Friday 20 February 2009
Natural 'Cents'
 Betsy Sorrell, Gail Satterfield and Bluefield, W.Va., Mayor Linda Whalen look over the root structure of a tree at the Baha Lawn and Garden Center in Princeton, W.Va. Bluefield has been designated a ‘Tree City,’ and officials are working to beautify and enhance downtown areas with additional plantings. | Story by Samantha Perry Photos by Eric DiNovo and Samantha Perry I think that I shall never see A poem lovely as a tree. A tree whose hungry mouth is prest Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast; A tree that looks at God all day, And lifts her leafy arms to pray ... Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree. Excerpt from “Trees,” published in 1913 by Joyce Kilmer (1886-1918) Can’t see the trees for the forest? Perhaps it’s time to plant a few in your own yard. Adding trees to a landscape goes beyond the green movement that has swept the nation. When planted properly and with foresight, adding trees to one’s property can be an economical boon. In the heart of Appalachia, where thriving forests are visible from highways and country roads, trees are often simply part of the scenery for residents. “We take them for granted,” said Bluefield, W.Va., Mayor Linda Whalen. “Our area has never been urbanized ... It’s never been clear-cut.” Since most of southern West Virginia and Southwest Virginia is surrounded by green woodland instead of the concrete and steel characteristic of major metro areas, homeowners may not realize the benefits of adding trees — or more trees — to their landscapes. Whalen said trees can add value to residential property, potentially increasing the value of a house if a homeowner opts to sell. Businesses, too, can reap the benefits. “Statistics show businesses with trees do a higher volume of business than those that don’t have trees,” she said. Bluefield has been designated a Tree City, a program sponsored by the National Association of State Forests and U.S. Foresters. “Its purpose is to encourage tree care and planting programs,” Whalen explained. “It helps educate the community on the value of trees and how to care for trees.” The city has a Tree Board that includes three foresters and two master gardeners. Among the duties of the board is to work with Appalachian Electric Power before any trees are cut on city property. Also, Whalen said, “We can advise people about trees on private property. We do not have an ordinance in place that prohibits trees being cut on private property, but members of the Tree Board can give them (residents) advice on the condition of a tree, and if it really needs to be cut. “Most cities are in the process of protecting trees,” she said. “It’s an educational process for us to make people realize they have value, besides just beauty.” |
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