One hundred and fifty-three (153) new street trees were planted across the Bayside neighborhood over the last several months according to a press release issued by the city late last week. This effort, managed by the city’s Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department and funded by the combination of federal American Rescue Plan Act and the Community Development Block Grant funds began in June of 2024. The Bayside Tree Planting Project  focused on adding trees to neighborhood streets in Bayside  with insufficient tree canopy coverage.

Though a total of 5 planting locations turned out to have utility or other conflicts that could not be resolved in the short-term,  additional and alternative planting sites were identified where possible, resulting in the Project planting more trees than  were          originally anticipated.  The original number anticipated to be planted was 150.

In addition, the city’s contractor Nelson Property Services, replaced over 700 Cubic Yards of pavement,  rubble and rocky soil with lumus-rich sandy loam to promote long-term tree health in each of the new planting locations.  The city prioritized planting a diverse mix of tree species, with more of an emphasis on native, climate adapted selections such as Sassafrass, American Hopheombeam, American Yellowood, Black Gum, Seroiceberry & Redland.

The newly planted trees will be watered throughout the next growing season by city staff, aiding in establishment while the trees ae most vulnerable to drought stress.

For background information on the Project,  please visit post herein dated June 6, 2024.