Somerset County, New Jersey
Somerset
County, New Jersey
Minutes-Franklin Township Shade Tree Commission-April 24th 2003 The meeting was
called to order at 7:30 pm. Also present: Eileen Cole; 98 Edward Drive, Franklin Park, is observing the meeting as part of a class assignment. Due to Ms. Cole’s presence, the public portion of the meeting was opened. Ms. Cole informed the Commission that she is attending as part of a class assignment and had no public comment but an interest in trees and nature in general. M. Orsini responded that she is welcome to attend any meeting and to help the Commission in its endeavors if she so desires. The public portion of the meeting was closed. The Arbor Day project at Dunham Lebed Park was discussed. M. Orsini received notice from several Treekeepers that they plan to attend. Al Galdi will bring all the trees, water and mulch. Mark Evans will bring a DPW truck and tools. Lunch will be at Max’s Tomato Pie. Rain will not postpone the event. M. Orsini received word that the Garden Club of Somerset Hills did not fund our application for tree planting on DeMott Lane between Dellwood and New Brunswick. He was not surprised, given that the Garden Club’s emphasis is probably more on community gardens, etc., but it was worth a try. A developer of a warehouse project on Belmont Drive agreed to donate $4,500 to the Commission for trees that cannot be planted on-site. The DeMott project would be a good place to use part of this donation and to erect a plaque for the donor. We can discuss this option and others as we plan for 2004 projects. All Dawn Redwoods planted last year for the 9/11 ceremonies are doing well. Al Galdi mentioned that a Liberty elm needs to be replaced at Elizabeth Avenue and he will do this. The agenda for the rest of the year was discussed. After Arbor Day we will begin work on development of a new Community Forestry Management Plan using the Green Communities Challenge Grant we received in collaboration with a Certified Tree Expert. In October there is Op-Cop, where we will be distributing seedlings and a handout. We can also do a small event, planting or maintenance at the tree farm for Make a Difference day in late October. Barbara Jaquett volunteered Pulte employees to help plant the remaining 200 or so National Tree Trust trees that were not planted on April 5th. She will coordinate a date and time with Al. Mark Evans brought a handout detailing the size and location of Township-owned parks and open space. M. Orsini would like to do a half-day or so tour of all Township parks, to see where trees need to or can be planted. Only a few members of the Commission need attend, and can report back to the remainder of the Commission. We will try to finalize a day at the next meeting. Jeff Baumley brought in a stump from a tree with stem-girdling roots (SGR). He explained that these result when trees are improperly planted in holes that are augured but not scuffed. Over-fertilization in the root zone can also cause roots to remain in this enriched environment and not seek nutrients elsewhere. The roots encircle the tree as if they were in a pot and choke it. They also weaken the tree and can cause a hazardous situation during high winds, snow, etc. M. Orsini remarked that he has never seen so much improper mulching of trees. We need to get digital pictures up on the website of proper vs. improper mulching to raise awareness of this problem. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm. Respectfully submitted,
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