From one of our tree recipients:
“I received some trees from one of FLOW’s nurseries a couple years ago. I love the trees I planted, and even better was getting to give a few of them to neighbors. The FLOW nursery inspired me to try growing some saplings of my own, and now I have a very small native tree nursery in my backyard. I get a lot of satisfaction from giving away the few trees I am able to grow so they can be planted here in Delaware. I wish I had space to grow more trees! “
From one of our tree recipients:
“I received some trees from one of FLOW’s nurseries a couple years ago. I love the trees I planted, and even better was getting to give a few of them to neighbors. The FLOW nursery inspired me to try growing some saplings of my own, and now I have a very small native tree nursery in my backyard. I get a lot of satisfaction from giving away the few trees I am able to grow so they can be planted here in Delaware. I wish I had space to grow more trees! “
FLOW TREE GIVEAWAY
Trees from our nursery will be available next fall to anyone living in the Olentangy watershed. Check this map if you aren’t sure if you live in the watershed: Olentangy Watershed Locator Map
Species options: Choosing and caring for your new tree
At FLOW, we have a mission to increase the tree canopy across the watershed. We want to promote tree equity and provide the community the resources to do so. The tree canopy within the watershed has ample room for improvement, with areas having a tree canopy percentage as low as 7%. Below is a map detailing the tree canopy within Franklin County. The orange areas represent sectors with poor tree canopy, while the green sectors have higher canopy levels; however there is always room for improvement. Trees offer numerous critical ecosystem services such as improving air quality, water quality, climate resilience, and ecosystem health. The tree equity initiative is crucial because tree cover maps often align with redlined or lower-income communities. Thus, we aim to ensure that all areas of the watershed experience equal tree cover so that all citizens can benefit from the many advantages they offer.
Tree canopy within Franklin County
In addition to promoting tree equity, increasing the tree canopy would positively impact the natural environment. Adding native species to the landscape and promoting plant diversity are crucial to building sustainable ecosystems. In recent years, trees have been completely cleared out or replaced by non-native species. These non-native plants can be extremely detrimental to native species and disrupt natural habitats. Native plants have many benefits, including promoting biodiversity, conserving water, preserving natural heritage, and providing food and shelter for wildlife. Additionally, native plants are often easier to maintain and more resistant to environmental risks.
Invasive Bradford Pear
Bradford/Callery Pear Trees are an invasive non-native species that has caused major damage to Ohio’s habitats. The tree is problematic for many reasons, including poor, unstable trunks that can lead to damage, rapid growth, destruction of native ecosystems and plants, and disease resistance. Additionally, many residents find the trees to be irritating due to their bad odor, messy flowers, and sharp thorns. Bradford trees are now illegal to sell, plant, or grow in Ohio. We want to assist Ohioans in replacing these trees with native species that will support the environment and will ensure longevity.
Worthington Tree Nursery
To learn more about native species, tree equity, our nurseries, or how to get involved please reference the information below. We are so grateful for our community and want to help better the environment tree by tree! Thank you for your help and any questions can be directed to info@olentangywatershed.org
Resources:
Species options: Choosing Your New Tree: FLOW
About Tree Equity: https://www.treeequityscore.org/about
Franklin County Tree Equity Map: https://www.treeequityscore.org/analyzer/franklin
Native Species Information: https://bpb-us-w2.wpmucdn.com/u.osu.edu/dist/0/90535/files/2024/04/Living-Landscapes-combo-poster-RZ-2024-0228-6d20d2e6e0186b23.pdf
Protection Native Species in Ohio: https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/ohio/stories-in-ohio/native-plants/
Invasive Removals: https://ohioriverfdn.org/news/how-to-control-invasive-species-on-your-property/
Invasive Information: https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/ohio/stories-in-ohio/invasive-species/
Bradford/Callery Pear Tree Ban Information: https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/news/Planting-Callery-Pear
Tree Removal Recommendations:
- Arbor Inc: 614-876-5622
- Ascher Tree Service: 614-286-4517
- Wright’s Tree Service: 614- 237-7901
- Russell Tree Experts: 614- 895-7000
- Davey Tree Service: 614- 300-1480