INDEPENDENT NEWS MEDIA
Scottsdale and Salt River Project recently planted the last of 441 trees citywide as part of the Right Tree, Right Place program.
The goal was to identify and remove trees that posed a threat to nearby power lines, and to compensate for the removal of each tree, SRP planted at least three new trees, considered “power line-friendly species,” as well as larger trees with larger canopies away from the lines.
A total of 146 trees were removed and 441 new trees were planted in numerous locations throughout Scottsdale, including in parks and community centers and along streets, according to a press release.
Work began in October and ended on April 28th with the planting of the final three trees in Chaparral Park.
“Scottsdale appreciates the critical role trees play in creating a healthier community. Trees clean our air, cool our sidewalks and parks, and provide habitat for birds and other species,” said Lisa McNeilly, Scottsdale’s director of sustainability.
“The city is proud to have been recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for 41 years and remains committed to the environment.”
A total of five trees were planted at an Arbor Day event – three by SRP as part of Right Tree, Right Place, one by the Major Winfield Scott Chapter of The Daughters of the American Revolution, and one by the Scottsdale Garden Club.
“By removing trees that pose a threat to our power lines and planting at least three more for each tree removed, we are able to prevent potentially hazardous situations and outages while helping the environment,” said Lori Jones, director the maintenance services of SRP.
Since the program began in 2018, SRP has removed more than 1,000 trees and planted more than 4,000 throughout the Valley. Previous city partners in the program include Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Glendale, Avondale and Peoria, the press release said.
SRP also offers its private customers up to two free shade trees as part of the SRP shade tree program. After a workshop, attendees can pick up two desert-adapted shade trees for their homes, utility officials said.
yourvalley.net
https://yourvalley.net/stories/scottsdale-srp-complete-tree-planting-project,392763
