
Sassafras albidum
Trees have many benefits. They provide shade, beauty and tranquility, cool the air, soak up greenhouse gases, emit oxygen, and help to shelter and feed birds and other wildlife. Native trees are especially important because they can support a huge number of native insects and caterpillars, which is what songbirds feed their young. Caterpillars also turn into beautiful butterflies and moths.
So if you can do only one thing for nature, plant a native tree. Or, if you live in Arlington, have one planted on your property at no cost to you through the Tree Canopy Fund.
Attend a meeting from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6, at Shirlington Library, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, to learn more about the tree canopy fund and how you can apply for a robust tree to be planted on your property next spring. The application deadline is Dec. 15, 2017.
For a list of the 11 available species followed by photos and additional descriptions of each tree, click: TCF 2018 Spring Species
Tree Stewards will help you select the right tree for the right place right at your home.
We plant many trees in Los Angeles, but almost none are native. There are not many native trees in that area, and even fewer that are good for home gardens.