Dear Editor:
Many new trees have been planted on the streets of Hoboken, some by homeowners and some by the city. Tree-lined streets make a city more attractive and serve to improve the environment. Not only do they provide shade and natural beauty, but they help reduce carbon monoxide levels and improve air quality in general.
However, once new trees are planted, there is a certain level of care required in order to maintain a healthy tree. Firstly, the soil that city trees live in, is often deficient in nutrients and gets packed tight and the tree cannot get adequate oxygen and water to its roots. Dog urine is acidic and sometimes a protective metal or wood border is needed. Many of the trees around homes in Hoboken, and many of the trees planted around public buildings like our schools, seem to be in bad health and I have observed that there does not seem to be a maintenance system in place. A private contractor is used to trim trees on our streets and a landscaping contractor is used to maintain Church Square Park, but the trees on Washington Street or the ones around public buildings like the Demarest School never seem to be weeded, watered, and the soil is not turned or fertilizer added.
Does the city have a program in place to maintain city trees? A tip to homeowners with trees – turn the soil at least once a season and add organic fertilizer twice a year. During heat spells, water regularly, preferably in the evening to prevent burning from the sun.
Cliff Tisdell