Tree Speak | Casey Trees

Mayor Gray Issues Proclamation Congratulating Casey Trees on 10 Years of Service to D.C.

2012-02-13T16:00:00.000-05:00

Ten years ago today, Casey Trees opened its doors with a clear mission - restore, enhance and protect the tree canopy of the nation's capital. Together we have planted more than 10,000 trees across the District, educated thousands of adults and youth alike, tracked the health and condition of trees and worked with elected officials, designers and builders to protect existing trees and create spaces to sustain large healthy trees.

Become a Tree Champion today and we can do more. Tree Champions provide Casey Trees with a reliable stream of financial support that enables us to make our trees through our Community Tree Planting program available free of charge to worthy groups and institutions.

For a limited time, our friends at Bare Tree Apparel are thanking individuals like you who become a Tree Champion at the $25 a month level by sending them a hand printed "Plant a Tree" tote. Take satisfaction in knowing that over the course of a year, your monthly gift will sponsor the planting of a single tree and that you will be planting the seed of environmentalism in the mind of every person that sees you carrying your tote.

Pledge to be a Tree Champion today. Hurry, only the first 50 new Tree Champions are eligible to receive a "Plant a Tree" tote.

Today, Casey Trees Turns Ten!

2012-02-13T11:25:00.001-05:00

Cue the eco-friendly confetti drop. Hug a loved one. Give your pet an extra treat. It’s time to celebrate.

Our friends at Bare Tree Apparel are marking this milestone by offering a very special gift – a hand printed, limited-edition tote bag - to our friends who become Tree Champions by May 1.

Made from recycled cotton, this eco-friendly tote is perfect for trips to the farmer’s market, library, or a stroll around town and it conveys what we and you consider important – adding trees across D.C. And you will be doing just that when you sign up to be a Tree Champion.

Tree Champions are among our most loyal and dedicated supporters. Their monthly gift of $25 or more – just 82 cents a day – provides us with steady, reliable support to continue providing trees and educational programming at no cost to schools, public parks, recreation centers and other deserving institutions.

When you give monthly, you'll join a community of supporters working tirelessly to forge a green legacy in our nation’s capital for future generations to enjoy.

Hurry! This gift offer is limited to the first 50 new Tree Champions.

Tune in for Tree Talk Thursday Tomorrow!

2012-02-08T13:10:00.002-05:00

Don't forget that we're having another Tree Talk Thursday tomorrow from noon until 1 p.m. We will be discussing treescaping and how to design and build with trees in mind, so start thinking about your questions today.

Our hosts this month are Casey Trees' Director of Planting and Design, Maisie Hughes, and guest host Meredith Upchurch, landscape architect with the District Department of Transportation. They will have plenty of answers for your treescaping questions in the hour-long interactive chat.

The chat will be on our website tomorrow at noon, so grab your lunch and join us for an informative hour. If you're afraid you might forget, enter your email address on the page and we'll invite you to the chat when it begins. You can also submit questions ahead of time by emailing us at treedc@caseytrees.org or tweeting us at @CaseyTrees.

Have you missed out on past Tree Talk Thursdays? Past chats are archived online on a variety of topics from the Emerald Ash Borer quarantine to choosing an arborist.

An Unseasonably Warm Pruning Winter

2012-02-02T16:03:00.002-05:00

Contributing writer - Jabbari Brew, Tree Planting Crew

Pruned branches at Casey Trees headquarters.

The first month of the new year is behind us. The field crew's work in January focused on American elms - both planting and pruning. So far we have pruned trees all over the District, along corridors like Massachusetts Avenue, Piney Branch Parkway, East Capitol Street and Nebraska Avenue. We have touched 300 trees in some way, whether it was removing dead or broken branches, structurally pruning, or raising the crown. Pruning trees in the winter is the best practice, as the trees are dormant and the risk of pest problems associated with pruning cuts are minimized, plus the tree has all of the growing season ahead to compartmentalize the wounds. Also the tree is naked in the winter, so it is a lot easier to see the structure of the tree.

At the beginning of January, I fretted about pruning in the cold winter. The thought of climbing up a six-foot ladder to reach a couple of branches in freezing temperatures gave me the shivers. But to my surprise, it has been a pretty warm pruning season. The average temperature on a working day in January was 49 degrees Fahrenheit, and the last day of the month was 65 degrees. It was so warm it felt like we should have been planting trees - not pruning. The warm weather has made pruning more enjoyable. I spent more time with the tree, finding defects to fix and enhancing the structure of the tree, instead of hustling to get back in the warm truck.

Our pruning work focuses on establishing good tree structure and reducing the risk of failures from, for example, co-dominant stems, which are very common in elm trees. Structural pruning is beneficial for several reasons: it helps the tree establish a strong leader, enhances the tree's appearance and form, and influences the ultimate size of branches.

In the field it is fairly easy to judge what works needs to be done in a tree. We like to say, "hit 'em up, hit 'em hard," when the trees are young. Structural pruning is easier on younger, established trees because it is easier to reach the limbs from a ladder and make the cuts. More importantly, the size of the wounds from the cuts will be smaller, and the tree will be able to seal those wounds quicker. For trees that aren't established (trees that have been in the ground for less than two years), we only inspect for damaged or broken branches. On older trees our work is limited to how high we can safely reach with our tools from the ladder. Also with larger limbs, sometimes greater than five inches in diameter, the work becomes more dangerous to both the crew and the tree.

Jabbari pruning a young American elm last winter.

Warm weather has made this pruning season really enjoyable, but it may cut our work short. There's a saying that "pruning is a double-edged sword" - a double-edged saw, I would rather say. Pruning a tree can help or hurt a tree depending on where, when and how the cuts are made. Over the next few days and week we will be carefully observing whether buds are beginning to swell and break. We don't want to prune during bud break or when the leaves are flushing out. I don't know if six more weeks of winter are in store, but the groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, saw his shadow today, so maybe I will still get some of that dreadful cold winter weather. Fingers crossed.

Punxsutawny Phil Strikes Again

2012-02-02T09:58:00.001-05:00

Everyone's favorite groundhog predicted six more weeks of winter this morning, but spring planting for Casey Trees still starts March 3 at the National Zoo with our free Tree Planting Workshop. Advance registration is required; space is limited. All other spring Community Tree Planting events will be made available to volunteers starting next week.

Did you know? A groundhog and a woodchuck are the same thing, and the name woodchuck has absolutely nothing to do with wood or chucking, but is actually a mangled version of the Native American name, otchek.

Tree of the Month: Deodar Cedar

2012-02-01T16:43:00.000-05:00

Winter is officially upon us, bringing the cold, snow, and barren deciduous trees. Thankfully, tree lovers can take time to appreciate evergreen trees like the deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara), our February Tree of the Month. While the tree's natural habitat is in the Himalayan Mountains from Afghanistan to Nepal, it has become a popular ornamental tree in the United States. Woody plant expert and horticulturist Michael Dirr calls the deodar "the most graceful cedar" for good reason. The tree is desired for its tall silhouette and gently drooping branches.

The full canopies of deodar cedars in a forest.
Photo credit: draconianrain

The sanskrit root-word for "deodar" roughly translates to "wood of the Gods." An apt name for a tree that can grow up to 250 feet in its natural habitat. These heights are not reached by their ornamental kin in the U.S. Expect to see deodars closer to 70 feet with a maximum spread of 40 feet. Most deodars have a strong pyramid shaped canopy, although some older trees can take on a flat-topped and wide-spread appearance.

The evergreen leaves of the deodar are needles of 1-2 inches in length and are green or silver green in appearance. The needles droop gently from the tree, giving them their signature appearance. The cones of the Deodar stand upright and are barrel or egg shaped. The cones measure approximately 3-4 inches long and take 2-3 years to develop as they turn from blue to reddish-brown.

The cone of a deodar cedar.
Photo credit: arthur_chapman

Some additional facts about the deodar cedar:

The tree grows quickly and has a dense canopy, making it ideal for natural wind breaks.
The deodar's wood is desirable as a building material because of its ability to resist rot, durability, and fine grain.
The tree's canopy makes an excellent home for smaller animals including birds because of its density

Deodar cedars are common throughout the District. Those wishing to see the trees in public settings can find them at Dumbarton Oaks, the National Arboretum, the National Zoo, the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden and on the White House grounds.

A New Tool for our Bioretention Planter

2012-01-31T11:05:00.001-05:00

If you happen to be in the Brookland neighborhood, cruiseover to our headquarters on12^th and Irving Streets to see our bioretention planter and our new interpretive panel now stationed at the entrance.

The interpretive panel is an informative introduction to the planning anddesign that has made Casey Trees headquarters an example of how a smallbuilding can help slow and filter stormwater, reduce energy consumption andprovide several other environmental benefits.

If you stop to read the panel, you will learn how bioretention planters work, how Silva Cells help trees reach their full growth potential and what trees are included. We've also included details and photos of our cool roof and three green roofs. From spring through fall, you will be able to catch a glimpse of the green roofs from the location of the panel.

Our bioretention planter is charming and changing all yearlong, so stop by and take a look the next time you’re in the neighborhood.

Recoup, Green MaidWorks Deal Benefits Casey Trees

2012-01-30T12:32:00.001-05:00

Last Monday, Casey Trees announced its exciting new partnership with Recoup. Today, we are happy to share with you the first Recoup deal benefiting Casey Trees - 3 hours of eco-friendly house cleaning for just $99. For each deal sold, Casey Trees receives a $10 donation.

Green MaidWorks - the proven leader in eco-friendly, professional clearning - is providing 3 hours of cleaning for up to 2,000 square feet of space for a fraction of the $250 value. All of their products are Green Seal Approved, non toxic and safe around you, your family and your pets When you purchase the deal for yourself or as a gift, you get ridiculous savings, a clean house and the satisfaction of knowing you helped Casey Trees.

Here is how it works:

Sign up for Recoup toreceive great deals from your favorite local businesses. Using this hyperlink will automatically designate Casey Trees as the nonprofit you want all of yourpurchases to support. If you are already a member, log in and choose CaseyTrees as the cause you want to support.
Purchase great daily deals andsave money for yourself or on a gift for others.
Choose your donation amount. Recoupautomatically donates 10 percent of each purchase to the nonprofit of yourchoice. You can also increase your donation amount by converting all or part ofthe rebate value.
Enjoy the great deal and satisfaction of doing good in yourcommunity!

Take advantage of this great opportunityto shop green, live green, save money, and support Casey Trees. Sign up for Recoup to get started shopping and help Casey Trees makeour city a better place to live.

Vote Casey Trees Best Non-Profit, Best Place to Volunteer

2012-01-27T10:56:00.002-05:00

You've volunteered with us, participated in our free classes and tree tours, received trees and planting help, read our blog and e-newsletter and now we are asking you to show us a little love by voting us Best Place to Volunteer AND Best Non-Profit in the Washington City Paper's 2012 Readers' Poll.

Why is your vote important?

It helps spread the word about Casey Trees' programs and the importance of trees, recruit new volunteers, secure critical funding and add more trees across the District. Plus everyone loves a little validation.

Voting takes just a second so vote us Best Non-Profit AND Best Place to Volunteer now and encourage your friends, family, coworkers, household plants and pets to do the same. All that is a needed is a valid email account!

Poll closes March 1 at 11:59 EDT.

Stranger Danger - Dutch Elm Disease

2012-01-25T15:31:00.001-05:00

As lovely as our American elms are, they are constantlythreatened by Dutch elm disease (DED), Ophiostoma novo-ulmi and O.ulmi. This is a fungal infectionthat spreads from diseased trees to healthy trees through contact, often bybeetles carrying the fungus, but also through the root systems and bywell-intentioned individuals with their pruning shears. These people, sometimeseven trained arborists, can spread the very disease they’re trying to eradicateif some basic steps aren’t taken.

DED symptoms appearin individual branches, turning the leaves yellow or brown and withered.Meanwhile, the disease is spreading through the vascular system of the tree(the way it gets its water), affecting other branches and eventually takingdown the whole tree. That can happen in just one season.

American elms inthe District have a 5 percent chance of dying because of DED. There areAmerican elms that are resistant to DED, but those cultivars are susceptible toother threats. The best practice is to identify infected branches early andeliminate the offender before the disease has a chance to spread.

If you want moreinformation on identifying and managing DED in your trees, you can read this report by the Department of Agriculture’s ForestService. Also visit our website for information on our American Elm Restoration Program.

No Winter Blues Here—Only Winter Greens

2012-01-24T15:49:00.003-05:00

Did you know that even in the dead of winter, there is still a lot going on with the urban forest of D.C.? Come to one of Casey Trees’ three upcoming courses to learn about winter characteristics, year-round advocacy, or the pesky bugs that continue to threaten our trees. Advance registration is required and space is limited—sign up today so you don’t miss out on any of the fun!

Trees 201 – There’s still time to sign up for this weekend’s workshop! Come learn some of the ins and outs of our city’s trees, including their year-round characteristics and how they complement their neighborhoods. This class is geared toward Citizen Foresters and Project Organizers, but anyone interested in learning about the right tree in the right space is welcome.
Saturday, January 28, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Casey Trees headquarters.

Stand Up for Trees – Since trees can’t stand up for themselves, we will teach you how to successfully advocate for trees in your community. We will show you the tools the District provides, and community members will be there to share their stories and advice. Stand Up for Trees is a Citizen Forester-qualifying course.
Saturday, February 4, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Casey Trees headquarters.

What’s Bugging D.C. – The critters in D.C. aren’t limited to adorable squirrels and song birds, we also have our share of major pests that threaten our urban forest. Come learn what is being done to mitigate these threats and how you as a concerned neighbor can help.
Wednesday, February 8, 6 – 9 p.m. at Casey Trees Headquarters.

Trees 201 participants on a tree walk around Brookland.

Help the U.S. National Arboretum Chart a New Course

2012-01-24T11:49:00.000-05:00

The U.S. National Arboretum (USNA) is a446-acre research, education and public display garden administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture 's Agricultural Research Service. It is also a valued Casey Trees partner. In 2011 alone, we co-hosted two tree tours and led a tree climbing workshop for our High School Summer Crew team members on the USNA grounds.

The USNA has entered into a process to put itself on a path to new relevance,sustainability and progress. Please help the USNA and itsStrategic Planning Task Force chart a new course. Whether you are a frequent USNA visitor or have yet to visit, you are a stakeholder and your opinion matters.

Take the short survey now.

Casey Trees Announces Partnership with Recoup Helping You Save Money – and Trees

2012-01-23T14:09:00.002-05:00

A new year and a new partnership for Casey Trees! We are excited to announce that are partnering with Recoup, an online marketplace where people can buy brands they want while supporting causes they care about.

How It Works:

Sign up for Recoup to receive great deals from your favorite local businesses. Using this hyperlink (http://www.recoup.com/org/CA200) will automatically designate Casey Trees as the nonprofit you want all of your purchases to support. If you are already a member, log in and choose Casey Trees as the cause you want to support.
Purchase great daily deals and save money for yourself or on a gift for others.
Choose your donation amount. Recoup automatically donates 10 percent of each purchase to the nonprofit of your choice. You can also increase your donation amount by converting all or part of the rebate value.
Enjoy the great deal and satisfaction of doing good in your community!

Support what you love by buying what you want. Sign up for Recoup today and help us continue restoring the tree canopy of the nation’s capital.

To donate directly to Casey Trees, please visit our website.

Congrats to Our Newest ISA-Certified Arborists!

2012-01-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

Casey Trees just got smarter and more skilled! Two of our staff members - Mike Nelson and Michael Ferguson - just became International Society of Arborists (ISA)-Certified Arborists. We are gushing, just gushing.

Michael Ferguson cleans his pruning sheers.

Mike Nelson prunes an American elm tree.

What is a Certified Arborist and why are we so proud of Mike and Michael? A Certified Arborist is an experienced professional who has passed an extensive examination covering all aspects of tree care. It's a big deal because we know that when Mike and Michael plant trees through our RiverSmart Homes Shade Tree or Community Tree Plantingprograms, perform structural pruning or consult on tree care and health issues, their actions and advice are rooted in experience, hands on training and continuing education.

Congrats gents to a job well done!

Michael explains below just how and why he and Mike chose to become Certified Arborists. Read on.

Mike Nelson and I have worked on the tree planting crew for about 18 months. In that time, we've learned a great deal about planting, watering and pruning trees and arboriculture in general.

Eager to learn more about trees and urban forestry we have attended severalCasey Trees training opportunities and attended the Mid-Atlantic Chapter, International Society Arboriculture (MAC-ISA) Conference. With this base of knowledge, we set out tobecome ISA-Certified Arborists. We bothbelieved that becoming Certified Arborists would help us better understand how our actions in the field can affect trees and the surrounding environment and help us mentor our fellow crew members.

In preparation for the Certified Arborist exam we joined MAC-ISA and registered for a MAC Arborist CertificationCourse. Before thecourse we studied the ArboristCertification Study Guide, Principlesand Practices of Planting, Trees andShrubs and ISA Best ManagementPractices. Mike and I found the arborist certification course extremely helpful and we especially enjoyed the teachingstyle of Joseph Murray, an expert in the field.

The prep course itself covered a wide array of tree topics including tree biology, urban forestry, pruning, tree risk management and safe work practices. After class we exchanged notes and reviewed practice questions. Following three days of coursework we took thecertification exam consisting of 200 multiple choice questions. A few weeks later we received ourresults and were happy to learn that we both passed and were ISA-CertifiedArborists!

There is a lot to know to properly manage trees. Being a Certified Arborist tells co-workers,volunteers and industry professionals that we employ the latest techniques in carrying out the mission of Casey Trees - to restore the tree canopy of D.C.

Learn more about why it is important to hire a Certified Arborist and when. We even give you tips for hiring a Certified Arborist.

American Elms Get Pruned. Check Out the Video Montage!

2012-01-19T15:35:00.000-05:00

Casey Trees loves an American elm! Each winter we plant approximately 200 American elm cultivars through our American Elm Restoration program along designated corridors and provide structurally pruning to those we've planted in years past. The result? A healthier tree canopy for the District.


Barry Stahl, U.S. National Park Service Horticulturist, demonstrates a pruning technique.

To help our staff and Citizen Foresters fine-tune their pruning skills, we also partner with the Barry Stahl, Horticulturist with the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) at Daingerfield Island on the George Washington Parkway. The on-site American elm nursery is unique since it provides the NPS with a continuous supply of native elms, as well as disease resistant and historically significant elm cultivars that are not commercially available.

Those lucky enough to get a spot in last Saturday's pruning workshop learned about the history of American elms in the U.S. and D.C., Dutch elm disease (boo!), proper pruning tools and techniques and much more. Immediately afterward, participants practiced their new and/or strengthened pruning skills on five-year-old American elms grown from seed right at the nursery.

We've put together a video montage profiling the workshop (below) and uploaded some great photos onto our Flickr page. Check them both out.

If you would like to learn more about trees, consider registering for one or all of our Citizen Forester-qualifying courses - Trees 101 (Sat., Jan. 21), Stand Up for Trees (Sat., Feb. 4) and Tree Planting (Sat., March 3). Already tree savvy or a Citizen Forester? Think about Trees 201 (Sat., Jan. 28). All classes are free but require advance registration.

New Year's Resolution Already Failing You? Let Casey Trees Help!

2012-01-13T13:06:00.000-05:00

It's already the second week of 2012 which means you've probably already given up on that fool-proof New Year's resolution you swore to yourself you'd stick to.

You know – the annual lose weight, quit smoking, exercise more aspiration that lasts just a few weeks before the temptation and stresses of everyday life set in? Yes, that one.

Well this year, why don't you try something different?

More and more people are trading in their yearly self-improvement resolutions, and instead are looking to make the New Year a charitable one. Think about giving your New Year's resolution a much-needed makeover and add “giving back” to your list of goals for 2012. It's an easy goal to keep and more times than not can give you the personal satisfaction those hours on a treadmill couldn't.

At Casey Trees we have a number of opportunities that can help you achieve your New Year's Resolution, and at the same time help our city and your neighbors. Here are a few ways for you to reach your 2012 charitable goal:

Donate/Become a Sponsor. As a non-profit, Casey Trees relies on the generosity of people like you to add trees to our city's parks, schools, and neighborhoods throughout the year. Consider making a tax-deductible donation this year. You can also make a larger gift and sponsor a Tree Planting event ($2,500) or one of our High School Summer Crew members ($4,000) and make a difference in a young person's life this year.
Volunteer. Casey Trees offers volunteer opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels from our tree planting events in the spring and fall, to our tree care programs, and advocacy work. Those looking to have a more proactive world should consider becoming a Citizen Forester. You can register for our volunteer events online through our Events Calendar.
Take a Class. Casey Trees hosts free year-round educational courses on topics ranging from basic tree biology to proper tree care to community advocacy training classes. Attending one of our classes also qualifies you as a Casey Trees Citizen Forester.

Try something a little different and join Casey Trees this New Year and make that 2012 resolution a success.

Where, Oh Where Are You American Elms? Our Map Tells You.

2012-01-12T11:14:00.000-05:00

Casey Trees has planted more than 2,000 American elms across D.C. through our American Elm Restoration program since 2003. You might wonder: where are all of these trees planted?

We have planted American elms in every ward, restoring historic elm corridors such as Massachusetts Avenue NW and Constitution Avenue NE, as well as street trees in neighborhoods like Brookland and Mount Pleasant.

To help you locate where new American elms are calling home, our savvy Technical Services and Research department mapped them for you. Check it out.

Click on individual points on the map to view Street View or find out the size of the tree (DBH - diameter at breast height). You can zoom and pan the map to explore our planting sites throughout D.C. If you are on a mobile phone or tablet, try a full-screen version of the same map.

This map was created using Google Fusion Tables from data collected at planting sites. Check out other maps on our website.

Want to learn more about American elms? Tune in for our online chat about them today at noon. If you miss the session, the chat will be archived on our website for you to check out at your leisure.

Update:
So we mentioned "over 2,000" elms planted and as you can see we planted American elms just about everywhere in DC. How does that break down by ward? Here are some additional statistics of American elms planted by ward:

Ward 1: 201
Ward 2: 158
Ward 3: 110
Ward 4: 374
Ward 5: 209
Ward 6: 509
Ward 7: 324
Ward 8: 149
Total: 2034 American elms planted since 2003 by Casey Trees.

Tune in for Tomorrow's Tree Talk Thursday!

2012-01-11T16:53:00.000-05:00

For tomorrow's Tree Talk Thursday session, we will be discussing American elms. From 12 noon until 1:00 p.m. tomorrow, tune into the live online chat to ask questions and get instant answers from the experts. The chat will feature Jim Woodworth, our Director of Tree Planting. Jim will explain Casey Trees' American Elm Restoration program, what kinds of elms we plant and lots more about the history of elms in D.C.

Tune in here at noon tomorrow, January 12, to join the chat. If you would like a reminder before the event, enter your email address on the page and you'll be invited to join when the chat starts.

You can also view our past Tree Talk Thursday chat sessions about choosing an arborist, the pending tree bill and other timely tree topics. Submit questions during the chat or ahead of time by e-mailing us at treedc@caseytrees.org or tweeting @CaseyTrees. We look forward to seeing you there!

Be like John, become a Citizen Forester

2012-01-10T16:05:00.000-05:00

Just who in D.C. helps to plant trees and advocate for greater tree protection? People like John Clary.

In this month's Leaflet, we profiled John, a Citizen Forester since 2011. Get to know John by reading the feature below and then train to be a Citizen Forester yourself by registering for one or all qualifying classes - Trees 101, Stand Up for Trees and Tree Planting. All classes are free but advance registration is required and space is limited.

Thanks for all your help John!

________________________________________________________________________________________

John Clary wanted to know the difference between scarlet and pin oaks.

In fall 2010, the first-year Citizen Forester took a forest ecology class with some people who had volunteered with Casey Trees. They told him about the Casey Trees’ street tree map and that’s where he started his search.

After learning more about Casey Trees, he enrolled in Trees 101 in February 2011 and attended a few pruning events during the summer.

The 27-year-old Shaw resident grew up near Chicago and moved to the District in 2008 for work. Some of his fondest tree memories include rope swings, tree houses, and diving platforms. As an adult living in the District, Clary realizes trees offer more than just recreational benefits.

“Without our shade trees, we couldn’t survive the brutal D.C. summers,” he said.

Clary enjoys waking up on Saturdays to plant — do not forget the coffee! — but the community aspect of the Community Tree Planting program is what makes him excited for next season.

“The opportunity to see new parts of the city and meet other tree enthusiasts, including the outstanding Casey Trees staff, has been most enjoyable,” he said.

D.C.’s trees mean a lot to Clary, who testified in a D.C. Council public hearing in December on the Urban Forestry Administration Reorganization Act of 2011. Again, community is at the heart of Clary’s service.

“It’s humbling to think that a tree you’ve planted has the potential to survive well beyond your own lifetime,” Clary said. “That’s a long-term investment in your community.”

A Special Thank You to all of our Supporters

2012-01-09T15:49:00.002-05:00

As the New Year begins, we at Casey Trees wanted to take the time and reflect on the successes of 2011 and send a special thank you to all of our friends and allies who made contributions in 2011. With the help of their generosity, Casey Trees was able to plant more trees, engage more volunteers, and educate more citizens than in any previous year since our inception a decade ago.

This was truly a banner year for us, and it was only made possible thanks to our loyal supporters – people just like you – whose donations throughout 2011 went towards our record-setting tree planting and education initiatives. It is exactly this type of dedication and commitment to our city’s trees that makes the work that we do worthwhile – so again we say thank you.

If you didn’t get a chance to give in 2011 and would like to, you can make a contribution either electronically or by mail. If you have any questions regarding Casey Trees or your donation, feel free to contact the Development department at development@caseytrees.org or at (202) 349-3470.

Here’s to an even better (and greener) 2012.

Friday Photo Feature: January 6, 2012

2012-01-06T16:06:00.001-05:00

In celebration of American Elm Restoration month, a photo of the lovely elms on the National Mall.

Pruning American Elms This Winter

2012-01-05T11:37:00.001-05:00

Brrr, January may be one of the colder months of the year, but that hasn't stopped you from filling up our pruning workshop scheduled for January 14. Barry Stahl, horticulturist for the National Park Service, will be leading workshop attendees in proper pruning techniques and introducing them to the American Elm program at Daingerfield Island, where the workshop will take place. The morning will begin with an indoor lecture about the proper way to approach pruning and methods that help trees develop healthy structure. Attendees will then head outside and use their new-found knowledge to help prune elm trees that may end up on the National Mall someday. Read our account of last year's elm pruning workshop.

Unfortunately, the pruning class is full, but don't let that stop you from checking out our calendar and signing up for any of the other open classes currently listed, such as our Trees 201 class on January 28th geared towards Citizen Forester, Project Organizers and others who want to learn more about tree identification.

Casey Trees' e-Newsletter gets a facelift

2012-01-04T15:07:00.000-05:00

New year,new design!

Casey Trees officially turns 10 in February and to kick off the birthday celebrations a little early, we redesigned ournewsletter, The Leaflet.

Among thechanges is the way content is laid out. You can now read Casey Trees andgeneral urban forestry news briefs as soon as you open the newsletter.

Followingthe News in Brief pages, stories will be categorized by section to allowreaders to find topics they are most interested in. Sections include:

From the Desk: A bi-monthly letter from Casey Trees Executive Director Mark Buscaino
Tree Planting: Articles about Casey Trees’ tree planting programs, initiatives andpartnerships
Technology & Research: Highlighting urban forestry tools, research and analysis from CaseyTrees and its partners
Planning & Design: Focus on Casey Trees’ planning and design work in the District
Education: Informationon Casey Trees’ educational outreach
Spotlight: Profilestories on Citizen Foresters, donors, project organizers, board members andstaff
Giving: Waysto financially support Casey Trees’ programs
Volunteer: Availablevolunteer opportunities
Advocacy: Storiesabout urban forestry protection efforts by Casey Trees, our partners and D.C.citizens
Tree Care: Helpfulhints on tree care techniques
Citizen Forester Update: The central news source for Casey Trees’ Citizen Foresters
Arbor Kids: Funand educational forestry activities for children

The updatedlook reflects Casey Trees’ new outreach materials, featuring added white space,more vibrant colors and cleaner graphics.

Check out the January issue and remember to sign up for The Leaflet to begin receiving it on amonthly basis in February.

January Is American Elm Restoration Month

2012-01-03T14:24:00.003-05:00

American elms on the National Mall.

It's January, so we are again celebrating the American elm. The American elm is one of the oldest continuous residents of Washington, D.C. and is a hardy street tree that provides shade and beauty for many neighborhoods in our city. We work to restore these trees because of the challenges they have faced, both in our city and throughout the nation. From Barracks Row to quiet residential streets to the National Mall, American elms help make D.C. the city of trees.

Starting in December and continuing through this month, we are planting 200 American elms through our American Elm Restoration program. We will focus on planting disease-tolerant variants of the tree along historic elm corridors where the trees once thrived. Every winter we work with the Urban Forestry Administration to plant over 1,850 of the trees since the program's inception in 2003.

In celebration of this special tree of the month, we will share stories and information about the American elm throughout January - stay tuned! Also, if you'd like to learn more about our American Elm Restoration program, visit our website.

Friday Photo Feature: December 30, 2011

2011-12-30T15:02:00.000-05:00


Silhouettes of trees at Casey Trees headquarters at sunset. See you in the new year!

Casey Trees gets a visit from a Summer Crew Member!

2011-12-30T14:24:00.000-05:00

Claire Carter, 2011 Summer Crew member.

The holidays are a time for families to gather and celebrate being together. Casey Trees is like a big family, and we were happy to have a visit from Claire Carter, a member of the 2011 High School Summer Crew. As a member of the Summer Crew, Claire helped Casey Trees water, mulch, weed and track tree conditions throughout the District from June to August.

"I thought working outside would be fun during the summer so you're not cooped up," Claire said. She bonded closely with other team members and Casey Trees employees like Neil Irving, who worked with her on the Summer Crew's bike team. The team uses bikes to pull a trailer filled with watering gear around the District.

Claire started her first semester of college in Georgia this fall and wasn't able to come out for the plantings this season, so she asked if she could stop by during break. "I asked Neil about coming out," Claire said. Eventually their discussions lead to Claire joining the planting crew on December 19th to help plant some trees for RiverSmart Homes. "We planted four trees and then replanted two," she said, "I miss being in the thick of it and riding around."

While Claire was the only member of the Summer Crew to come out Monday, they still share a close bond. "We got very close," she said, "I have plans to meet up with people from summer crew."

If you're in high school and would like to join us on the Summer Crew, learn more and get ready to apply this spring.

Holiday Giving Brings Good Tidings for All and Tax Breaks for You

2011-12-29T14:10:00.000-05:00

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t make your charitable contributions for the sole reason of earning tax breaks in the coming year. In my experience, giving almost always comes from the heart, not the head – it allows people to feel closer to their community while making a difference in a positive way. That being said, there is no reason you shouldn’t benefit from your own philanthropy this holiday season.

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, all donations made to Casey Trees are deductible as charitable contributions on your Federal Income Tax Return. Your tax deduction is received in the year your gift is fully processed, so making a gift by this December 31 means that your contribution is deductible this year – so give today!

To make your gift count for 2011, please do the following:

Give online:

Make your gift securely online before 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2011. Be sure to give yourself time to fill out the online form. You will receive a preliminary receipt that will confirm your gift was made prior to January 1st.

Give by mail:

Make sure your gift is dated and postmarked no later than December 31, 2011. Make checks payable to Casey Trees. Mail checks to:

Casey Trees
c/o Development
3030 12th Street NE
Washington, D.C. 20017

With your help in these last few weeks of December, we will have the necessary support and funding needed to continue our efforts to restore the tree canopy of our nation’s capital for years to come.

If you have any questions regarding your donation, please contact Mark DeSantis, Development Associate, at mdesantis@caseytrees.org or 202.833.9125.

Recycle your holiday greenery Jan. 3-14

2011-12-28T11:13:00.001-05:00

The winter holidays are coming to a close so it's time to start thinking about retiring the trees, wreaths and other greenery that have adorned our homes and offices the last month. Nobody wants to be the person who leaves their tree up until May.

In Washington, D.C., holiday trees and wreaths will be picked up curbside from January 3 to January 14. Remove all decorations and place the greenery in the treebox space in front of your home between Monday, January 2, and Monday, January 9. Do not put the trees in plastic or cloth bags. Trees collected between January 3 and 14 will be recycled.

Note that trees placed on the curb after January 14 will be picked up by trash trucks as space allows and will NOT be recycled. So help save valuable space in our landfill and get your greenery outside for pickup before the recycle deadline.

Friday Photo Feature: December 23, 2011

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Citizen Foresters make the trek to the last planting of the fall 2011 season on December 16 at Franciscan Monastery.

Time to winterize your trees

2011-12-21T11:02:00.001-05:00

Winter officially blows into town tomorrow making it time to prepare your trees for the cold months looming ahead. Doing so will help to prevent them from falling victim to the cold, dry conditions and winter precipitation.

Follow these five easy steps:

Inspect for broken branches. This is especially important following snow or ice storms. Damaged branches should be pruned carefully. Get a refresher on pruning techniques by reading a blog post from this past summer or register for a free pruning workshop on Saturday, January 14.

Assess trees for structural issues. If your tree has been in the ground for at least three years, you can begin structurally pruning. Make sure there are no competing central leaders or included bark. Some branches may need to be subordinated to help other, more important branches grow stronger.

Water your trees once or twice a month if temperatures stay above 40 degrees. Evergreens are especially vulnerable to drying out in winter. Once the ground has frozen, do not water.

Protect your trees. Use a broom to remove heavy snow or ice that weigh down evergreen branches. Do not sweep leftover salt into tree boxes or storm drains. Sweep it up and dispose of it properly.

Install deer damage management practices when appropriate, such as mesh fencing or tall tree guards.

And don't forget to appreciate your trees! Trees reveal their structure in winter. Use this time to see the differences in cones produced by conifers, including cedars, pines, spruces and junipers. Join us for the free tree walk titled Winter Id: Trees in Transition with local author Melanie Choukas-Bradley on Saturday, March 10 and we will point out some true gems. The tree walk is free but advance registration is required and space is limited.

Wrapping up the Fall 2011 Planting Season

2011-12-20T16:56:00.002-05:00

Last week we concluded the fall 2011 season of our Community Tree Planting (CTP) program. It has been another fantastic season of 30 volunteer-driven planting events, with nearly 1,000 adult and youth volunteers. The season's tree planting initiatives represent a financial investment in D.C. totaling more than $182,000, including 2,300 hours of volunteer labor.

Of note, the fall CTP season featured eight tree plantings at D.C. schools where more than 150 students from grades K-12 added 44 trees to and surrounding their campuses. Students also participated in Tree Rallies leading up to their planting date to learn about the many benefits trees provide and how to properly handle and plant trees.

Students from Blow Pierce PCS roll a balled-and-burlapped tree into place.

This season we continued to expand our fruit tree plantings, adding 39 trees to five sites: the U.S. National Arboretum's Washington Youth Garden, Green SEED Community Garden, Capitol Hill Montessori School, Developing Families Center and the McLean Gardens neighborhood.

We'd like to thank all of our great sponsors this year who helped make these events possible. Sponsors of this season included the Charitable Foundation of the Energy Bar Association (Capitol Quarter), Capitol Hill Community Foundation (Capitol Hill Montessori School), and Washington Nationals Dream Foundation (Chamberlain Elementary Friendship Public Charter School). The Starbucks Coffee Company provided in-kind donations of coffee at select CTP events.

We look forward to seeing new and returning volunteers next season! Next spring will be one of our largest planting seasons ever, so we have a lot to look forward to.

Dozens of Citizen Foresters and volunteers gathered at Fort McNair in November to plant.

If you want to catch up on the fall 2011 season, check out our Flickr collection highlighting featured photos.

Casey Trees teams up with Mi Casa in Ivy City

2011-12-19T15:47:00.000-05:00

Casey Trees was invited to work with Mi Casa and provide quality tree canopies through our RiverSmart Homes program. Mi Casa contacted us through their deputy director, Elin Zurbrigg and Heather Whitlow (former Casey Trees Director of Planning and Design). Seven of Mi Casa's newest low-income houses were selected to receive trees for their future owners.

Mi Casa has taken seven abandoned lots in the Ivy City area and built houses intended for low-income families. The houses feature sustainable ideas, like rain barrels, that allow rainwater to be collected and reused instead of flowing down storm drains. The houses also feature fences to help give these homes a bit of privacy from the streets and neighbors. In addition to these features, Mi Casa asked Casey Trees to plant some trees for these new homes so that future owners could enjoy the benefits of having canopy coverage.

"The goal was to get a shade tree, flowering tree and evergreen tree on each of the seven sites, or at least two out of three of each tree type as space allowed," said Jim Woodworth, Director of Tree Planting. Shade trees were planted to help keep the new homes cool and provide shade for the yards. Flowering trees were given prominent placement near the houses so that families could enjoy their seasonal beauty. Additional privacy was brought to the houses through the use of evergreen trees, whose foliage would protect the yards from public view as the trees mature.

As luck would have it, Mi Casa let us know that two of the houses were sold on the day of the planting. Hopefully these homeowners and their neighbors will be able to enjoy these new trees for generations to come.

Live Green Holiday Happy Hour Tonight

2011-12-15T15:36:00.003-05:00

Get into the holiday spirit and go green on Thursday, December 15th! Live Green members can head to Café Green for Live Green’s Holiday Happy Hour!

From 5-7 p.m., Live Green will be there along with Honi Borden, author of The Day I Became a Superhero, as well as HawaH, editor of The Poetry of Yoga, who will both be signing copies of their books. Enjoy drink specials from Café Green's organic bar, and of course the 5% discount on all purchases at Café Green that Live Green members receive.

If you do not have a Live Green membership, head on over to www.livegreen.net/join and type in the referral code Casey TreesLG to earn Casey Trees a $10 donation. Don’t miss out on this and other Live Green events like the Art + Wine Bazaar and the GiveWell Dine-Out Night, not to mention the great everyday savings that come with a Live Green membership!

UFA Reorganization Act of 2011 Report Out

2011-12-12T13:59:00.002-05:00

On December 7, Councilmember Mary M. Cheh convened the Committee on Environment, Public Works and Transportation to hear testimony on the Urban Forest Administration (UFA) Reorganization Act of 2011 (B19-894). Casey Trees' Executive Director Mark Buscaino was just one of several individuals to offer verbal and written testimony. We thank the committee for devoting almost three hours to discussing how to best protect one of D.C.'s greatest natural resources - its trees!

To learn more about the UFA Reorganization Act, visit our B19-894 devoted webpage or replay Thursday's online chat. To support our seven recommended modifications, send a letter of support today.

Friday Photo Feature - December 9, 2011

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We will be planting trees tomorrow at the Franciscan Monastery. Here is a photo from this past summer when it was about 50 degrees (F) warmer!
View more on Flickr or submit your own photos of trees.

Planting Recap: Brookland

2011-12-09T13:18:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday, Casey Trees had the pleasure of making D.C. a little greener - right in our own neighborhood! We love planting all over the District, but planting trees across the street from our headquarters, alongside our neighbors, was especially rewarding. 37 volunteers and Citizen Foresters came out to the planting. Everyone enjoyed the sunny morning while planting 18 trees along 12th Street Northeast. Following the planting, all enjoyed a delicious lunch from Silvestre Cafe. Special thanks to project organizer Astrid Joehnk and Lead Citizen Forester Kathie Shahan for helping make this CTP event a success!

Casey Trees crew member Jabbari Brew demonstrates safety methods outside of our headquarters on Saturday.

The Community Tree Planting event in Brookland marked this season's second-to-last planting. In fact, tomorrow will be our last planting of the fall season. But there are still ways to get involved with Casey Trees after the CTP season ends! Check out our calendar of events to sign up for an educational class, tree tour or workshop.

One CF and three volunteers plant a tree along 12th Street NE.

Holiday Gift Ideas from Casey Trees

2011-12-08T15:40:00.000-05:00

Not sure what to get your friends and family this holiday season? Lucky for you, we have some great ideas some eco-friendly presents. Here are just a few great gift ideas for the tree hugger on your list:

Casey Trees T-Shirt: Our comfy, cozy graphic tees are the perfect present for anyone. Go online and get yours today for just $25.
Live Green Membership: For just $18 get discounts at all your favorite eco-friendly stores around DC. Use the referral code Casey TreesLG when signing up and LiveGreen will donate $10 to Casey Trees!
Tree Dedication: Honor your friends and family by dedicating a Casey Tree to them this holiday season. Dedications are listed online and the honoree receives an acknowledgment certificate as well as a site map of their tree’s location.
RiverSmart Homes Shade Tree: Have a friend looking to add a tree to their yard? Sign them up for the Casey Trees RiverSmart Homes program and we’ll provide a home consultation and recommend tree species before purchasing, transporting, and planting each tree for just $50.

Our "I Dig Trees" t-shirt design.

Friday Photo Feature: December 2, 2011

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A bold sweetgum newly planted at Fort McNair by Casey Trees this fall.
View more on Flickr or submit your own photos of trees.

Tree of the Month: American Chestnut

2011-12-01T14:50:00.000-05:00

Though today is the first of December, you have probably already heard Christmas tunes on the radio for weeks. It's hard to think of the holidays without getting that lyric about chestnuts stuck in your head. For that, you can thank the American chestnut (Castanea dentata), our December Tree of the Month.

Before the early 1900's, there were approximately 4 billion American chestnut trees in the Northeast. They stood up to 110 feet tall and provided delicious nuts for street vendors to roast and sell during winter months. But due to a fungus-related disease called chestnut blight, American chestnuts rapidly disappeared. Fortunately, chestnut blight does not kill the tree's roots, so some sprouts survived. Today there are hundreds of healthy American chestnuts in the mountains of Michigan and Pennsylvania.

An American chestnut. Photo credit: njheart2heart

Since American chestnuts are somewhat rare in D.C., finding one is a special treat! You can find two American chestnut trees on the grounds of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and one that was planted in 2005 near the U.S. Department of Agriculture. More American chestnuts can be found in surrounding areas such as Glencarlyn Park and Sugarloaf Mountain.

How can you tell if you've spotted a rare American chestnut?

The leaves are simple and alternate and are usually between five and nine inches long. They are yellow-green and have sharply toothed edges.
The flowers are yellow cylindrical clusters, between four and nine inches long. They bloom between the late spring and early summer.
The edible chestnuts grow inside of prickly burs. Up to three nuts can be found in one shell. They sprout in early autumn.

The jagged edges of an American chestnut leaf. Photo credit: njheart2heart

Be mindful not to confuse the American chestnut with its non-native relative the Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima). Chinese chestnuts have similar characteristics, but their leaves are identifiable by their dark, glossy green color and shorter length.

Winter Class Schedule Released - Sign up now!

2011-12-01T09:39:00.000-05:00

With just two planting events left, we will soon be wrapping up our fall planting season. But did you know you there are plenty of ways to participate and learn about trees, even in the off-season? Our 2012 workshops, classes and tree tours will help you become an informed care-taker of the District's trees. That's the best part. The second best part is every event is free!

Informational classes
All classes are held at the Casey Trees Headquarters, at 3030 12 Street NE. Light meals are provided.

Trees 101: Saturday, January 21, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. This Citizen Forester-qualifying course will give you an overview of tree anatomy, tree identification and the benefits provided by an urban forest.
Stand Up for Trees: Saturday, February 4, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Learn how to advocate for trees in your community and become a Citizen Forester.
What's Bugging D.C. - Our Urban Forest Pests: Wednesday, February 8, 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. Learn about the major pests that threaten D.C.'s urban forest and what is being done to manage them.
Trees 201: Saturday, February 11, 9 a.m. - noon. Geared toward Citizen Foresters and Project Organizers, Trees 201 will teach you year-round tree characteristics and limitations or tolerances in urban conditions.
Forest Gardens: Wednesday, February 22, 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Instructor and Researcher Lincoln Smith will focus on how to produce food such as vegetables, flour and nuts in healthy ecosystems.
Remarkable Trees of Virginia: Friday, March 23, 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Join Dr. Jeff Kirwan, co-author of Remarkable Trees of Virginia, for a discussion about remarkable and historical trees in Virginia.

Casey Trees' Shawn Walker shows a participant how to prune trees at Dangerfield Island last winter.

Workshops and Tree Walks

Pruning Workshop: Saturday, January 14, 9:30 a.m. - noon. Location: Dangerfield Island, Alexandria. Join Barry Stahl, horticulturist for the National Park Service, for hands-on practice with pruning trees.
Winter ID - Trees In Transition Tree Walk: Saturday, March 10. Location: Rock Creek Trail at Beach Drive, Maryland. Melanie Choukas-Bradley, author of City of Trees, will lead a winter hike and put your tree identifying skills to the test in Rock Creek Park.

For more information and to sign up, visit the calendar of events on our website.

Tell the D.C. Council to Better Protect Trees

2011-11-29T16:52:00.000-05:00

On December7, you have the opportunity to tell the D.C. Council to better protect one ofthe District’s greatest natural resources – its tree canopy.

NextWednesday morning, Councilmember Mary M. Cheh, Chairperson of the Committee on theEnvironment, Public Works, and Transportation, will hold a public hearingon the UrbanForest Administration Reorganization Act of 2011 (B19-484). Thislegislation, introduced by Councilmember Phil Mendelson, is intended to addressseveral shortcomings of the Urban ForestPreservation Act (UFPA) of 2002 that has resulted in the loss of thousandsof trees across the District.

While weapplaud Councilmember Mendelson for taking the lead on this discerning issueaffecting the livability and beauty of our nation’s capital, we have proposed sevenrecommendations to B19-484 we believe will strengthen the proposedlegislation and make the UFPA an effective tool in protecting and growing ourtree canopy.

As a friend,ally and tree lover, we hope you will stand with us on December 7 in support ofour recommendations. Your support at this critical time is imperative to keepWashington D.C. the “City of Trees”.

Take Action:

Learn more. Our B19-484 devoted webpage details our recommendations and features video and support documents.
Attend and testify at the public hearing. Public testimony is optional but helpful.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011
10:30 a.m.
John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Room 412
Washington, D.C. 20004

R.s.v.p. now
Send a Letter of Support to the Committee on the Environment, Public Works, and Transportation Councilmembers.

Members:
Mary M. Cheh, Chairperson
Yvette Alexander
Muriel Bowser
Jim Graham
Tommy Wells

Download the Letter of Support Template.
Tell your friends, family members and peers to attend and submit letters of support.
Make a donation to support our advocacy work.

Happy Thanksgiving From Casey Trees

2011-11-24T10:30:00.000-05:00

Why Plant Trees?

2011-11-23T14:29:00.000-05:00

There are countless reasons why planting trees benefits D.C. - too many to list in a single post. But we think it is important that you know why we love trees and why you should too! So we have compiled a list of the top 5 reasons to plant trees.

Plant some green, save some green. Shade trees save D.C. about $2.6 million in air conditioning costs every year. And individual homes that are shaded by trees can pay 10-30% less for cooling costs than houses with no trees!
Provide environmental benefits. You may think this one is a given. But did you know that every year, D.C.'s trees filter 540 tons of harmful pollutants from the air? They also help clean our rivers by limiting the amount of storm water run off that pollutes D.C.'s waterways.
Increase property values. Homes in urban areas across the country sell for 10-20% when the property includes trees.
Reduce crime. Research shows that neighborhoods with trees have less crime than neighborhoods without trees. Trees add an aesthetic value to neighborhoods that helps draw residents outside. More eyes on the street means less crime.
Create habitat for wildlife. Trees provide food and shelter for birds and small animals.

Every tree makes a difference. You can help increase the benefits by adding to the District's canopy. Take advantage of our tree rebate program and plant a tree this fall! Find out more reasons to plant trees on our website.

Planning for a Sustainable D.C.

2011-11-21T16:56:00.001-05:00

Contributing writer - Lisa Morris, Planning Associate

Mayor Gray has an ambitious goal: he wants to make our city “the greenest, healthiest, most livable city in the country.” From this intention, Sustainable DC was born. The Office of Planning launched the initiative in September with a website and series of public meetings to get people talking about what sustainability means to them and what it can mean to life in the District. Residents, businesses and organizations around the city have already contributed thousands of ideas from window farming to a canoe-share program. Here at Casey Trees, we’ve been participating in the process and sharing some ideas of our own.

It may come as no surprise that our recommendations focus on a simple concept: more trees! Trees are at the forefront of creating a green, healthy and livable city. They remove pollutants from the air, capture stormwater before it can flow into waterways, make streets more inviting for walking and biking, provide habitat for animals and can even act as a local food source. They do all of this at relatively little cost and can be integrated into the existing urban fabric without requiring major structural overhauls. In short, they’re a great bargain.

Most agree on the goal of enhancing the urban forest, but to make it happen in a dynamic urban environment with competing demands for limited space, we need a roadmap. The District has an informal goal of growing the tree canopy to 40% by 2035, and to turn this goal into action, we need laws, policies and regulations that give it teeth. One example is to update the Urban Forest Preservation Act of 2002 to ensure that it protects the large canopy trees of today and tomorrow. An Urban Forest Master Plan is another necessary tool to provide clear direction on how to reach this goal. The City’s MS-4 stormwater permit requires the adoption of such a plan; however, the City has yet to develop one.

Changes to the built environment and development regulations can also help create a more tree-friendly city. For example, encouraging developers to bury utility wires underground makes room for expanded tree canopy, and suspended sidewalks with soil cells underneath create space for roots to stretch out so they can get all the nutrients they need to thrive. These are simple strategies to accommodate population growth and new development without sacrificing our urban forest.

Trees are a critical part of the living system that is a city. We are excited to bring this perspective to the Sustainable DC process as we build a road map to a greener, healthier and more livable District.

Roxane Sismanidis: Making a Difference through the CFC

2011-11-21T10:00:00.000-05:00

Casey Trees CFC Donor and Citizen Forester Roxane
with husband and fellow Citizen Forester Steve Burant

Roxane Sismanidis has been a government employee for the past 21 years. And for 21 years she’s also been a loyal annual contributor to the Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area (CFCNCA), helping her favorite local nonprofits continue their great work throughout the community.

In the last few years, Roxane – who is also a Casey Trees Lead Citizen Forester – has chosen us as her charity of choice, helping bring trees to her hometown of D.C. “I know that with Casey Trees my donation will go towards making a difference in my own neighborhood and across Washington,” Roxane says, “and that I’m making a worthwhile investment that I’ll be able to enjoy – personally.”

Roxane is just one of the scores of federal employees who have chosen to donate to Casey Trees through the Combined Federal Campaign over the years, and we’d like to thank her for that. Without Roxane’s annual contribution, and the generous contributions of others like her, we simply wouldn’t be able to do the work that we do. It is exactly this support from our friends and neighbors that allows us to continue our tree planting efforts throughout the city. That’s why we need your help.

If you’re a government employee, join Roxane this year in creating a greener and more sustainable city by donating to Casey Trees today (CFC #24598). Donating is easy and can be done online or even through a monthly payroll deduction.

By making a pledge to Casey Trees you’re doing more than just helping plant trees; you’re building an important legacy in our city, one that will last for generations to come.

A Big Thanks to Our Friends at the Capitol Hill Community Foundation!

2011-11-20T10:40:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday, November 2, Casey Trees headed to Capitol Hill Montessori School to do what we do best—provide trees to those who need them!

On this beautiful fall day, nearly 30 first- through fifth-grade students got to take a break from classes to work alongside Casey Trees staff to learn how to dig, plant, water, and care for trees (and toss a Frisbee or two around with some of our staff members!). Six trees and a few hours later, Capitol Hill Montessori School students had a brand new natural outdoor space to enjoy on their new campus.

Casey Trees staff member Sara Turner plants a tree with students.

But this planting wouldn't have been possible had it not been for the support of our friends over at the Capitol Hill Community Foundation, an organization dedicated to serving the needs of the Capitol Hill neighborhood and its residents. Their generous gift to Casey Trees enabled us to plant four native tree species in the school’s native garden area, in addition two apple trees around the campus. Contributions like these are vital to making sure that our Community Tree Planting program continues to be provided to interested neighborhoods and communities at no cost.

We at Casey Trees are honored to have received such overwhelming support from our new friends, and are equally proud and excited to be putting that money right back into the neighborhood that helped make this happen. From all of us at Casey Trees, we’d like to extend a big thanks to the Capitol Hill Community Foundation, and all those who work tirelessly to make what they do possible.

Discovering and Mapping Late Fall Tree Colors

2011-11-18T13:44:00.001-05:00

Contributing writer - Tom Buckley, Director of Technical Services and Research

Driving out to Casey Tree Farm in Berryville, Virginia recently with Jim Woodworth and Mark Buscaino, I benefited from the their understanding of the interplay between tree species and the landscape. For a city kid, the organization of fall colors in a country landscape is novel: the white bark of sycamore trees; the creeks and waterways they hide.

In D.C., the street trees are somewhat divorced from aspects of their habitat, and the link between their species and their “landscape” is more artificial. However, the arborists at the Urban Forestry Administration in D.C. have kept meticulous records of the location of their work, allowing novices to track the colors that we notice in passing.

To better understand some of the trees I noticed around the District, I created a map from the UFA’s street tree data. In the UFA’s dataset, each individual street tree is a data point on the map and each is categorized by species. We are able to filter the results so that only certain species are displayed for a custom map view. I filtered the street tree map to display only those known to keep their leaves into the late-fall and winter.

Ginkgo trees are yellow, pin oaks red, and Chinese elms purple. Click on individual points on the map to view Street View or learn more about the species. Navigate around the map to see where these street trees are planted throughout D.C.

Friday Photo Feature: November 18, 2011

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Tools ready to go before a tree planting at Capitol Quarter.
View more on Flickr or submit your own photos of trees.

Volunteers Help Re-Tree D.C.

2011-11-16T16:33:00.000-05:00

Planting trees all over D.C. would not be possible without the help of District residents. In just two weeks Citizen Foresters, volunteers and project organizers have helped Casey Trees host six Community Tree Planting (CTP) events in five different wards.

Ward 4: On Nov. 4, Rock Creek Cemetery in Ward 4 got a little greener thanks 39 volunteers and six Citizen Foresters.
Ward 8: On Nov. 5, Oxon Run Park and Congress Park Plaza, both in Ward 8, received a total of 50 trees. 57 volunteers at Oxon Run and 30 volunteers at Congress Park Plaza helped make each CTP event possible.
Ward 6: On Nov. 9 25 volunteers and seven Citizen Foresters helped plant 28 trees at Fort Mcnair. We had probably the best mild weather we've had all year for this event and it was great to have the support from folks at Fort McNair as we did last November.
Ward 2: On Nov. 12 11 trees found a home on the grounds of Rose Park. Among the volunteers was a former high school crew member from the summer of 2009!
Ward 3: Also on Nov. 12, McLean Gardens received 15 young trees. 31 volunteers and 13 Citizen Foresters came out to the CTP event.

Volunteers plant trees at Oxon Run.
Check out more photos from the event! Or take a look at the whole season so far.

Thanks to everyone who has helped make this CTP season a success! All upcoming planting events are currently filled to capacity, but Casey Trees still needs your help in reforesting D.C. Consider making a donation to help offset the cost of new trees.

Join Live Green and Support Casey Trees - Tonight!

2011-11-16T15:10:00.001-05:00

Looking for a way to get over those mid-week blues? Well for all you Live Green members out there, the answer is easy. Head to Local 16 tonight, November 16, as our partners at LiveGreen celebrate this favorite neighborhood hangout as their newest Live Green Spot.

Tonight from 6 til 8 p.m., Live Green members will receive complimentary VeeV Skinny Mojito and appetizers by Café Green. The best part? From now on, all members receive 10% off their tab at Local 16!

But remember, these discounts and many more apply to Live Green members only – so get your membership today! Simply go to to www.livegreen.net/join and type in the referral code: CaseyTreesLG. By doing so, a donation of $10 dollars will be made to Casey Trees!

Join the thousands of Washingtonians who already enjoy the discounts and deals offered daily around the city, while helping us add some trees to the District. And be sure to come out tonight to Local 16 (1602 U Street, NW) and get a taste of what a Live Green membership can do for you!

It's National Philanthropy Day! Celebrate with Casey Trees

2011-11-15T12:43:00.000-05:00

We are happy to say that we’re only six weeks into our fall Community Tree Planting season and the efforts of our staff and volunteers are already showing. Sixteen new trees have helped make Boys Town Washington, D.C. a more welcoming destination for youth in crisis to seek help; fruit trees have made Green SEED Community Garden a model for urban agriculture; and with over 40 shade trees planted, eight local schools now have greener outdoor spaces for their students to enjoy. Overall, more than 300 trees have been planted so far this fall season!

However, at Casey Trees, our work is never really done - there are always more trees to be planted. But we need your help to keep going. Today is National PhilanthropyDay, a country wide celebration highlighting the importance of the generosity of people like you who make it possible for organizations like ours to continue constantly working for a stronger community and a healthier planet for everyone. So please consider making your own philanthropic contribution in support of our work and canopy restoration efforts in recognition and tribute of all the generous people whose donations makes nonprofit work possible.

We have certainly accomplished a lot this year, but there is so much more to do. We could not have come as far as we have without your help, and we cannot go further without it. Please make a tax-deductible donation of any amount to Casey Trees today and join us in our work to plant trees, build communities, and restore our beautiful city’s urban canopy.

44 Trees for Schools

2011-11-14T12:05:00.000-05:00

More than half-way through our fall Community Tree Planting season, Casey Trees is having a great time adding young trees across D.C. The weather has been gorgeous lately, every event has been a success and we've had the opportunity to plant at eight schools across the District!

Over 150 students have helped us plant 44 trees in five wards. Here is a recap of what we've been up to:

Oct. 19: H.D. Cooke Elementary School. 23 third-grade students got their hands dirty with Casey Trees when they helped plant six trees all around their school grounds.
Oct. 19: Chamberlain Public Charter School. Just a couple hours later, 11 students from Chamberlain PCS helped Casey Trees put four trees in the ground. A class of Pre-K students learning about trees in their class came out to watch the event.
Oct. 20: British School of Washington. 23 students ranging from age 6 to 16 planted six trees. We interviewed teacher and project organizer Mr. Horton as part of a feature story in our September E-Newsletter!
Oct. 26: Woodridge Elementary Friendship Public Charter School. 23 fourth-graders helped us plant 5 trees, including 3 redbuds. Anticipating the event, the excited students had made posters announcing the planting and put them up all over the school.

Students from the British School of Washington prep the ground for new trees. See more photos from the event!

Oct. 26: John Burroughs Education Campus. Right after the Woodridge planting, we planted two sweetgums, two tulip poplars and one yellowwood with the help of 11 students. The John Burroughs students ranged from first to sixth grade.
Nov. 2: Blow Pierce Junior Academy Friendship Public Charter School. Mrs. Leavengood-Boxer's fourth grade class joined Casey Trees in planting six trees. The event was especially enjoyable for Casey Trees staff member Jabbari Brew who attended Blow Pierce!

Jabbari Brew helps fourth-graders from Blow Pierce roll a tree into its hole. Check out more photos from this planting!

Nov. 2: Capitol Hill Montessori School. The Casey Trees planting crew headed from one school planting to the next and helped plant 6 trees at Capitol Hill Montessori.
Nov. 3: Collegiate Academy Friendship Public Charter School. 10 high school seniors helped us plant six trees. Following a pattern of reminiscence, Collegiate Academy is Jabbari Brew's high school Alma Mater.

Casey Trees school plantings are a little different from the rest of our CTP events. Schools can request fewer than ten trees - the minimum for CTP sites. Additionally, students are the only volunteers so they get to experience every step of the planting process. We go back to the school about a week after we plant to go over tree-watering methods with the students. From start to finish and as the trees grow, students learn first-hand how important trees are for our environment.

Casey Trees and Community Gardens

2011-11-09T15:29:00.000-05:00

Amidst the hustle and bustle of D.C. lie over 40 community gardens, where District residents can plant and harvest their own produce. Community gardens provide educational and peaceful oases for residents across the city. This CTP season, Casey Trees is getting involved with their efforts.

Volunteers help plant a tree at the Washington Youth Garden on Oct. 18.
Visit our Flickr page for more photos.

Green SEED Planting
On Oct. 29, District residents braved rainy weather to help plant 13 trees at the Green SEED Community Garden. 20 volunteers and 9 Citizen Foresters joined Casey Trees in adding apple, fig and cherry trees to the garden. Established in 2010, the Green SEED Community Garden is located between 17th St, 18th St, D St and E St. Special thanks to Lead Citizen Forester Patricia Carmichael and project organizer Dan Fitzgerald for their help in making the CTP event possible.

Washington Youth Garden Planting
This CTP season has seen another community garden planting, in early October. Casey Trees, along with four Citizen Foresters and 17 volunteers, planted 16 fruit trees at the Washington Youth Garden at the National Arboretum. The trees were mostly apple and peach. Val Wheeler, Lead Citizen Forester and Kaifa Anderson-Hall, project organizer provided leadership in organizing the event.

Upcoming film: Community of Gardeners
On Saturday November 19, from 2 p.m. till 5 p.m. we will host a free screening of the documentary film, Community of Gardeners at our headquarters in Brookland. The film highlights the important role of seven different community gardens in Washington, D.C., including the Washington Youth Garden. A discussion with director and award-winning film artist Cintia Cabib will follow the screening. Guests from local community gardens will also help lead the discussion. Space is still available.

Sign up for this unique opportunity to learn more about the community gardens of D.C. You can also read about the film on the Community of Gardeners website. We hope to see you on November 19!

Tonight: Growing Fruit Trees in the DC Area
This evening we will feature a class at our headquarters on fruit trees, presented by Dr. Christopher Walsh of the University of Maryland. We will discuss the potential role of fruit trees in urban and suburban landscapes as well as practices we can incorporate to best manage the challenges they pose. This class is currently full.

Contact Shawn Walker with any questions about classes.

Give to the Max Day is Today! Join Thousands and Donate to Casey Trees Today

2011-11-09T10:35:00.001-05:00

The day is here!

Today, as the clock struck midnight, the first annual Give to the Max Day: Greater Washington got underway. For the next 24 hours, Casey Trees is joining thousands of area nonprofits in the hopes of raising money and bringing in new donors to their causes.

By giving to Casey Trees today, your donation not only goes towards helping us plant our trees across DC, but also helps give us a shot to win our share of $125,000 in cash awards being offered to select nonprofits. Organizations like Casey Trees can win up to $25,000 for bringing in the most individual donors or the raising the most money. So today, make your donation count even more and give to your favorite tree planting nonprofit – Casey Trees.

But don’t just donate, spread the word! The individuals who bring the most donors on behalf of their cause can add an extra $10,000 to their donation. Tell your friends, family, and neighbors that today is the day to donate to Casey Trees!

To donate, simply go to the Casey Trees page on the Give to the Max web site, and choose the amount you’d like to donate. However, your donation only counts towards these incredible prizes today, November 9th.

If you’ve been thinking about donating to Casey Trees, don’t wait any longer. Give now and join thousands of donors on Give to the Max Day. Help us reach our goals so we can continue to provide trees and restore the urban canopy in your community.

Friday Photo Feature - November 4, 2011

2011-11-04T10:03:00.004-04:00

A river birch planted at our 3015 12th Street NE tree yard.
View more on Flickr or submit your own photos of trees.

Re-Tree DC With the CFC

2011-11-03T15:51:00.000-04:00

Are you a federal employee? Do you love the work we do at Casey Trees? Well if so, take this opportunity to join your friends and coworkers and help bring trees to your community through the annual Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). This year marks the 50th anniversary of the CFC - the only authorized workplace charitable giving drive for Federal employees. And while the campaign officially began on September 1st, you have until December 15th to support one of more than 4,000 approved local, national, and international charities.

For the fourth year in a row, Casey Trees is a participating member in the Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area (CFCNCA) - the local CFC campaign for Federal employees in the Washington Metropolitan Area and the largest workplace giving campaign in the world. And as a celebration of this 50th anniversary, the campaign leaders have set a 2011 fundraising goal of $67.2 million. We’re calling on all our friends in the federal government to help reach that goal by donating to Casey Trees through the CFC today!

If you are a federal employee and want to give through the CFC, all you have to do is fill out a donation pledge form designating a chosen organization and the desired amount you want to give. To make your donation to Casey Trees and help bring trees to your neighborhood, all you have to do is choose CFC #24598, and select your amount – any donation makes a huge difference.

Every gift we receive through CFC will go towards our tree planting, education, and design initiatives that help the environment and restore DC’s urban canopy. Casey Trees has already planted over 1,500 trees this year alone. This number is impressive, but with your support alongside your family, friends, colleagues, and coworkers, Casey Trees can continue to grow and plant trees in greater numbers in more schools, street corners, parks and other locations around the city.

By pledging support, you are making the first step towards establishing a green legacy in our Nation’s Capital to be enjoyed for generations to come. Choose CFC #24598 today for a healthier and more beautiful District of Columbia.

Nov. 30 is the Spring CTP Application Deadline

2011-11-03T10:58:00.002-04:00

Volunteers plant trees at Capitol Quarter.

Apply for a Community Tree Planting event and join the hundreds of D.C. residents who have helped re-forest the city! Casey Trees is currently accepting applications for our spring CTP season. If your application is accepted, Casey Trees will provide and plant trees at your specified location for free. But hurry - the deadline for all applications is Nov. 30.

Apply today if you:

Want to plant 10 or more trees at a location in D.C. (school sites can request fewer).
Can obtain permission from all property owners to plant at the site.
Are willing to attend an orientation meeting and agree to care for the trees for two years after the planting.
Love trees!

Since its inception in 2005, the CTP program has helped put thousands of young trees in the ground. Casey Trees provides all the trees, tools and volunteers to make each CTP event a success. Remember, even if you can't apply for a CTP event, we still need your help! Consider making a donation or sponsoring a CTP event to help offset tree costs.

Casey Trees, Area Non-Profits Join Forces to Raise Big Bucks on Nov. 9th

2011-11-02T11:41:00.000-04:00

Calling all Casey Trees fans: we need your support!

On Wednesday, November 9th Casey Trees will be participating in the first annual Give to the Max Day: Greater Washington, a massive one-day regional online fundraiser that will unite local Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC communities to support nonprofits serving the area. Starting at midnight, Casey Trees will join hundreds of other local organizations in hopes of attracting 10,000 new donors and raise at least $3 million. But with your help on November 9th, a simple donation could mean an even bigger reward for Casey Trees.

As part of Give to the Max Day: Greater Washington, nonprofits large and small can earn their share of $125,000 in cash awards, including up to $25,000 for nonprofits with the most individual donors and the most money donated. The individuals who bring the most donors on behalf of their cause can add an extra $10,000 to their donation. A prize like this would make all the difference in achieving our tree planting goals for next year – so please consider donating to Casey Trees on November 9th.

Donating is easy. Simply go to the Casey Trees page on the Give to the Max web site, and choose the amount you’d like to donate. Remember – your donation only counts on November 9th so be sure to wait until then to give!

Join your family, friends, and neighbors in raising money for the organizations that do work in your area. Together we can reach this goal and help our community – and Casey Trees – make a difference.

Tree of the Month - Scarlet Oak

2011-11-02T10:25:00.001-04:00

The chill of last weekend may have stripped some trees of their foliage, but many will retain their leaves late into the season, including our November Tree of the Month, the scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea). It is the official tree of the District of Columbia and has some of the most brilliant colors you will see this season. Its deep red autumn colors appear late in the fall season and give the tree its common name. The scarlet oak is native to the Eastern United States. Its habitat stretches along most of the Appalachian Mountains, but can also be found in Southern Indiana, Southeastern Missouri and Mississippi.

Scarlet oak leaves.
Photo credit: Jason Hollinger

The scarlet oak shares many similarities to its close cousin, the pin oak, but several key features make it easily identifiable. The scarlet oak's acorn is larger at one half to one inch long and features a deep cup that covers almost half of the nut. The scarlet oak also features ascending branches that can form an open, rounded or irregular crown that looks markedly different from the horizontal and drooping branches of the pin oak.

The scarlet oak's leaves are simple and oval shaped with deep C-shaped cuts that create up to nine bristly lobes. The leaves are a bright and shiny green on top with a paler shaded underside and are usually three to seven inches long. The leaves autumn colors range from a subtle russet to the deep scarlet coloration the tree is famous for.

Facts about the scarlet oak

The scarlet oak prefers dry and sandy soils especially along ridges and slopes
The tree's canopy can spread up to 50 feet in diameter
The scarlet oak's acorns are a food source for gray squirrels, mice, deer, wild turkey and other birds
Their taproot system can make the scarlet oak difficult to transplant
These trees can fare droughts much better than other trees

A scarlet oak on Hobart Street in Mount Pleasant.

The scarlet oak can be found in a variety of locations throughout the District, but some of the more famous locations include the grounds of the White House, Supreme Court, and the Capitol. They can also be found along New Hampshire Avenue NW, the Mount Pleasant neighborhood, Tudor Place in Georgetown, and Rock Creek Park. One notable example is the 2006 Champion Scarlet Oak at 3374 Minnesota Avenue SE. Be sure to search for scarlet oaks that we have planted on our interactive Casey Trees Map. Just select "Casey Trees' Plantings" and type "scarlet."

DPW Leaf Collection

2011-11-01T16:00:00.001-04:00

Time to get raking, everyone! D.C.'s Department of Public Works will begin collecting fall leaves on November 7. The DPW will vacuum and compost your leaves on a designated date, depending on your Ward and neighborhood. It's easy for you and beneficial to the environment!

Just remember to:

Rake the leaves into a pile within a tree-box space.
Remove any tree limbs or rocks from the pile.
Check for trash. Making sure your pile is free of litter can help prevent water pollution.

See the ward-by-ward schedule or visit the DPW website to plan the best time to rake leaves from your yard. You can also check your address on the DPW map to see the planned leaf pickup times through December.

Starbucks Keeps Casey Trees Warm This Fall Season

2011-10-31T13:52:00.001-04:00

We know our volunteer work is fun and rewarding, but we also realize that being ready to plant trees at 9:00AM on a Saturday morning can be tough – especially if it’s cold or rainy (or in the case of this weekend, snowing!). Luckily for our volunteers, for the fourth year in a row Starbucks is a contributing sponsor for the 2011 fall Community Tree Planting season! At most tree planting events, you’ll find Starbucks coffee at the Casey Trees registration table. Volunteers can help themselves to a hot cup of joe to wake up, stay warm and get moving.

Starbucks’ generosity provides a reminder of what goes into each Casey Trees planting event. Our grassroots approach to beautifying this city means that both our applicants, and Casey Trees, rely heavily on our volunteers for much of our labor needs in planting trees. In turn, Casey Trees provides groups with the tools, training, technical assistance, and of course the trees, at no cost to them. In order to continue the success of our Community Tree Planting program, support like this from our neighborhood partners and friends is invaluable.

To learn how you can help out, visit our donation page to make a financial or in-kind contribution for an upcoming tree planting. Or, as always, you can get involved by volunteering and lending a hand at one of our many events. The bottom line is, whether you’re one of the world’s biggest coffee shops, or just one individual, there is no shortage of ways in which you can help support us in restoring the tree canopy of our Nation’s Capital.

Live Green and Casey Trees Partner Up to Save You Money

2011-10-27T16:06:00.001-04:00

Looking to save money while helping out in your community this fall? Well you’re in luck! For a limited time Casey Trees is partnering up with Live Green to make eco-friendly living a little more easy, fun, and affordable in the DC Metro Area.

From now until the end of the year, for every new Live Green membership sold, a donation of $10 will be made to Casey Trees and our tree planting initiatives. By going to www.livegreen.net/join and typing in the referral code: CaseyTreesLG you will join the thousands who already enjoy the discounts and deals offered daily around the city, while helping us add some trees to the District!

Live Green is a DC-based organization that partners with eco-friendly businesses and provides them with exposure to their network of environmentally-conscious members who get exclusive discounts on green products, services, or events. A Live Green membership includes a Live Green discount card that you can use at over 50 participating businesses throughout the DC Metro Area. Since each company they endorse is carefully screened based on their affordability, quality, and sustainable business practices, you can be sure you’re shopping responsibly and supporting socially conscious businesses – all while saving some money.

This fall season make the jump to go "green" while saving some “green” and see what a Live Green membership can do for you.

Washington Nationals Dream Foundation Brings Trees to Chamberlain Elementary

2011-10-26T16:16:00.001-04:00

On Thursday October 13th students at Chamberlain Elementary in Southeast DC got a special surprise from Casey Trees: four new trees to be planted on their school grounds.

Despite a few clouds and a bit of rainy weather, 11 students from second and third grade classrooms came out to plant one river birch, one American basswood, one American hornbeam and one sweetgum alongside faculty and a handful of Casey Trees staff members. Even a few eager pre-k students, who are learning about trees in class, came out with their teachers to watch the planting unfold and share their knowledge with us all.

This planting event was especially meaningful to Casey Trees, however, because of one very special partner: The Washington Nationals Dream Foundation. Thanks in part to a generous donation from the Dream Foundation, Casey Trees was able to provide Chamberlain students with a new, outdoor natural classroom – one that they created with their own hands.

Casey Trees staff member, Jabbari Brew, gives Chamberlain students
safety tips before their October 13th planting.

The Washington Nationals Dream Foundation, the charitable arm of the Washington Nationals Baseball Club, is dedicated to forging community partnerships that improve the lives of area children and their families. Established in 2007, the Foundation’s cornerstone programs focus on children’s education, health and recreation.

From all of us at Casey Trees, we’d like to send a big thank you to the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation for their help in bringing trees to Chamberlain Elementary School this fall. Whether these students will be enjoying a long recess or an impromptu outdoor science class, this donation will help to greatly increase the quality of the time they spend at school.

To learn how you can help our school community tree planting initiatives, visit our website or contact Mark DeSantis, Development Associate, at 202.833.9125.

Fall Foliage to Look Out for in D.C.

2011-10-21T09:23:00.000-04:00

Photo credit: Jennuine Captures.

With all the brilliant colors popping up around D.C., we can't possibly cover every changing tree in our Tree of the month posts. So we've compiled a short list of beautiful trees to look out for during the remainder of the fall season. Hit the town and enjoy them!

American beech trees (Fagus grandifolia) - Find the beech's simple yellow leaves at the U.S. Capitol grounds, Dumbarton Oaks and along the Capital Crescent trail. Also look out for the European beech trees (Fagus sylvatica) , whose leaves change to yellow or orange later on in the season.

Red maples (Acer rubrum) - All trees in the maple family sport fall foliage, but the red maple is particularly note-worthy. Its leaves usually turn crimson, but it can also display yellow, purple and orange. Find the red maple in front of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian and on the White House grounds (Jimmy Carter planted a red maple there in 1977!).

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) - The star-shaped sweetgum leaves can turn a multitude of colors. Oftentimes, several colors will appear on one tree. Check it out near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, at the National Zoo and in West Potomac Park.

Multi-colored sweetgum leaves. Photo credit: liberalmind1012.

White oak (Quercus alba) - The white oak can be found all over D.C., including at Dumbarton Oaks, Tudor Place, Logan Circle, Cedar Hill and the Capital Crescent Trail. Most white oak leaves turn red, but some turn a gorgeously rare deep-wine.

Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) - Similar to the white oak, sourwood leaves can sometimes turn a deep shade of red. Other times, they display a brighter orange-red color. Find these simple oval-leafed trees at Glenwood Cemetery and the U.S. Botanic Garden on Maryland Ave SW.

Find white oaks like this all over D.C. Photo credit: Tie Guy II.

For more help identifying tree species, visit our resources page!

Charitable Foundation of the Energy Bar Association Sponsors Community Tree Planing, Southwest Rejoices

2011-10-17T13:46:00.002-04:00

CFEBA volunteers celebrate the addition of 17 streets in Capitol Quarter.

Our fallCommunity Tree Planting (CTP) season continued this past weekend with two treeplanting events that added 29 new trees to the District. One planting in particular was especiallymeaningful – the Capitol Quarter CTP – as Casey Trees partnered with theevent’s lead sponsor, the Charitable Foundation of the Energy Bar Association (CFEBA) to plant 17 trees inone of the city’s newest waterfront neighborhoods.

Established in 1946, the Energy Bar Association (EBA) is anon-profit voluntary association of attorneys, non-attorney professionals andstudents, whose mission is to promote the professional excellence and ethicalintegrity of its members in the practice, administration and development ofenergy laws, regulations and policies. CFEBA is its philanthropic arm that engages in a variety of energy-related and general charitable activities - including tree plantings!

CFEBA's sponsorship didn’t stop with just financial support – they brought in extrasets of hands as well. Almost 20hard-working and enthusiastic EBA members came out early on their day off and joined Capitol Quarter residentsto help plant trees. From all of us at Casey Trees, we’d like to extend a big thanks to ourfriends at CFEBA for their support in our reforestation efforts. A special thanks goes to Walter Hall, II who serves on CFEBA's Board of Directors and was integral in the sponsorship and recruitment of volunteers.

Partnering with local businesses and organizations to restore the tree canopy of the nation's capital is always a rewarding experience. We love working with local groups andsponsoring a tree planting is the ideal way to show your commitment to bettering the neighborhoods you do or hope to dobusiness in.

To learn how you can join the Charitable Foundation of the Energy Bar Association in being a CTP sponsor, visit our website or contact Mark DeSantis, DevelopmentAssociate, at 202.833.9125.

Look good, do good in a Casey Trees' t-shirt

2011-10-13T16:43:00.001-04:00

You love trees and you love comfy cozy, graphic t-shirts. No longer do these passions have to be kept separate. Casey Trees is happy to introduce two tree love inspired t-shirts available to you and every tree hugger in your life for a small donation

Photo courtesy of Elvert Barnes

You may have already seen our staff - no, they are not professional models - wearing thesestylish threads at community events and tree plantings around town. Nowis your chance to get one for yourself. By donatingonline today you will make a positive change in your wardrobe and help to fund our tree planting, education and advocacy initiatives across the District.

We have two styles for you to choose from. The “I Dig Trees” t-shirt comes in green while the "I Tree DC" comes in heather gray. Both styles are available in American Apparel sizes S-XL. The "I Dig Trees" t-shirt also comes in kid sizes 8-12.

If you would like a t-shirt today, simply click on our donate webpage, add your donation amount - only one adult t-shirt per $25 or kid size t-shirt per $20 donation, and type in the requested style and size in the comments section. T-shirts will be mailed to the address provided when making the donation.

Alternatively, you can mail a contribution to 3030 12th Street NE, Washington, DC 20017 or pick one up at the next Community Tree Planting you volunteer at. If you have any questions, email Mark DeSantis, Development Associate, at mdesantis@caseytrees.org.

54 Trees and Counting!

2011-10-13T09:11:00.003-04:00

Over the past two weeks, Casey Trees has added 54 new trees across the District through our 2011 Community Tree Planting (CTP) season. And we're just getting started! So far we have held CTP events at Catholic University of America, THC Affordable Housing Inc. and the Developing Families Center.

This past Saturday, 18 volunteers came out to THC Affordable Housing Inc. in Ward 4. They enjoyed the beautiful weather while helping to boost D.C.'s tree canopy. The volunteers, along with Casey Trees staff, planted 13 young trees including sweetbay magnolia, hornbeam and river birch trees. Among the volunteers were seven Citizen Foresters. Lead Citizen Forester Geoff Hatchard and Project Organizer Riane McWain helped make the planting a success.

Volunteers work together to plant a tree at the THC Affordable Housing Inc. CTP event

At the same time in Ward 5, 11 trees were being added to the Developing Families Center grounds. 10 volunteers, including three Citizen Foresters and eight students from American University, planted river birch, pawpaw, fig and hawthorne trees. The Developing Families Center was a repeat planting site for Casey Trees - we planted 13 trees on site during the 2010 spring season. Special thanks to Project Organizer Holly Poole-Kavana and Lead Citizen Forester Karin Fischer for their leadership.

CTP events this week include plantings at Boys Town Washington D.C., Capitol Quarter and the Seafarers Yacht Club. Check our calendar for all upcoming events, including tree walks and classes.

Why Plant in the Fall?

2011-10-12T12:28:00.001-04:00

Fall doesn't just present an opportunity to watch leaves burst into vibrant red, oranges and yellows, it also is the ideal time to plant new trees. Why plant in fall versus spring, summer or winter?

In fall, trees enterdormancy. During dormancy, no growth occurs in the upper branches and attention is given to growing a stronger root system which will better support foliage growth in the spring. And since fall brings much cooler temperatures, trees are under less heat stress and therefore require less water. (Note that less water doesn't mean no water - continue to water your trees until the ground freezes.) Additionally, pests and pathogens that can harm trees tend to be less vigorous during this time of year - adefinite plus for susceptible young trees.

Volunteers help plant a tree with brilliant foliage during a CTP last fall.

So make a pledge to plant a tree at your home today. Our Tree Rebate program - good for up to $100 - can help. Doing so will guarantee you more fall foliage for you and your family to enjoy in the coming years.

What Is a Tree Worth?

2011-10-07T16:30:00.001-04:00

To the people, animals, and environment around them, trees mean improved air quality, cleaner water and higher property value, among other things. But these abstract benefits are often hard to put a monetary value on, as they are priceless to those affected. However, for many people, the investment that must preclude this return may not be evident.

At Casey Trees, we plant 2.5 to 3 inch caliper trees, fit to withstand the urban conditions of the city. After taking into account the purchase, transportation and planting of these trees, Casey Trees pays about $250 per tree.

Since our start, we have always believed that the environmental and economic benefits of trees are worth far more than $250, which is why we have always provided and planted our trees at no cost to the community. 10 years and more than 10,000 trees later, we are still committed to that goal, and we’re asking you to help us continue achieving it.

By making a donation today, you can ensure that Casey Trees will be able to continue offering our services to our friends and neighbors throughout D.C. With your help we can do more to reach our canopy goals by bringing trees – and their many benefits – to our nation’s capital. Donations of any amount make a difference; however, we encourage everyone to consider covering the cost of one tree ($250) and become a tree sponsor this fall. Unless otherwise specified, every tree sponsor will receive special recognition on the Casey Trees website and the Casey Trees Map throughout our planting season.

After 10 years of serving our community, we ask you to decide how much this service is worth to you and to consider helping us make the investment in a happier, healthier, more beautiful D.C.

Casey Trees Nominated for a Hilly Award!

2011-10-07T13:31:00.003-04:00

Thanks to your kind recommendations, Casey Trees is nominated for Nonprofit of the Year in the third annual Hilly Awards, put on by the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce.

Casey Trees has planted hundreds of trees in the Capitol Hill area. Of note are the more than 50 American elms along 8th Street SE that were planted in 2003 through Casey Trees’ American Elm Restoration program.

2003 photo of American Elms planted on Barracks Row by Casey Trees.
Take a walk down 8th Street SE to see how much these elms have grown!

Additionally, Casey Trees will plant at Capitol Quarter, Greenseed Community Garden, Chamberlain Public Charter School and the Capitol Hill Montessori School during this fall’s Community Tree Planting season.

Voting for the 2011 Hilly Awards ends on Oct. 28 and the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in November. Vote here!

Welcoming Tour des Trees to D.C. on Saturday

2011-10-06T13:08:00.000-04:00

Casey Trees is excited to welcome the riders of the 20th annual STIHL® Tour des Trees! Nearly 60 cyclists will ride into the District this Saturday for the second to last leg of the week-long, 485-mile cycling tour which benefits the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund). On Saturday, October 8, The Tour des Trees riders will visit the Casey Trees headquarters for lunch and tours of our bioretention planters and green roofs. They will also participate in a tree planting at the U.S. National Arboretum.

The seven day bicycle tour originates in Virginia Beach and stops in Wililamsburg, Richmond, Charlottesville, Front Royal, and Reston before concluding in D.C. Cyclists participate in tree planting and public awareness events at each stop. Casey Trees is a co-sponsor of this year's tour.

"Casey Trees is proud to be a Silver Sponsor of the 2011 STIHL® Tour des Trees," Executive Director Mark Buscaino said. "By supporting the Tour des Trees we are investing in urban forestry research that will significantly benefit the District's urban forest and its neighborhoods for generations to come."

After their visit to Casey Trees, the riders will finish the week-long tour at the American University Woods-Brown Amphitheater at 2:00 p.m. Closing ceremonies will immediately follow. Chuck Leavell, keyboardist for the Rolling Stones, will serve as keynote speaker and join the Tom Principato Band to entertain the crowds.

For more information, visit the Tour des Trees website.

Community Tree Planting Recap - First Fall Planting at Catholic University

2011-10-06T10:45:00.000-04:00

Last weekend may have been rainy, but that did not stop Citizen Foresters — new and old — from showing up at the first Community Tree Planting (CTP) event of the fall 2011 season at The Catholic University of America! The planting was part of the Citizen Forester-qualifying Tree Planting class in which participants learned the basics of how to plant trees and the best places to plant them while taking our environment into consideration. They also learned tree anatomy and what trees are best suited for our climate. After a small break for lunch, everyone headed outside to plant the first 30 trees of the season.

The day was wet and dreary, but that didn't dampen the spirits of Casey Trees staff, Citizen Foresters and volunteers as we dug new homes for our woody friends. While everyone finished the day muddy and tired from planting, they can take pride in the work they did to improve CUA's campus by adding beautiful trees that will provide many benefits for future students.

With the help of volunteers, Casey Trees has planted 125 trees on five occasions at CUA. We were pleased by the impressive turnout — the largest Tree Planting class attendance in years! — and hope to see more of you at the rest of our plantings this season. Don't forget to check our website for the CTP and class schedule!

Tree of the Month - Black Gum

2011-10-05T11:48:00.000-04:00

We've chosen the black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) for our October Tree of the Month. Its leaves turn vibrant red in early autumn, before most other tree species put on their fall color. In the District we may not see the bright change until the end of the month, but it is a notable tree to look out for.

The black gum — also called black tupelo or sour gum — is a native tree found throughout eastern North America, from Southern Ontario and Maine all the way to Florida and Texas. It is a medium-sized deciduous tree, usually maturing at a height between 66 and 82 feet.

A black gum's brilliant fall color stands out against more late-changing leaves. Photo credit: dogtooth77.

You can easily identify a black gum by its:

Dark and furrowed bark. Some black gum bark resembles the scales of an alligator, making it particularly easy to recognize.
Leaves, which are simple and oval-shaped with a rounded base. Dark green and glossy in the summer and peach or wine-red in the fall, the black gum's leaves are typically about two to six inches long.
Small and greenish-white flowers, appearing in springtime with the leaves.
Fruit, which blossoms when the leaves change color. Due to its early arrival, the sour fruit of a black gum attracts a lot of birds in early autumn.

Photo credit: Mr.Mac2009

Photo credit: mccormacka

Though black gums prefer swampy areas and highly acidic soil, you can find them in various locations around D.C., including at the National Arboretum, the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, the White House south lawn and Rock Creek Park.

Fun facts about the black gum:

High in fat and fiber, the tree's fruit is an important food source for black bears
In colonial times, the strong wood of the black gum was used for water pipes
During spring season, the black gum qualifies for our RiverSmart Homes program!

Friday Photo Feature - September 30, 2011

2011-09-30T13:12:00.001-04:00

Crew members Jabbari and Ed off-loading a balled-and-burlapped sweetgum tree.
On Wednesday, we had 159 trees delivered to our tree yard for the upcoming planting season (launching tomorrow at Catholic University!)

CT at the Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair

2011-09-29T09:10:00.000-04:00

Visit Casey Trees at the the Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair this weekend! The fair will take place Saturday, October 1st, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. We'll be at booth #55 near the 18th Street entrance. Stop by to learn about our programs or classes, ask us tree questions, make a donation to receive a t-shirt ($20 for adults, $15 for kids), or just say "Hi!"

We are proud to participate at the eighth year of the Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair. We'll be hanging out with independent artists from all over the country as they sell their handmade goods to everyone wanting to enjoy a day out in Adams Morgan.

Don't forget to check out the Crafty Bastards website to see who will be there. They've even provided a map and some tips for planning your day. Be sure to visit us on the grounds of the Marie Reed Learning Center at 18th & Wyoming in the Adams Morgan neighborhood.

You should also make some time to visit our partners, Bare Tree Apparel, at booth #160. They've kindly decided to donate 25% of their Crafty Bastards 2011 sales to Casey Trees. Stop by their booth, buy some stuff and be sure to tell them we sent you!

Get Kids Involved With Arbor Kids Activities

2011-09-28T12:00:00.000-04:00

Getting children involved with nature is easy with our Arbor Kids activities! Our downloadable activities offer kids the chance to learn about trees and why they are important to have around. Printable and easy to use, these activities don't require any fancy materials beyond some paper, something to write with, a tape measure, and our Tree ID Guide. Check out the activities and show those kids how cool trees can be!

The Name That Tree! activity introduces children to the science of tree identification. Children are asked to identify trees around their home and school using our Tree ID Guide and asks them to collect some leaves of various shapes. The children can then make collages with the leaf rubbing instructions included with the activity.

The Tree Benefits Scavenger Hunt sends children on an adventure through the neighborhood as they look for trees and how they interact with people and the environment. Look for leafy trees, big trees, things that live with trees, and tree products found at home. Each item also presents a short description of why trees are important.

The How Tall is That Tree activity shows children how to measure a tree. You can learn how to compare the tree's shadow to their own using proportions to estimate the trees height. You may need the aid of a friend or adult to measure their height and shadow. Afterwards, share the pictures of the trees they measured and post the data to the Casey Trees Map and photos to our Flickr group.

The My Trees: Home Inventory activity shows children how to be aware of trees and their condition. The activity asks children to make a map of their yard and then identify the condition of the trees and their species. They can then share this information with their parents so that any sick or injured trees can be properly addressed. Don't forget to post the trees near and around your house online!

If you're looking for even more activities for children or are an educator looking to add tree activities to their science classroom should check out our ROOTS curriculum.

Fort Dupont Tree Walk

2011-09-27T15:18:00.000-04:00

Come enjoy the fall foliage with Casey Trees on October 15. Jorge Bogantes Montero, from the Anacostia Watershed Society and Shawn Walker, Urban Forestry Instructor for Casey Trees will lead a tree walk at Fort Dupont from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

As part of Feet in the Street (FITS) Day, the roads of Fort Dupont will be closed to vehicles. Take advantage and stroll around the park. Participants in the tree walk will learn about notable specimen and their characteristics, as well as basic tree identification methods.

There are only a few spots left in the October 15 Tree Walk at Fort Dupont, so register soon! For more information and to view all upcoming events, check out our calendar.

Casey Trees volunteers at a tree planting at Fort Dupont in 2006.

Tree Canopy Work Continues at District Schools

2011-09-27T12:34:00.003-04:00

In the upcoming months, eight schools across the District will work with Casey Trees to improve their tree canopies. And for good reason - while the city's average canopy coverage is 35 percent, D.C. campuses lag behind with an average canopy coverage of just 20 percent.

Parking lots, playgrounds and open fields are all important features for schools, but strategically-planted trees can be an asset to schools and their students.

Chris Horton, project organizer for the British School of Washington community tree planting, agrees. "Trees will provide shade and interest in places to play," said Horton, who applied for a CTP at the request of one of his students. Horton also looks forward to "the sense of ownership and care" his students will have for the young trees.

New trees are a great source of education for young students, both during the planting process and after. At CTP events, students learn how to plant trees and work together to reach a goal. Classes can then utilize the young trees to teach science lessons in an engaging, outdoor setting. Students will have a tangible example of why caring for and appreciating the environment is important.

"Children exposed to trees learn to admire them, their environment, and nature," said Sue Erhardt, our Director of Education.

Interested in giving your school's tree canopy a boost? The deadline for the spring 2012 CTP season is Nov. 30. Downloadable applications can be sent in via fax, mail or email.

A version of this post was featured in the September issue of the Casey Trees e-newsletter, the Leaflet. Read more and subscribe to the Leaflet here.

Notes From the Green Living Expo

2011-09-26T16:20:00.001-04:00

Contributing writer - Lisa Morris, Planning Associate

This past Saturday, Casey Trees hosted a table at the third annual Green Living Expo at Van Ness-UDC Metro Plaza, where residents, organizations and businesses from around the city shared inspiring ideas about how to green their lifestyles. Many people who stopped by our table had questions about the RiverSmart Homes and Tree Rebate programs, which enable residents to plant trees on their properties at low and reduced cost. Some were interested in learning about how to volunteer with us, while others stopped by to share their stories about past volunteer experiences. After our rainy September, stormwater was a hot topic. We discussed the critical role trees play in absorbing rainwater before runoff can pollute the Anacostia and other local waterways.

While we shared information about what we do, we also learned about the wide range of green services provided by local organizations and businesses. We met folks that collect organic material for composting and provide high-quality soil to urban farms; salvage building materials by deconstructing rather than demolishing houses; perform green audits of businesses and lifestyles to get them started on the path to sustainability; and reduce harmful chemicals in the environment by providing natural pest control. Since this event coincided with the regular Saturday UDC Farmers' Market, local vendors were on hand to sell fresh produce. And, as if all this weren’t enough, a rock band from the School Without Walls and Wilson High’s marching band entertained the crowd. All in all, it was a great afternoon, full of great ideas and great people.

Announcing the Autumn Almanac

2011-09-23T14:22:00.000-04:00

Fall is officially here and Casey Trees is celebrating with the release of our Autumn Almanac. Our seasonal tree care guides help D.C. residents prepare private and city trees for the upcoming cool months.

Autumn is upon us. The good news is cooler weather is a great time for planting trees. If you already have trees, it is time to prepare them for the rapidly approaching winter months.

Remove slow-release watering bags. Tree trunks and the tree flare need to be exposed to air. Bags that have been on trees for two or more years can be returned to Casey Trees for reuse. Your tree should be able to access its own water source now.
Check the mulch. Freshen mulch by adding two to three inches in a ring around the trunk. Pull the mulch ring three to six inches away from the trunk.
Water trees if it gets hot. We recommend you practice 25 to Stay Alive — 25 gallons of water per tree per week in times of little or no rainfall. Do not water after the ground freezes.
Enjoy the fall color!

Fall is the perfect time to plant trees if you are a homeowner in the District. When you take advantage of our Tree Rebate program you can save up to $100 on qualifying large shade trees and up to $50 on most other species. Find out how you can participate.

Friday Photo Feature - September 23, 2011

2011-09-23T12:52:00.000-04:00

It's raining in northeast DC, which is certainly great for the trees.
We're almost finished with watering recommendations for the summer, but that means we're nearing the start of planting season!

CT at the Barracks Row Fall Festival on Saturday

2011-09-22T15:11:00.001-04:00

Visit Casey Trees at the Barracks Row Fall Festival this weekend! The event will take place on Saturday, September 24th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can learn about our programs, ask your tree questions or get an "I Dig Trees" t-shirt.

We're really looking forward to hanging out on Barracks Row because there will be thousands of people enjoying music, marching, children's activities, a car show, a military chefs cookoff and more! (And we'll be there!) The festival will be held on the 500 to 700 blocks of 8th Street SE. This is sure to be a great community event and we're excited to be a part of it!

Help Bring Trees to D.C.'s Schools

2011-09-19T17:33:00.000-04:00

At Casey Trees, we understand that children are products of their environments, and that’s why re-treeing our city’s schools continues to be a paramount goal of our organization. Whether it’s a saucer magnolia at H.D. Cooke Elementary, or an American holly at Collegiate Academy, this fall will bring new trees – and new experiences – to various school campuses across our nation’s capital.

Starting October 1st, Casey Trees will work with students and their teachers at nine different D.C. schools to not only plant and maintain new trees, but also to educate and engage students in the work they are doing. Our tree planting events show students that hard works begets positive results, bringing them together in a hands-on, positive environment. But we can’t do this without the support of our community.

Tree planting at The Lowell School sponsored by PEPCO Holdings, Inc.

By donating and sponsoring a tree planting today, you can ensure that students and schools around D.C. will get the trees they need to create a safe and natural environment for all to enjoy. Since 2002, donors like you have helped to beautify schools such as Browne Junior High and the Lowell School. Our sponsors’ generosity has helped to make these campuses more welcoming and peaceful places for students to spend their time. We believe a beautiful environment creates a sense of well-being in which students can focus on their studies, rather than the often hectic world outside their schools.

Help add a tree to a school this fall by making a tax-deductible donation securely online now. The cost to purchase and plant a tree is $250 per tree but donations of any amount are welcome. To sponsor a school Community Tree Planting, contact Mark DeSantis at development@caseytrees.org or 202.349.3470.

Tagging Trees: Shopping for the Fall Planting Season

2011-09-19T15:52:00.002-04:00

Contributing Writer - Sara Turner, Urban Forestry Manager

Fall is my favorite season: the stunning colors of autumn, the sound of leaves rustling in the wind, and the return of college football. And shopping! Though my school days have been over for a few years now, I still love the excitement that back-to-school shopping evokes. Fortunately, my role as Urban Forestry Manager allows me to do some shopping in preparation for the fall planting season. One of my responsibilities is locating and coordinating the purchase and delivery of trees.

Trees at Ruppert Nurseries. This is where many urban trees come from.

For each spring and fall planting season, Casey Trees purchases an average of 500 trees for its planting programs – Community Tree Planting (CTP) and RiverSmart Homes (RSH). Trees come in many sizes and shapes; but pretty standard, Casey Trees plants two-inch caliper, balled and burlapped (B&B) material. The caliper measurement refers to the diameter size of the tree’s trunk. In the nursery this is measured at four inches above ground for trees less than four inches in diameter. The term "balled and burlapped" refers to the root form of the tree, where the root ball is lifted out of the ground and encased in burlap until planting.

B&B trees have their advantages and disadvantages over other types such as bare root and containerized trees. The main disadvantage of B&B material is that a large portion of the roots may be severed at harvest time. With the reduced root system, water is a critical element in the successful transplanting of B&B material. Casey Trees provides a slow-release watering bad for each tree it plants to encourage caretakers to water the recommended 25 gallons of water per week during the growing season.

The last few seasons we procured trees "blindly" from nurseries in our region. Trees were dug from the nurseries’ fields and delivered to our yard, and that was our first time seeing them. We had developed good relationships with these nurseries and the material they delivered was reliable and good for our needs. However, this year we decided that we might be able to do even better by hand-selecting the trees ourselves by visiting the nurseries and "tagging" trees.

The barn at the historic Bremo Plantation - one of three sites where we buy our trees.

Recently I had the opportunity to tag trees for our upcoming planting season. I visited three nurseries: Angelica, and Bremo and Ruppert. Over three days I hand-selected close to 630 trees for all our fall projects. This selective shopping allows me to select the best material. No tree is perfect, although a good specimen of shade tree should match these criteria:

No trunk injuries.
A strong leader (that is, a leading stem that will support the tree as it grows).
A full crown making up two thirds of the tree.
Good trunk taper - tapered trunks withstand greater amounts of stress than trees without.
Strong branching form.
A root flare at the proper depth.

Each nursery was a delight to visit and each was uniquely different. Angelica Nuseries is located on the scenic Eastern Shore of Maryland. Bremo Trees is not too far from Mineral, Virginia (the epicenter of the recent earthquake) and is part of Bremo Plantation, a registered historical site. Ruppert Nurseries is just 25 miles from our office in Laytonsville, Maryland. I didn't have tagging seals yet, so colored marking tape sufficed. Sometimes it was pink, checkered, or purple. At one nursery, the color pink meant the tree was up for slaughter - shredded and mulched.

Digging out a B&B tree for planting.

We're looking forward to our fall planting season and can't wait for the first shipment of trees. You can volunteer with us at planting events this fall or participate as a homeowner in our RiverSmart Homes program if you want to see these beautiful trees in person.

Friday Photo Feature - September 16, 2011 - PARK(ing) Day!

2011-09-16T14:30:00.000-04:00

We're having a great time at PARK(ing) Day today. Check out our photos from today near Dupont Circle and read our blog post from earlier this week about our participation in the international event.

Setting up for PARK(ing) Day.

Our mock oak tree stands tall next to a real elm tree near Dupont Circle.

We met with residents and rush hour pedestrians all day.
View more from the event on Flickr or submit your own photos of the event.

Casey Trees Out and About This Weekend

2011-09-15T15:24:00.000-04:00

We will participate in two community events this weekend: PARK(ing) Day and the H Street Festival.

On Friday we will transform a parking space into a miniature park to promote the environmental, social and financial benefits of trees as part of PARK(ing) Day 2011. Find us at the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and Q Street NW from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PARK(ing) Day is an annual event that brings together activists, artists and citizens to temporarily transform metered parking spaces into public parks. Our PARK(ing) Day site will feature an abstract forest with oversized tags touting all the benefits trees bring to D.C. residents. Tomorrow, we'll be the premier D.C. group converting street space to green space.

On Saturday visit our booth at the H Street Festival between noon and 6 p.m. The festival will take place on H Street between 8th and 14th Streets NE. Come take your sticker picture, learn more about our programs, or purchase one of our t-shirts.

Casey Trees staff members will be onsite at both locations to chat, answer questions and distribute tree literature. We hope to see you this Friday and Saturday!

Tune in Tomorrow for Tree Talk Thursday!

2011-09-14T15:34:00.000-04:00

Thanks for tuning into our Tree Talk Thursday sessions this summer! We will be discussing "Growing Arbor Kids" - highlighting the educational efforts of Casey Trees and American Forest Foundation and answering questions about getting children engaged with trees. From 12 noon until 1:00 p.m. tomorrow, tune into the live online forum to ask questions and get instant answers from the experts.

Priscilla Bocksor, Education Coordinator at Casey Trees and Al Stenstrup of Project Learning Tree at American Forest Foundation will join us for the chat. They will provide practical techniques for teaching youth the importance of trees. Children need a substantial way to understand the importance of our environment. Trees provide the perfect model for education--inside the classroom and out. Whether you are a teacher looking to amp up your curriculum or just an environmentally conscious parent, friend or tutor, this is a Tree Talk Thursday not to be missed!

Tune in here at noon tomorrow, September 15, to join the chat. If you would like a reminder before the event, enter your email address on the page and you'll be invited to join when the chat starts.

You can also view our past Tree Talk Thursday chat sessions about choosing an arborist, summer tree care and other timely tree topics. Submit questions to our experts during the chat, or ahead of time by e-mailing us at treedc@caseytrees.org or tweeting @CaseyTrees. We look forward to seeing you there!

Tree Tours This Fall

2011-09-14T12:26:00.000-04:00

A tree tour at Lincoln Cottage this past spring.

Sign up for a tree tour this season! Featured this fall are three tour sites back by popular demand and one new tour. Spots fill up quickly - the first tour is already booked - so be sure to register soon. Register by clicking on a tour name below or by visiting our complete calendar. The following tree tours are still open:

Fort Dupont Fall Tree ID Walk: Celebrate bright fall foliage with this educational tree tour of Fort Dupont Park. Shawn Walker, Urban Forestry Instructor for Casey Trees, and Jorge Bogantes Montero from the Anacostia Watershed Society will lead the tour. Explore Fort Dupont's diverse tree canopy and hone your tree identification skills. Check out our post on Fort Dupont for more reasons to sign up for this tour.
Saturday, Oct. 15: 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Bike Tour on the National Mall: Melanie Choukas-Bradley, author of City of Trees, will lead a leisurely bike tour of notable trees along the National Mall. Enjoy the scenery and trees of the National Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institution Museums, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Capitol grounds and the United States Botanic Garden. Hurry - there are only 5 spots left in this popular tree tour!
Sunday, Oct. 23: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Evergreens, Winter ID and Bird Habit: New to our tour schedule, "Evergreens, Winter ID and Bird Habit" will explore winter tree life at the U.S. National Arboretum. Learn about evergreens and the important role trees play in providing winter homes for birds. Our own Mike Ferguson and Shawn Walker will lead the tour.
Saturday, Dec. 3: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Can't make it out to a docent-led tour? Our downloadable tree walks are the perfect way to explore the District's noteworthy tree spots on your own time and at your own pace. Featured currently are guides to the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land, NGA Sculpture Garden and Tudor Place. Check back frequently for new downloadable tree walks.

ROOT for Back-to-School Fun!

2011-09-13T10:33:00.001-04:00

Amp up your science class this school year with our ROOTS curriculum! ROOTS, a lesson plan that incorporates real trees into environmental and mathematical learning, is available to everyone on our website. Printable and easy to use, ROOTS is the perfect way to connect students to their outdoor environment. Through engaging lessons and hands-on activities, the ROOTS curriculum:

Gets children out of the classroom and thinking about their surroundings.
Intertwines and hones science, math and observational skills.
Features tree lessons for each season.
Draws a connection between what children learn in the classroom and what they see every day.
Plants a desire in children to practice and advocate for environmental sustainability.

The ROOTS curriculum is easy to follow. Each section specifies the optimal age group and season for the lesson, as well as the tools needed to complete the activities. Approximate lesson times, reference images and teacher evaluations are also provided. Each lesson can stand alone, so they're great for after school activities or family weekends! Download the entire ROOTS curriculum.

If you are a teacher and would like an instructor from Casey Trees to come to your school and teach one of these lessons, contact Priscilla Bocskor, Education Coordinator. Schools can also apply for a Community Tree Planting to involve students in a tree planting and improve the school grounds (tree planting is one of the lessons in ROOTS, as well).

In addition to ROOTS, the Education department at Casey Trees also offers great classes and tree walks. Visit our complete calendar to register for an upcoming event!

Casey Trees Bringing Park(ing) Day to D.C.

2011-09-12T11:16:00.001-04:00

This Friday, September 16, Casey Trees will transform impervious street parking in Dupont Circle into an instant park to promote the environmental, social and financial benefits of trees as part of Park(ing) Day 2011.

PARK(ing) Day is an annual event that brings together activists, artists and citizens to temporarily transform metered parking spaces into public parks and other social spaces all over the world. In 2010, more than 800 “PARK” installations in more than 80 cities in 30 countries were created.

Casey Trees’ temporary park at the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and Q Street NW is slated to be the only officially recognized Park(ing) Day site in Washington, D.C.

Casey Trees’ park design will replace 320 square feet of impervious surface normally off limits to pedestrians with an abstract forest open to the public. Oversized tags will be attached to each tree touting the financial and environmental value trees bring to D.C. residents. Casey Trees staff will be onsite from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to answer tree related questions and distribute literature. Those who stop and visit Casey Trees' park will be entered to win one of several available prizes.

To locate Casey Trees’ PARK(ing) Day location along with all other temporary parks, visit Park(ing) Day’s official website. On the map, zoom in on the Washington, D.C. area and click on the blue flag.

Fall In Love with Casey Trees Classes

2011-09-08T12:14:00.000-04:00

Casey Trees is gearing up for a busy fall season! In addition to our signature Community Tree Planting (CTP) program, we will also offer several free continuing education programs over the next few months, two of which qualify participants to be a Citizen Forester (CF). As a CF you can effectively advocate for the District's trees, gain hands-on experience in urban forestry and help teach new volunteers how to properly plant trees.

All classes are free so what are you waiting for? Sign up for one (or two or five!) of our upcoming fall classes. Advance registration is required; space is limited.

Trees 101 - Instructors Shawn Walker and Priscilla Bocskor will teach you the tree basics. Learn about tree anatomy and tree identification. Only a few spots are left in Trees 101 so register today. Trees 101 is a CF-qualifying course.

Saturday September 10, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Casey Trees Headquarters

Tree Planting Workshop - This in-depth workshop will teach you the necessary skills to properly plant and maintain healthy trees.Your techniques will be put to excellent use when you help plant 30 trees on-site in the afternoon. Tree Planting is a CF-qualifying course.

Saturday October 1, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at The Catholic University of America

Growing Fruit Trees in the D.C. Area - Dr. Walsh, professor at the University of Maryland, College Park and an expert in sustainable fruit production, will host this class. Learn more about edible fruit trees, their growing popularity in urban communities and the role they can play in providing food security.

Wednesday November 9, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. at the Casey Trees Headquarters

Climate Change and our Urban Forest - Learn about the connection between trees and climate change. This class will give you an overview of the Urban Forest Effects Model (UFORE) and help you understand the benefits of trees in a changing climate. Dr. Giselle Mora-Bourgeois, Science Education Coordinator from the Urban Ecology Research Learning Alliance will lead the discussion.

Wednesday November 16, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. at the Casey Trees Headquarters

A Community of Gardeners Film and Discussion - A Community of Gardeners explores the vital role of seven community gardens in Washington, D.C. and shows how these green spaces change lives, communities and the environment for the better. Award-winning film artist Cintia Cabib and guest speakers from local community gardens will lead a discussion immediately after.

Saturday November 19, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Casey Trees Headquarters

For all upcoming events including CTP events, school plantings and tree walks, check out our calendar!

Friday Photo Feature - September 2, 2011

2011-09-02T14:21:00.000-04:00

The tree-filled Rabaut Park near Mount Pleasant.
View more on Flickr or submit your own photos of trees.

Tips for Summer Tree Care: Proper Placement

2011-08-26T14:48:00.000-04:00

As summer winds down, our final tree care tip can help you prepare for the upcoming fall season. This past July was D.C.’s hottest month ever—surely either you or your house’s cooling bill suffered the effects. You can avoid similar woes in summers to come by planting shade trees on your property this fall!

Conditions for planting are best during the fall and the spring, when temperatures are cool and rainfall is more frequent. Early fall is also a great time to plant because root systems have a chance to stabilize before harsh winter weather sets in. So you know when to plant, but where should you plant? Here are some important things to remember when deciding the location of your new tree:

Keep the tree’s mature size in mind. Plant at least 10 feet from buildings, three feet from sidewalks and 10-20 feet from other trees depending on their size.
If possible, plant on the southwestern and western sides of your home. Strategically-placed trees that shade your home from the sun can save you 10 to 30 percent on cooling costs!
Plant around utilities. Call Miss Utility at 1-800-257-7777 to have your underground utility lines marked for free. Plant at least 10 feet from overhead wires and three feet from underground utilities.

New trees can be costly, but if you take advantage of our Tree Rebate program you could save up to $100 per tree! Improvements to the Tree Rebate program have removed quantity limits, so you can receive rebates for each tree you plant. Rebate amounts depend on the size and species of each tree. Read more information and check our list of qualifying trees here.

Too busy to do all the planning yourself or want some guidance on tree selection? With our RiverSmart Homes program, a Casey Trees representative will come to your home, determine the best location and return at a later date to actually plant the tree. Learn more about the program.

Friday Photo Feature - August 26, 2011

2011-08-26T12:23:00.000-04:00

Tree planting at Catholic University this past spring. We'll be back at CUA planting trees on October 1.
Sign up for our Tree Planting Workshop to become a Citizen Forester and plant trees with us!

Upcoming Casey Trees Events for Fall 2011

2011-08-26T10:00:00.000-04:00

We're happy to announce the upcoming season of classes, presentations and tree walks from Casey Trees. We have a whole season of educational opportunities for you to dive into this fall. If you've ever wanted to become a Citizen Forester, learn about trees in the city or find out more about our programs, these events are for you.

While you're planning on which events to attend, make sure to sign up online ahead of time. All classes are free and all require advance registration. This allows us to plan for the right number of participants and anticipate staffing requirements. Most sessions are held at our 3030 12th Street NE headquarters, although some events will allow you to explore other parts of the city.

Here is the full list, with links to find out more and register online:

First Fridays: Trees in Bioretention presentation, Friday, September 2, 12:30 PM
Trees 101 class (Citizen Forester-Qualifying), Saturday, September 10, 9:00 AM
Frederick Douglass House Tree Walk, Saturday, September 24, 9:00AM
Tree Planting Workshop (Citizen Forester-Qualifying), Saturday, October 1, 9:00 AM
Fort Dupont Tree Walk, Saturday, October 15, 9:00 AM
National Mall Bike Tour, Sunday, October 23, 9:00 AM
Growing Fruit Trees in the DC Area class, Wednesday, November 9, 6:30 PM
Climate Change and our Urban Forest, Wednesday, November 16, 6:30 PM
A Community of Gardeners film and discussion, Saturday, November 19, 2:00 PM
Evergreens, Winter ID and Bird Habitat Tree Walk, Saturday, December 3, 10:00 AM

You can also take a look at the full event calendar to see all events.

If you have any questions about events organized by our Education department, contact Shawn Walker, Urban Forestry Instructor.

Meet Casey Trees at Columbia Heights Day on Saturday

2011-08-24T14:59:00.000-04:00

It's the prime time of the year for community festivals and gatherings and we'll be there for it. Look out for us at Columbia Heights Day on Saturday. You can ask a pressing tree question, learn about our programs and upcoming events, get Casey Trees gear or just say hello! We will be at a table all day. We look forward to seeing you there!

Some schedule to help you plan your day:

Schedule of performances, classes and demonstrations at the festival
The DC State Fair (happening concurrently at Tubman Elementary Field)
Follow Columbia Heights Day on Facebook, Twitter and their website.

The event will be held on 11th Street NW near the intersection of Kenyon Street. Also check out the community tent at 13th and Kenyon. It looks like it will be a great event with lots of events, booths and music.

While you're in the neighborhood, you can visit Casey Trees community tree planting sites from Spring 2011: Columbia Heights Village and Columbia Heights Education Campus.

Friday Photo Feature - August 19, 2011

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An American elm.
View more on Flickr or submit your own photos of trees.