MID-CITY ELECTRIC GIVES BACK TO
BRIGHTEN UP WESTERVILLE
One of the region’s top employers has planted deep roots in Westerville, and has the work attire to prove it. MidCity Electric, named one of the Top 10 Best Employers by Business First, spent an afternoon this spring planting trees at Boyer Nature Preserve. “This all started last year when we realized we wanted to start an event for employees that does good both for people and the Earth,” said Mid-City Electric Sustainability Coordinator and Operations Manager Ellen Stemm. “We reached out to Adam Williams in Westerville Parks and Recreation and he determined these two areas could benefit from additional trees.” Westerville is known for its robust tree canopy. The Arbor Day Foundation has named Westerville a “Tree City USA” community for 46 years, “Tree Line USA Utilities” for 15 years and “Tree Cities of The World” for three years among other commendations.
“We’ve done this the last two years but I’m really hoping to make this an annual event,” said Stemm. “It’s a great opportunity to get employees together outside to help the community we’re in. I’m really looking forward to future years.”
“It’s a huge benefit when organizations within our community donate their time and give back,” Williams said. “Obviously, it’s a good team-building exercise to get out and plant trees but it continues to help our community build upon our strong reputation as a ‘Tree City USA.’ We at the City care greatly about the environment within our community and are glad many of our employers within the City are setting aside time to assist.”
To learn more about how you or your company can get involved, visit www.westerville.org/urbarnforestry.
Mid-City Electric looks to continue this event for years to come.
Right Tree, Right Place
Planting a tree in your yard can enhance landscaping, cool your home in summer and help tame winds during winter and spring storms. Planning for what type of tree and where to plant it is an important process.
Planting Tips from City Arborist
HEIGHT
“Taking into account the location of your home, power lines and underground plumbing is the first step,” said Adam WIlliams, Westerville Parks and Recreation Arborist. “Once that is determined, you can then choose a tree that will not interfere.” According to the Arbor Day Foundation, there are some considerations to remember: q Height. Will the tree bump into anything when it is fully grown?
Tree pruning zone
q Canopy spread. How wide will the tree grow? q
Is the tree deciduous or evergreen? (Will it lose its leaves in the winter?)
q Form or shape. Less space vs more shade. q Growth rate. Slow growing species typically live longer than fast growing species. q
DISTANCE
Soil, sun and moisture requirements.
q Hardiness zone indicates the temperature extremes in which a tree can be expected to grow. For more information on tree planting, visit arborday.com.
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