who have had that problem.
My point on this thread is to get people thinking a little. As Leelye states, we are tree town USA. Many residents might take down trees and leave nothing in place. My point is that there are alternatives.
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Post by admin on Sept 13, 2006 7:53:50 GMT -5
One more warning. I know of a large maple that came down recently. Part of the reason that is suspected for it's demise is due to recent side walk work. The work may have caused stress and damage that was not good. The tree is now sitting on a house. Again be careful.
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Post by Marc LeVine on Sept 13, 2006 8:09:35 GMT -5
I really want to take that Weeping Willow down, but can't find anyone to do it, economically.
This Spring, one of the many "lazy American handymen" that left me flat, while building my now notorious front porch (3 different guys worked on it between April and August!) was prepared to do it. The borough was notified that it was coming down and agreed to pick up the limbs. Alas, it still stands!
I'm sure it will "stand" long enough to cost me more money and headaches. Wanna come to my "Chainsaw Party?"
Marc
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leelye
Junior Member
Posts: 150
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Post by leelye on Sept 13, 2006 18:08:11 GMT -5
Brian, Thanks. My husband and I take a lot of pride in our yard. And the neighborhood for that matter. We are constantly striving for the quality of life we knew growing up. Marc..... Sorry to hear of your Weeping Willow woes. Aside from being water hogs they are famous for getting struck by lightening. I missed the porch saga. I'll have to find out which lazy Handymen you used so I'll know who not hire when we redo ours further down the road.  |
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