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DECember 2012
Festivi-trees
Celebrate D.C.’s urban forest this season!
Casey Trees News in Brief
Casey Trees completes data collection for latest tree mortality study Data collection for Casey Trees’ tree mortality study has been compiled and staff from the Technical Services and Research Department will soon begin analysis. The study will help track the success of plantings and look into specific questions that surround Casey Trees’ tree planting operations. Tree mortality tracking was completed this summer, when staff surveyed approximately 2,650 trees planted by Casey Trees since 2002. Condition, land use, diameter at breast height, tree height and tree canopy volume were documented. A goal for the study is to see how the maintenance and planting programs implemented by Casey Trees affect the overall health of the tree. Casey Trees has the unique opportunity to start tracking trees from farm production — more than 300 trees were harvested this fall from Casey Tree Farm — to urban planting.
Casey Trees News Fall 2012 Sees rise in $100 Tree Rebates | Casey Trees’ Tree Rebate program, which offers residents rebates of up to $100 per tree purchased and planted on private property, saw an increase of $100 rebates, compared to this year’s spring planting season. In total, 92 rebates were approved from September to November, with October being the busiest month with 40 rebates. There is a great line-up of tree identification and care courses in the next few months (see page 12), where you can learn what trees work best for your property, and take advantage of the program next spring. The Collection features unique gift-giving options | Want to give that special someone an interesting holiday gift that also helps raise awareness for D.C.’s trees? Visit Casey Trees’ The ColleCTion, where proceeds from the sales of t-shirts, bags, artwork and water bottles go directly towards Casey Trees’ tree planting and education initiatives throughout the District and metropolitan area.
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Branch Out Happy Hour starts again in January | There will not be a Branch Out event in December. Rather, Citizen Foresters will gather on Dec. 8 for the Community Tree Planting end-of-year celebration. The monthly happy hours will start again Jan. 8 at a location to be determined. Follow Casey Trees on Facebook and Twitter to get Branch Out updates. Tree Planting crew member earns arborist certification | Jabbari Brew, a member of Casey Trees’ tree planting crew, passed his International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) exam and is now a certified arborist. Brew’s certification brings the total number of ISAcertified arborists at Casey Trees to nine.
Urban Forestry News city to pick up fallen leaves and holiday greenery into early January | The District Department of Public Works (DPW) will continue to collect leaves from tree boxes in front of residences and businesses until Jan. 12. Citizens are advised to rake leaves
December 2012 | theleaflet
Urban Forestry News into the tree boxes — or adjacent to the curb if there is no tree box, being mindful of not getting leaves in the gutter — the weekend before their scheduled pick-up. Individuals can bag leaves or simply rake them into the designated area. Starting on Dec. 31, the city will pick up holiday greenery, including trees and wreaths, until Jan. 12. Residents must remove all ornaments and should not place greenery in plastic or cloth bags. Between Sunday, Dec. 30 and Sunday, Jan. 6, place the greenery where you place your trash and recycling for collection. Any trees not collected by Jan. 12 will be picked up as space in the trash trucks allow over the following weeks. Along with collected leaves, holiday greenery will be chipped and composted. D.C. Government seeks feedback on playground improvements | Earlier this month, the District Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) began meeting with residents at community meetings to discuss the city’s $30
million project to improve 32 playgounds around D.C. The addition of vegetation, particularly trees, is important when renovating parks, as is the maintenance and care of the newly planted trees. When properly cared for and maintained, trees planted in open-space environments such as parks have a greater chance of survival compared to other types of planting sites. The series of meetings is scheduled to end Dec. 20, but the outreach is just part of the first phase. The second phase will be a series of meetings where architects will present renderings of the play spaces to residents. Citizens unable to attend the meetings or whose community park meeting has already occurred can still give the city feedback through an online survey. Alliance For Community Trees celebrates 20 years | Fellow tree lovers at Alliance for Community Trees (ACTrees) are celebrating their 20th anniversary. As a partner in bringing communities together through trees, Casey Trees congratulates ACTrees!
In this issue... Spotlight: Donor Peter Schneider wanted to leave an imprint on D.C........................... 4 Giving: Casey Trees brings community to D.C. neighborhoods........................................... 5 Proper Cold-Weather Maintenance helps trees in winter.................................................. 7 study opens doors for new urban forestry management practices........................ 8-9 Winter’s Beauty is on Display at U.S. National Arboretum................................................. 10 Casey Trees’ Winter 2012-2013 Event schedule.......................................................................... 11 Arbor Kids: conifer crafts............................................................................................................... 12
theleaflet | December 2012
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Spotlight Making a difference at an early age When Peter Schneider first moved to D.C. as an 18-year-old freshman at George Washington University, he knew he wanted to be a part of his new hometown. “For me, D.C. was never just a pit-stop along the way,” he said. “I really looked at it as my new home, not just where I attended school. I wanted to make sure that if I ever left I would be able to say that I gave back to a city that has given me so much.” Now 27, the Shaw resident is about to bid the District farewell after almost a decade, moving back to his hometown of Brooklyn, N.Y. But in his nearly ten years here, Peter made good on his promise to give back to the city — and Casey Trees was lucky enough to be a part of that “I first came across Casey Trees when I was doing a Big Brother Big Sister program and wanted to volunteer somewhere that was hands-on,” he said. “I was immediately struck by the incredible sense of togetherness you feel at these tree planting events. I connected with that.” That connection led Schneider to start contributing annually to Casey Trees, one of several local organizations that he donates to as part of his yearly philanthropy. His gift goes directly towards not only bringing trees to neighborhoods
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throughout the city, but giving hope to building communities as well — an idea near to his heart. “It’s all about the human experience. Reaching out to people or tackling an issue is a matter of being a part of the greater community.” And even as he prepares to leave the District, Schneider isn’t done with D.C. just yet. “I’ll still be donating to Casey Trees and hopefully coming down to volunteer when I can,” he said. “Washington will always be a part of who I am. I want to make sure that there’s still a piece of me in the city even after I’ve said goodbye.” Do you want to make a difference in neighborhoods across D.C.? Make a tax-deductible contribution to Casey Trees’ tree planting and education initiatives today.
December 2012 | theleaflet
Giving Casey Trees brings trees — and community — to the city’s neighborhoods “Little-known Gateway.” That is how school teacher Ian Milne affectionately refers to the neighborhood he has called home for the past three years. Gateway is a small but growing community tucked just inside the city limits in Ward 5. It is the kind of place where big yards are not uncommon despite the ever-growing urban development that accompanies city living. It is the kind of place to raise a family. Yet while the neighborhood had plenty of charm, for years it lacked a true focal point — somewhere for community members to gather. That changed last year, when nearby Dakota Park was renovated, bringing new seating, amenities and a playground to the site. And this fall, Casey Trees capped off this new chapter of Dakota Park by planting 15 trees. But it was never just about the trees. “I had hoped that a bunch of people would come out, talk, get to know each other and form relationships while working on something together,” said Milne, who spearheaded the project. And that
theleaflet | December 2012
is just what happened. Casey Trees believes that planting trees helps build communities, creating opportunities for neighbors and friends to interact — often for the first time — and come together to help make their home a better and safer place to live. It is this idea that is at the heart of our work. That is why this year, we are asking you to make a gift to Casey Trees. Not just for the city’s trees, but also for your own neighborhood. For the parks, streets and schools that make your community not just another dot on a map — but the place you call home. It is because at Dakota Park, Casey Trees was not just planting trees — we were investing in the future. A future where fall mornings in the neighborhood park are not just a distant and hopeful aspiration, but a reality. Help be a part of that investment today. Donations of any amount are appreciated and can be made online or delivered to Casey Trees’ headquarters by mail or in person.
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The
Colle CTion Casey Trees Market
Gym Bag, $15
Map Print, $25 Four designs available
Give a gift that lasts a lifetime. Casey Trees’
tree dedications Make an impact in D.C. and commemorate a special event or person in your life! Holiday Gifts | Births | Weddings | Clients | Housewarmings For more gift-giving ideas, visit
caseytrees.org
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December 2012 | theleaflet
Tree Care Casey Trees gives tree winterization tips Sweaters, scarves and gloves have come out in full force recently and winter officially blows into D.C. on Dec. 21, making it time to prepare your trees for the cold months ahead. Doing so will help to prevent them from falling victim to the cold, dry conditions and winter precipitation. Follow these five easy steps: Inspect for broken branches. This is especially important following snow or ice storms. Damaged branches should be pruned carefully. View this post from Casey Trees’ blog, Tree Speak, for pruning techniques. Assess trees for structural issues. If your tree has been in the ground for at least three years, you can begin structurally pruning. Make sure there are no competing central leaders or included bark. Some branches may need to be subordinated to help other, more important branches grow stronger. Water your trees once or twice a month if temperatures stay above 40 degrees. Evergreens are especially vulnerable to drying out in winter. Once the ground has frozen, do not water. Protect your trees. Use a broom to remove heavy snow or ice that weigh down evergreen branches. Do not sweep leftover salt into tree
theleaflet | December 2012
Winter weather can create hazardous conditions for trees on your property. Follow the suggestions below to ensure your trees are not affected by winter storms. Photo courtesy of Jean Flanagan.
boxes or storm drains. Sweep it up and dispose of it properly. Install deer damage management practices. When appropriate, use mesh fencing or tall tree guards around the trunks of young trees. Casey Trees offers a collection of print and video tutorials on how to plant and care for trees.
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Technology & Research Dynamic study shows areas of improvement in urban forestry management By Dr. Jessica Sanders, Director of Technical Services and Research, Casey Trees | The practice of urban forestry is still considered fluid; most management recommendations to date for urban environments have been proposed as informed opinion, rather than as researched areas of practice. An in-depth understanding of what constitutes success in these unique conditions is needed in order to assess, and improve when necessary, current best practices to ensure a more stable urban canopy trajectory in the future. Findings from this study will also help further Casey Trees’ research plans and opportunities and increase the success of the organization’s canopy revitalization efforts.
The second part of Dr. Sanders’ study observe the relationship between canopy volume and apparent available space, using three different planting site types found in parking lots.
The three studies examined discrete times in a cost/benefit curve to maximize potential benefits while minimizing overall costs for the trees, and establish a time when the harvest and removal the urban trees prior to large maintenance events associated with older trees.
tree mortality analysis I examined trees in New York City to determine the overall mortality rate for urban trees post-transplant and the biological and urban design factors that affected that rate. I found that two years after transplant, urban trees had a 91.4 percent survival,
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whereas the survival declines to 75.8 percent eight to nine years after transplant. This was a surprising number, and its significance helps dispute previous claims that urban trees will only last seven years in urban environments. Trees had the lowest survival in downtown areas with an increasing survival in residential gradient areas. The biggest predictor of survival was land use. By using “proven performers” — species that are known to flourish even in severe conditions — in the harshest of settings, we can increase the canopy in these areas, especially with the potential of sustainable designs.
Apparent Available Soil The second study examined trees 20 years after they were planted in parking lots. To determine if size reduction occurred because of the amount of apparent available soil, I observed specimens in tree pits, planting strips and trees on the edge of the lot. The findings suggested that increases in apparent available soil provided by the design of the planting space resulted in larger canopy trees. The largest trees were found on the edge of the lot for all species, showing a correlation between access to soil and canopy size. There was a reduction in canopy area seen across all five species measured as apparent available soil decreased. Specifically, there is an extreme reduction in canopy growth when there is less than 20 square meters of soil. There is a dramatic increase in canopy size when trees are planted
December 2012 | theleaflet
Dr. Sanders observed four species — Acer rubrum (red maple), Pyrus calleryana (Callery pear), Quercus palustris (pin oak) and Zelkova serrata (Japanese zelkove) — to reach the conclusions of her study. The chart below details the tree diameter at breast height (DBH) trajectory based on 20-year growth and terminal size. [Measurements are in centimeters.]
Tree Pit
Planting Strip
Non-Limited soil
Tree Pit
Planting Strip
Non-Limited Soil
20 years Species A. rubrum 14.6 P. calleryana 10.5 Q. palustris 22.4 Z. serrata 11.3
Terminal 20 Years Terminal 20 Years Terminal Avg. Max Avg. Max Avg. Max 11.9 27.5 16.3 31.0 41.0 25.8 32.3 46.0 18.1 21.5 12.7 17.4 24.0 29.0 21.5 25.0 33.7 45.5 27.0 36.0 44.0 60.0 41.0 80.0 9.5 9.5 13.2 16.9 22.0 26.7 28.7 37.3
in linear strips of at least 40 square meters as opposed to planting pits measuring six square meters. Overall, this study suggests that better planting design will help accomplish the goal of successful tree establishment. By providing a wider soil zone around trees, we can increase canopy coverage.
Maximum Size Expected My final study investigated the maximum size diameter breast height that we see trees in municipal inventories. The maximum size study significantly linked terminal size (or stem diameter) to site type, based on apparent available soil, when trees were grouped into categories based on their published height expectations (small, medium, large). Maximum terminal size was different in all
theleaflet | December 2012
three planting site types (tree pit, planting strip, and nonlimited soil), irrespective of size class . Overall a reduced planting space resulted in a reduced maximum size. Demonstrating a harvest interval for managers to use as one aspect of standardization moving forward.
FINAL connections All aspects of these studies have started to shape the research direction at Casey Trees. The tree mortality study (read more on page 2) has been expanded to better assess factors affecting mortality, and some planting practices have been modified to maximize tree growth in harsh urban conditions. We strive to not only to achieve the tree canopy goal, but also to increase the number of right trees in right places so the city can get as many benefits as possible from its trees.
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Planning & Design National Arboretum collection showcases conifers in a winter setting By Maisie Hughes, Director of Planning and Design, Casey Trees | Winter in the District means the cherry blossoms have long passed, crape myrtles have lost their bloom and the oaks have finally shed their leaves (all over your yard, perhaps). Around this time of year many tree lovers The Gotelli Collection of Dwarf and Slow-growing Conifers features long for the verdant a variety of conifer specimens from across the globe. Photo displays trees can offer. courtesy of the U.S. National Arboretum. In the gloomy days of winter, getting your green fix can take a bit of effort. Do not fret, as it is never too late in the year to appreciate beautiful trees.
Although many of the trees are more than 50 years old, they are of various sizes, shapes and colors. The collection includes fir, cedar, pine, yew, spruces and many other unique trees. The beautiful landscape is sure to take your breath away. The slow growth of conifers — cone-bearing seed plants — means that conifers have been on earth for more than three hundred million years. Historically, conifers dominated the earth’s tree population until about 120 million years ago, when hard woods evolved from conifers, most likely from a species that is now extinct. Conifers have staying power. Now that the other trees have entered their winter hibernation, the conifers are in full splendor. They are dependable, diverse and unique. Over the centuries they have evolved into some of the most amazing, if underappreciated, trees. Show them a little love with a visit to the Gotelli Collection this holiday season.
The U.S. National Arboretum, located along New York Avenue NE in Ward 5, is home to The Gotelli Collection of Dwarf and Slow Growing Conifers, a five-acre winter oasis nestled on a hilltop in one of the world’s greatest tree exhibitions. The collection is named after William T. Gotelli, who donated most of the collection’s 1,500 slow-growing trees in 1962.
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December 2012 | theleaflet
Events Upcoming events showcase This winter features a variety of continuing education courses, most of which require advanced registration; space is limited.
Thursday, December 13 Tree Talk Thursdays Online Chat 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Online
Join in for some ideas on how to incorporate trees in your holiday meals and bring the forest to your table this holiday season. Cost: Free
Saturday, January 5 Class: Trees 101
Saturday, January 12 Class: Trees 201 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Casey Trees Headquarters 3030 12th Street NE
Trees 101 participants will learn more advanced tree identification skills and the Right Tree, Right Space philosophy. After learning about different species’ characteristics, limitations and tolerances to the urban environment, the class will test newly acquired skills in a field session.
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Casey Trees Headquarters 3030 12th Street NE
Cost: Free
Get a crash course on tree anatomy, winter tree identification and how trees function to provide the benefits we enjoy in the urban forest. Test new skills with a street tree identification walk.
Tree Talk Thursdays Online Chat
Cost: Free
Thursday, January 10 Tree Talk Thursdays Online Chat 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Online
Discover how trees became such an integral part of the holidays and how different cultures and religions celebrate trees — all from the comfort of your computer. Cost: Free
Thursday, January 24
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Online
Contributors will discuss the role of American elms in the history of the greater D.C. area and the difficulties they face, particularly Dutch elm disease, and how arborists are working to find solutions. Cost: Free
Saturday, January 26 Class: Pruning Workshop 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Daingerfield Island Tree Nursery 50 Marina Drive, Alexandria, Va.
Come learn the fundamentals of pruning young trees to encourage
theleaflet | December 2012
healthy structural development at the National Park Service’s American Elm Nursery. Participants will get classroom instruction and then head to the field to use manual tools to prune American elms at different stages of development. Cost: Free
Wednesday, January 30 Class: Principles of Sustainable Design Series 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Casey Trees Headquarters 3030 12th Street NE
The first class in our four-part series will examine techniques to maximize tree size while limiting infrastructure conflicts like those between trees and pavement. Dr. Jason Grabosky of Rutgers University will discuss finding space for tree roots in cities with an emphasis on structural soils. Cost: $20; $50 for entire series
Thursday, January 31 Class: Structural Pruning 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Smithsonian Institution National Zoo 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW
Learn structural pruning techniques from renowned pruning expert, Dr. Edward Gilman who will provide classroom instruction followed by demonstrations in an outdoor field session. Cost: Free
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Arbor Kids Winter tree crafts Explore the beauty of trees in winter with these fun arts and crafts projects using conifer needles and fallen hardwood twigs. Seasons greetings!
g i Tw
r a St
1. Collect five twigs, of similar length and thickness. 2. Lay them out to form a star shape. 3. Use glue to stick the twigs together at the points they cross over each other. 4. To make a more decorative star, add twine, leaves, pine needles or cones, spray paint or glitter. 5. Add the star to any of the greenery around your home or in your yard.
Pine-need
le Snowfl akes
1. Gather fallen pine twigs that still have green needles on them. 2. Using the end of the twig as a brush, dip it into oil or acryllic paint, and stamp the snowflakes onto construction paper.
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December 2012 | theleaflet