City, residents work together to plant trees

Two flowering pear trees, three ash and three maples have been planted as part of the Carson City Street Tree Program.

A partnership between the capital city's Shade Tree Council and the Street and Parks and Recreation departments, the program allows homeowners to purchase trees and have them planted by professionals.

The city's contract arborist, Molly Sinnott, helps them pick a tree appropriate for their needs. The city also takes responsibility for checking for utilities before digging and hires a contractor to plant the trees.

Helping homeowners pick the spot is also important.

"There's a lot of site issues," said Scott Fahrenbruch, director of operations for the Parks and Recreation Department. "You don't want to block stop signs and things like that."

After planting, the homeowners are responsible for caring for the tree. They are given instructions by Sinnott, who will then do health checks as needed for up to two years.

Prospective tree owners must apply to participate in the program. Due to limited funding the program is offered on a first-come, first served basis.

Having two flowering pear trees planted in her front yard Friday was Nita Yeager.

"We'd been thinking about putting trees in, so when we read about the program in the Appeal we thought, 'This is just what we need,'" said Yeager. She and her husband, Patrick, are officers with the Elks Club.

"They really helped us with the selection as to what would grow best where. We ended up with the pears trees and I think we'll be really happy. If I could I'd plant a forest."

Her stepdaughter Ila Yeager came home from Carson Middle School during the planting.

"She likes the idea of having less to mow," laughed her stepmother. "She does the mowing here, I guess you gathered that."

Funded by the quality of life initiative, the program involves planting twice a year -- in the fall and spring.

For the spring planting Carson received three applications. One homeowner asked for five trees, one asked for two and another asked for one. They were all accepted.

The city is now accepting applications for the fall planting which will take place in October and November. Applications must be submitted by Sept. 1. Homeowners can choose from crabapple, columnar maple, flowering pear, oak, honey locust or Hawthorne trees. Trees cost about $180.

For more information on the Carson City Street Tree Program or to get an application, call the parks and recreation department at 887-2115.

To apply:

What: Shade trees

When: Fall planting

For an application: 887-2115