NOEGIC collaborated with the Board and Management team for Regency Townhomes to plant 40 trees along the outside gate of their gated community. NOEGIC canvassed the other side of Downman Road, knocking on doors to educate residents about the benefits of trees, the importance of planting the right tree in the right place, and asking if they would like a free tree planted in their right-of-way. We faced some challenges because residents are often fearful of trees falling on their homes. Hurricanes and tornadoes can leave people with tree PTSD. That’s why we emphasize planting the right tree in the right location.
We follow the city’s requirements for tree planting. Our process begins with us going out to engage with residents, having them sign a consent form acknowledging that the tree will be planted and that our organization will water and maintain it for the first year. After that, the City’s Department of Park & Parkways takes responsibility. We provide a list of native tree species for residents to choose from. If overhead wires are present, we are required to plant a tree that won’t interfere with the wires at maturity. There are also measurement requirements, such as a tree needing to be at least 5 feet from a driveway, drain, or sewer; 20 feet from utility poles; 15 feet from fire hydrants; and 30 feet from a house. Once all these steps are completed, we create a Google Map and submit it, along with the consent forms, to the city for approval. After approval, we order the trees and solicit bids for tree planting and watering. We water the trees approximately 30 weeks a year, scaling back during winter and after rainfall. Over the next 40 years, the community will reap the benefits of these trees.
55 trees planted on Downman Road between Morrison Road and Jefferson Street
Native tree species: Southern Catalpa, American Hollies, and Sweetbay Magnolias were planted.
