By Jim Bloch
“Trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife,” said St. Clair Mayor Bill Cedar.
At the regular meeting of the city council April 21, Cedar proclaimed Arbor Day as April 25.
The recognition is more than mere words. St. Clair has joined forces with Cargill Salt to give away free oak trees to anyone who would like to increase the overstory of their property.
“We are once again partnering with Cargill,” said City Clerk Annette Sturdy, as heard on the recording of the meeting by CTV-Channel Six and posted on YouTube. “When you came in, you may have noticed trees up in the foyer. We will be giving away free trees this entire week during office hours, which are 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday (April 22-25). First come, first served. We’d like to limit it to two trees per person. But just come to the front desk and ask us as the week goes on. We do want to make sure everybody gets what they want. There are four different kinds of oaks available and they’re quite a nice size this year. Feel free to take some on your way out (of the meeting).”
The four varieties are red oak, bur oak, swamp oak and pecan. All are native to Michigan and the American northeast.
Noted for their straight trunks, rounded canopies and reddish wood, red oaks will grow to 50-70 feet and live for a century or longer. Bur oaks will grow as high as 80 feet and live as long as 250 years. Their corky bark protects them from fire and their sweet acorns are a favorite of wildlife. Where red oaks do well in both moist and dry soils and bur oaks thrive in deep rich earth and are able to withstand drought and shade, swamp oaks are best suited for moist soils along rivers or wetlands. Swamp oaks are fast-growing variety and might reach 60 feet in height and live for 200 years. Pecan trees are straight-trunked and love moist, riverine soils. Their canopies may be 70 feet across. Once the trees start
producing nuts, often after eight years of growth, they might continue to yield them annually for a century or more.
The trees are available to residents and nonresidents.
“We have more than usual this year,” said Recreation Director Trice Hawkins.
Arbor Day began in 1872 in Nebraska. The National Arbor Day Foundation has recognized St. Clair as a Tree City for 25 years.
“Trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, beautify our community and are a source of joy and spiritual renewal,” said Cedar.
Jim Bloch is a freelance writer based in St. Clair, Michigan. Contact him at bloch.jim@gmail.com.
