Did you know it’s best to plant trees in the late-fall through early spring? That’s because the cooler weather gives the dormant trees time to re-establish their roots before the intense heat of the summer.
Luckily for us, we just received a donation of 30 redbud trees at a perfect time to plant! But, we’re going to need a lot of help to get the job done. Our Trails and Greenways team shifted their regularly scheduled volunteer trail maintenance so they can join the Urban Forestry crew for a volunteer tree planting day. We hope you can join us and get these trees in the ground!
Tuesday, November 14
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
The project will start at the 10th Street Trailhead (1002 Syracuse Ave NW), with trees being planted all along the Lick Run Greenway.
Benefits of Trees
This time of year, trees are especially celebrated for their aesthetic value, but their benefits go far beyond curb appeal. Trees, and urban forests remove pollution from the atmosphere, help reduce stormwater runoff, offer energy savings and increased property values, and can even cool cities by up to 10°F according to the Arbor Day Foundation. By planting trees in urban heat islands, we can help reduce the impacts of heat on these neighborhoods. Studies have even shown that trees can help reduce crime; in Baltimore, a 10% increase in tree canopy corresponded to a 12% decrease in crime.
About Urban Forestry
Unlike many cities its size, Roanoke is home to 158 types of trees that span more than 13,146 acres of tree canopy. As a result of Roanoke’s commitment to and care of its trees, it has been designated a Tree City USA. Roanoke Parks and Recreation’s Urban Forestry team provides regular maintenance based on staff observations or by citizen request. Routine maintenance is done to protect newly planted trees. Learn More.
