Volunteers planted three trees and pruned six.
Principal Kimberly Lewis asked Benicia Tree Foundation to assist with planting three trees at Liberty High School to compensate for the planned removal of three Monterey pines from the school entrance on East J Street. The tree planting task was incorporated into a 2nd Saturday Tree Care Day that was already scheduled for Liberty High on April 9.
The new trees were planted on East J Street by the school ballfield and near two street trees planted by Liberty High students in 2014. The tree species selected for the project was Pistacia chinensis ‘Keith Davey’ (Chinese pistache), to match the two street trees planted earlier. The Benicia Tree Foundation has found Chinese pistache grow well in Benicia, they can tolerate wind, have attractive fall color, and can live on rainfall alone after a three-year establishment period. The ‘Keith Davey’ variety is a male species so it does not drop seed pods that can be a nuisance.
The seven volunteers inspected the existing trees, which are now well established, before planting the new trees. After planting, staking, mulching and watering the new trees, the volunteers took a break for water and a snack. After the break, the volunteers received instruction on how to prune a tree and then proceeded to prune six trees before leaving at noon.
Benicia Tree Foundation’s next Tree Care Day is on Tuesday, April 19 at Benicia State Recreation Area. Click here to register.
