by Dustin Brackney in Uncategorized
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 10:40 pm
Last Modified on May 3, 2011 at 10:45 am
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I was just walking in Union Square and noticed the newly planted area at the confluence of Somerville Ave and Bow St (the center of the square). In my opinion, the landscape selection, and in particular, the tree should be in time something in time that is sculptural and large. A tree that will be a symbol of the square and something people remember when they visit. The newly planted Bradford Pear falls extremely short. Bradford Pears have their place as street trees that people will walk on and get loads of salt in the winter, but this space is elevated and less likely to experience foot traffic (compaction) or salt. I propose a tree that is more majestic in time; perhaps an Oak, Beech, Elm, Katsura or Sugar Maple. My company, Apex Green Roofs, will donate $300 dollars to a nicer tree and the labor to install it. Is there anyone else that is willing to donate some money? The more money we can get together the larger the tree we can install and the more immediate impact it will have.
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Although I can agree that the landscaping seems at best a token effort, I think this is intentional as significant work on realigning travel lanes throughout Union Square is slated to begin relatively soon. For the moment this postage stamp park may have to do.
I applaud your willingness to step up and fill a significant greenery gap in an effort to make the Square more enjoyable – thanks!
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Very cool that you’re thinking majestic trees and willing to make it happen. I think the planting of a pear tree on that site was for two reasons. I’d heard there had been a much beloved pear tree on that site that had to be taken down — some residents had wanted a similar tree to replace it. As it is, there’s a number of utilities under the site and was surprised we’d gotten a tree at all at that site — expecting that roots would have been problematic for all in place below ground. Brandon’s right about the future reconstruction expected for that intersection, but it’s still years before that work will begin — greenery that’s pleasing now would be much appreciated before we make some long term plans like trees to stand for a century.
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Thanks for the insight. Both points seem to make sense to me. Well, lets just be sure that when the reconstruction is completed we get a tree there that befits the space!
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Have you talked to your alderman or anyone at DPW about your proposal?
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Bradford pears are way overplanted in Somerville. The city paid for a study that recommended diversifying the city’s tree species, but the DPW doesn’t seem to have looked at it.
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Bradford pears are a particularly poor choice, and they are way overplanted in this city. Because of their tight crotches they are brittle and tend to lose branches. Also, they are clearly becoming an invasive species, invading meadows and other non-urban areas in nearby states. It is a matter of time, I would speculate, before they are regarded as pests.
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Yes, let’s diversify our street tree species, plant larger when possible, and while we’re at it, we need to limit number of male trees and shrubs planted. It is the male tree that produces pollen, yet to reduce ‘litter’ caused by female trees (seeds, seedpods, fruit etc.)cities and town are planting only male trees. In many urban landscapes,90% of their trees are now male. It’s no coincidence that more folks–particularly those living in urban areas–now suffer from airborne pollen allergies, and that those who do suffer (including asthmatics, their allergies are increasingly debilitating.
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Have you brought up your concern with the Tree Advisory Committee?
Also, this legislative item might be of interest: http://to.ly/an8f
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