While Arbor Day historically falls on the last Friday in April, the Village of Cazenovia Tree Commission will take advantage of an early spring and celebrate Arbor Day on April 18 with a brief program in Lakeland Park.
Members of the Tree Commission will convene this Saturday at 9:00 a.m. The public is invited to attend and learn of the history of Arbor Day. In addition, there will be a tree planting demonstration. The tree, a weeping beech, will be planted in memory of the mother of Laurie Dudley, a Tree Commission member.
According to Village Trustee and Commissioner of Trees Thomas Tait the Tree Commission was formed in 2007 and is comprised volunteers from the village and town. It can be credited for the proper installation of 12 trees in 2008, the completion of a comprehensive tree inventory by Cornell University faculty and students, a pruning project aimed at creating proper form and structure among the Village’s young and middle aged trees as well as improving the cultural conditions of trees installed over the past decade.
The Tree Commission has ordered 16 trees for installation in 2009. While the tree locations for this year have already been decided, Tait urges village residents to contact him if they would like to be considered in the future for a tree in front of their residence. Selection is based on a “first come, first served” basis as well as need, and subject to a site evaluation to determine if a tree is feasible and if so, what type. The Tree Commission has a strong relationship with National Grid and in fact Jim Maloney, Superintendent of Forestry is an active member of the commission. Tait stated that the Village of Cazenovia is committed to plant the right tree in the right location and that includes choosing the appropriate tree for use under power lines.
In addition to the trees acquired through the village budget, the Tree Commission invites anyone interested in donating funds for a tree to contact the village office. “We have had interest in trees being donated in the memory of a loved one, to commemorate a special occasion or simply to assist in the beautification of the village,” Tait said.
During Saturday’s tree planting ceremony, representatives of the Tree Commission will be available to answer tree and shrub related questions including proper planting techniques, pruning and maintenance. The event will be held rain or shine at 9 a.m. in Lakeland Park.
