To change an old Chinese proverb a little, who thought of me twenty years ago that I might enjoy the fruit of this tree today. (The original proverb is enjoy the shade of this tree today, which will also apply).

I have one little concern.

It is vital that when planting trees, it is the right tree in the right place. Having replanted over 30,000 street trees with kids since 1989, trees that were planted in too small a parkway for their eventual size … or under power lines … or on top of a water or sewage line … perfect trees, wrong places …

I think it is vital that in future tree giveaways, and admittedly I was not there, perhaps some guidelines be given to the residents which educate on this: the minimal distance from the sidewalk, not over sewage or water lines, at the very least 5 feet from fences.

Trees are such a grand investment over time. It is always so heartbreaking to see a perfectly wonderful healthy tree go down because it was simply planted in the wrong place to start with.

I make this oomment simply judging by the lovely pics of the people with their trees but also by thinking oy! that one may not be there longer than 5 years.

I hope you understand. I love what you are doing. Just a little placement education … so we can enjoy those trees for many, many years! Bee well! : )

“Sometimes our fate resembles a fruit tree in winter. Who would think that those branches would turn green again and blossom, but we hope it, we know it.” -Gooethe