Mike Kirby’s recent letter shined a spotlight on the dense line of street trees recently planted along Prospect Street across from Childs Park.
As a member of Northampton’s Public Shade Tree Commission and a volunteer with the citizen tree planting group Tree Northampton, I’m grateful for the opportunity to educate the public about our work!
This planting was part of the city’s plan to reforest our streets after a full generation of tree canopy decline and neglect, with special focus on busy streets that need traffic calming and shade. We absolutely encourage planting in yards, and offer free trees in suitable yards within 20 feet of the city right-of-way; contact our tree warden to inquire about this popular Tree Setback Program, and look for many setback plantings on Prospect Street.
But numerous studies find that trees planted in a thick row along streets create a visual “wall” that tricks drivers into perceiving the road as narrower than it is. Hence, they slow down. The trees selected in this particular site are urban-tolerant, mostly native, underwire trees (hawthorne, chokecherry, bald cypress, amur maakia) that will grow to a height that won’t interfere with the utility wires above them.
Dozens of volunteers helped plant them, neighbors have committed to help watering them, and trained Tree Northampton volunteers will structurally prune them over the next few years so they grow strong. Our program keeps costs low and community engagement high.
Yes, trees drop leaves. That goes for the trees across the street in Childs Park too, that don’t observe borders when the wind blows. That’s the reality of sharing our planet with other species; they don’t conform perfectly to our demands.
But what do they provide us? Oxygen. Filtered air and water. Noise and wind buffering. Carbon storage. Reduced stormwater impact. A verdant, cool neighborhood that lifts our spirits, enhances safety, and invites us outdoors. Surely that is worth the trade off.
Marilyn Castriotta
Northampton