New trees on Lower Benton!

Once upon a time, our Lower Benton Ave neighbors had a beautiful barrier of giant, full-grown trees to protect them from the constant barrage of noise and dirt from 280. One day in 2008, without any warning, a ‘crew’ from PG&E cut down the trees, which were on the 280 side of the fence. Neighbors tried to intervene as they were only supposed to trim the trees, which had been done in the past with no problems. Sadly, the trees were cut down anyhow, turning a quiet cul de sac upside down. 12 years later, thanks to the efforts of SMP Greening and a couple of hands-on neighbors, Lower Benton finally has a Brand New Baby Barrier in the ground and growing!

Earlier this month, Friends of the Urban Forest emerged from State-mandated solitude and swung into tree-planting action. Under the new Normal, FUF was operating with a limited staff and without the benefit of any neighborhood volunteers they were responsible for all the labor. Coordination took place through email and socially-distant window conversations. On July 14th, Matt Evans and Pam Rex coordinated with FUF to see 5 trees planted on Lower Benton Ave:

• Two gorgeous California Lilac Trees; also known as Ray Hartman Ceanothus. These trees grow really well in the area and they ring the baseball field at St. Mary’s Park with blue flowers all spring.

• A Brisbane Box Tree. A large evergreen that grows relatively quickly.

• Two Peppermint Willow Trees. A weeping evergreen canopy and the leaves smell like peppermint if you split them open.

While the Department of Public Works and Friends of the Urban Forest will mainly water the trees; Matt has agreed to keep an eye out and water if the bags run empty. Pam has offered the use of her spigot and long hose.

Take a walk on over and check out the new trees and if you get a moment, send Mike Yarak at Friends of the Urban Forest a thank you note. He has been our excellent tree guide and advocate. If you see Matt and Pam, our new tree stewards, give them a wave or a thumbs up (from 6ft away!).

We will continue to update you as yard trees become available and the College Ave planting resumes. We’ve all spent a lot of time walking around the neighborhood these past few months, so if you’ve identified new places you’d like to make a greening project, please reach out!