[Archived] Alexandria’s Urban Forestry Steering Committee Holds the City Tree Sale

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	April 14, 2006 PIO# 095-06/rdo	Steven J. Mason, Public Information Officer, or Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300 Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300

Alexandria’s Urban Forestry Steering Committee Holds the City Tree Sale

The City of Alexandria’s Urban Forestry Steering Committee (UFSC) will hold the City Tree Sale on Saturday, April 29, from 10 am to 2 pm at Four Mile Run Park, 3700 Commonwealth Ave. The sale will be held in conjunction with the City’s Earth Day program, and tree stewards will be available at the sale to provide information and advice on tree choice and care.

The City’s tree supplier, Denison Landscaping and Nursery of Ft. Washington, Md., will provide the same varieties of trees the City plants – hardy and successful in the area – in five gallon containers, which residents can easily handle and plant. Trees will be sold at below market prices to encourage private planting of trees in Alexandria, a major goal of the UFSC.

Trees for sale include shade trees (Willow Oak, Pin Oak, Red Maple, and Sycamore), ornamentals (Kwanzan Cherry and Red Bud), and evergreen (American Holly). Shade and ornamental trees will be available for $30 per tree, and evergreens will be available for $40 per tree. If 10 or more trees are purchased and will be planted on one site, assistance with planting can be requested for an additional fee.

The UFSC, which was established by the City Manager at the request of City Council in 2004, is developing a plan for the management of the City’s Urban Forest. After an initial year of study, the UFSC has contracted with Davey Resource Group to assist in preparing the plan. Even before the plan is written, the committee will seek more trees on private property in Alexandria and begin the process with the City Tree Sale. The USFC will also be consulting with local civic associations on where they would like public trees placed in their neighborhoods.

Residents can reserve trees in advance by Friday, April 21. No deposit is necessary to reserve a tree. Reserved trees may be picked up between 8 and 10 am on April 29 at Four Mile Run Park. Reserved trees that are not picked up by 10 am will be released for sale.

Individuals who would like to place a reservation should call Jerry Dieruf, City Arborist, of the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities 703.838.5040, extension 451, or e-mail jerry.dieruf@alexandriava.gov. Persons that are making a reservation should include their name, phone number, number of trees (maximum of 20), and the variety of trees desired.

For additional information on the City Tree Sale, tree descriptions, planting, watering, or care, visit www.AlexandriaTrees.com.

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