MEMORANDUM

To: Mayor and City Council

From: ~ Shawn Sanders, Director of Public Works

Date: September 11,2015

Subject: Lowell Park Landscaping

DISCUSSION:

A few months ago the City was approached by volunteer to design a tree plan for the north Lowell Park area and the newly constructed trail from Mulberry Street to Laurel Street. A plan was presented to Council (attached) in August that showed a four different types of trees in this area which include, 21 Red Buds along the trail, 10 Red Maples in the circle at the east of Mulberry, 4 Pin Oaks in Mulberry Point and 9 White Oaks in the park from Mulberry to Myrtle Street. In looking at the plan, staff decided to delete 4 of the maple trees in the circle, because it was thought that spacing was to close for these trees and to only plant 11 of the Red buds because of some utility work remaining Staff then received quotes from two vendors to furnish the trees which then would be planted by volunteers. The low quote for the trees was submitted by Bailey Nurseries, in the amount of $3956.90 and was presented to Council for approval at the last City Council meeting.

In the following days, staff was asked to bring this item back to Council for further discussion.

Since the meeting there have been a few comments on the plan regarding location and quantity of trees. The tree plan as presented can incorporate changes such as reducing the amount of trees, the type of tree and location at any time up until the trees are actually planted. In fact, tree locations will change due to the irrigation system, utility and electrical lines that exist in the park today.

Also, an area resident through the Friends of Parks has inquired about donating $745 towards the tree planting project as a memorial to their spouse.

It is proposed that trees would be planted the weekend of September 19th

ACTION REQUIRED

Council have a discussion on the project and provide some direction to staff on how to proceed and also to consider the donation of $745 towards the planting of the trees in the park.

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Northwood Red Maple Acer rubrum 'Northwood'

Height: 50 feet

Spread: 40 feet

Sunlight: 0

Hardiness Zone: 3

Other Names: Swamp Maple, Scarlet Maple

Description:

A very hardy selection of the popular red maple from northern Minnesota, this shapely shade tree features brilliant red fall color and showy red flowers along the branches in early spring; intolerant of alkaline soils

Ornamental Features:

Northwood Red Maple has green foliage which emerges red in spring. The lobed leaves turn an outstanding red in the fall. It features showy red flowers along the branches in early spring before the leaves. It produces red samaras in late spring. The furrowed silver bark and brick red branches add an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes:

Northwood Red Maple is a deciduous tree with a shapely oval form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition .

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and should only be pruned in summer after the leaves have fully developed, as it may 'bleed' sap if pruned in late winter or early spring. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Northwood Red Maple is recommended for the following landscape applications;

-Shade -Accent

Plant Characteristics:

Acer rubrum 'Northwood' in fall Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder

Acer rubrum 'Northwood' Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder

Northwood Red Maple will grow to be about 50 feet tall at maturity , with a spread of 40 feet. It has a high canopy with a typical clearance of 7 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 80 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunl ight. It is quite adaptable, prefering to grow in average to wet conditions, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the leaves in alkaline soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution.

This is a selection of a native North American species.

Northern Strain Redbud Cercis canadensis 'Northern Strain'

Height: 25 feet

Spread: 30 feet

Sunlight: 0 ()

Hardiness Zone: 4a

Other Names: Minnesota Strain, Eastern Redbud

Description:

A spectacular and hardy spring bloomer, with very showy pink to purple flowers held tightly on bare branches in early spring; somewhat coarse heart-shaped leaves; a top choice small ornamental tree for specimen use in the northern landscape

Ornamental Features:

Northern Strain Redbud has rose pea-like flowers along the branches from early to mid spring, which emerge from distinctive fuchsia flower buds before the leaves. It has forest green foliage which emerges burgundy in spring. The heart-shaped leaves turn buttery yellow in fall. The fruit is not ornamentally significant. The rough dark brown bark is not particularly outstanding.

Landscape Attributes:

Northern Strain Redbud is a deciduous tree with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

-Disease

Northern Strain Redbud is recommended for the following landscape applications;

-Accent - Mass Planting - General Garden Use

Plant Characteristics:

Northern Strain Redbud will grow to be about 25 feet tal! at maturity, with a spread of 30 feet. It has a low can~py with a typical clearance of 3 feet from t~e ground, and IS suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 60 years or more.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist condit\ons, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to ?Oil type o~ p~ . It is highly tolerant of urban pol_lution and will ev~n thnve m inner city environments, and will bene~t from bei_ng plan_ted in a relatively sheltered location. _Consider apply1~g a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect It m exposed locations or colder zones.

This is a selection of a native North American species.

Cercis canadensis 'Northern Strain' flowers

Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder

Cercis canadensis 'Northern Strain' in bloom Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder

Cercis canadensis 'Northern Strain' in fall Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder

Swamp White Oak

Quercus bicolor

Height: 60 feet

Spread: 60 feet

Sunlight: 0

Hardiness Zone: 3b

Description:

A large and imposing shade tree with an upright spreading habit of growth , best in larger landscapes and parks; extrell}ely to_ugh and adaptable to wet conditions_ but not tolerant of alkaline so1ls, rather slow growing; acorns attract squ1rrels

Ornamental Features:

swamp White Oak has dark green foliage which emerg~s grayis~ green in spring. The glossy lobed leaves turn coppe_ry-bronze m fal l. ~either the flowers nor the fruit are ornamentally slgn1fica~t, but the _fruit can be messy in the landscape. The furrowed gray bark 1s not particularly outstanding .

Landscape Attributes:

Swamp White Oak is a dense deciduous tree with a more or less rounded form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but ca~ be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is be;:st pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It IS a good choice for attracting squirr~l~ to your yard . Gardeners s~ould be aware of the following charactenst1c(s) that may warrant spec1al consideration ;

-Messy

swamp White Oak is recommended for the following landscape applications;

-Shade

Plant Characteristics:

Quercus bicolor Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder

Quercus bicolor in fall Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant

Finder

Swamp White Oak will grow to be about 60 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 60 feet. It has a high canopy with a typical clearance of 6 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live to a ripe old age of 300 years or more; th ink of this as a heritage tree for future generations!

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It is an amazingly adaptable plant, tolerating both dry conditions and even some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the leaves in alkaline soils. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided.

This species is native to parts of North America.

Northern Pin Oak Quercus ellipsoidalis

Height: 50 feet

Spread: 50 feet

Sunlight: 0 ()

Hardiness Zone: 3

Other Names: Hill's Oak

Description:

An attractive shade tree with a pyramidal-oval habit of growth, pointy leaves and excellent rich red fall color, fast growing for an oak; grows best in loose, slightly acidic soils, but more tolerant of alkaline soils than its popular relative the pin oak

Ornamental Features:

Northern Pin Oak has dark green foliage which emerges brick red in spring. The spiny lobed leaves turn an outstanding brick red in the fall. Neither the flowers nor the fruit are ornamentally significant, but the fruit can be messy in the landscape. The furrowed gray bark and silver branches add an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes:

Northern Pin Oak is a deciduous tree with a shapely oval form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition .

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting squirrels to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration ;

-Messy

Northern Pin Oak is recommended for the following landscape applications;

-Shade

Plant Characteristics:

Quercus el/ipsoidalis Photo courlesy of NetPS Plant Finder

Quercus ellipsoidalis in fall Photo courlesy of NetPS Plant Finder

Northern Pin Oak will grow to be about 50 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 50 feet. It has a high <?anopy with a typical cl~arance of 6 feet fro~ the grou.~d. and should not be pla~ted underneath power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live to a ripe old age of 100 years or more; think of this as a heritage tree for future generations!

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the leaves in alkaline soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution.

This species is native to parts of North America.