Buffalo Rising Online

Jul 4th, 9:12am By Jennifer Lawandus

After the 2006 October snowstorm, Re-Tree WNY was established with the goal to restore the 8400 trees that were destroyed in Buffalo during the October 2006 storm. Re-Tree WNY has been gradually climbing towards their goal with 2,730 trees currently planted in Buffalo and a plea for organizations to join Re-Tree WNY during their planting this November of 2,000 trees.

Even if you're not a member of an organization, Re-Tree WNY is encouraging individuals who would like to plant trees on their street to team up with their neighbors and form a tree planting group. "Groups of neighbors planting trees on their street is more effective than just one individual planting a tree in front of their house. Not only will groups of neighbors planting trees accomplish social capital but it will also build ties between neighbors" said Justin Booth, Board-member.

With a goal of planting 2,000 trees this fall, Re-Tree WNY is stressing that organizations and groups interested in planting trees this November need to register before the deadline of August 8 by clicking here.

After a group's registration has been received and accepted, they will have access to an online tree planting site. This site will allow groups to choose a location to plant, and view a map marked with a series of green dots to show where the trees should be planted there.

"Based on the width of the location, overhead lines, and distance from stop signs, groups will be able to choose from a species of trees pre-approved for each individual location. By only allowing certain species of trees to be planted depending on the location, Re-Tree is avoiding planting trees that will grow too large for their location and begin to push up sidewalks and disrupt water lines. These issues are a major reason why people don't want trees planted in front of their houses and we've made sure they'll be avoided," Booth explained.

"Groups are encouraged to plant a minimum of five different species of trees per street. This variation of species is important for bio-diversity and to avoid problems such as the Dutch elm disease which plagued Buffalo in the past as it wiped out nearly 100,000 trees," Booth said.

Unfortunately, when groups begin to choose which species of trees to plant on their streets they will notice a popular request, and Ash Trees are not available. This is due to Re-Tree WNY attempting to avoid the Emerald Ash Borer from Asia which has killed more than 30 million trees in Michigan and has been identified in Ohio, according to Booth.

Keeping first-time planters in mind, a mandatory tree planting informational session will be provided by Olmsted Parks Conservancy. "The importance of this program is to maximize the life span of trees planted by making sure they're not planted with soil too high on the crown or too deep. Furthermore, the program will remind volunteers to practice safe techniques when planting trees, such as calling Dig Safe at 888-344-7233, to avoid underground facilities," Booth said.

If you're part of a group that's planning on volunteering for this great cause, keep these dates in mind:

August 8 – Reservations close for City of Buffalo
October 11 & 18 – Training dates – Locations to be announced
November 7 – Pick-up of trees by organizations
November 8 & 9 – Planting of Trees

If your not available to donate your time you can make a donation to Re-Tree WNY or simply send a letter of support by clicking here.