Urban Tree of the Year 2010

I'm a little late with urban tree news this year, but one of my favorites finally made the list ... of the Society of Municipal Arborists.

According to the society, the redbud was a surprise winner for urban tree of the year, just edging out the Princeton Elm, the Dawn Redwood and the Live Oak.  I do like those other trees, but there's nothing in early spring like the airy quality of a redbud in full bloom.

The society says its a favorite with the NYC Dept of Parks and Recreation, and one of their climbers and pruners, Mathew Grailich, wrote that it's gained favor recently within the Parks Department because it doesn't interfere with overhead utility lines and it will readily survive in urban tree pits. 

They're using it as a street tree in DC as well, and it's doing very well if the homeowners remember to water it.  If not limbed up, the tree can interfere with sidewalk users, so either the urban foresters need to take on that task themselves or let people know how to do it. 

I haven't seen the cultivar 'Forest Pansy' used as a street tree, but with its new growth emerging purple, it's a winner in almost any setting, and it makes a great small specimen tree.

(photo: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center)

Comments

[Xris (Flatbush Gardener)]

NYC has a Citizen Tree Pruner program which trains and certifies folks.