Free replacement trees for Marion

The Marion Horizon’s Beautification Committee is taking orders until Nov. 6 for Marion residents who would like free boulevard replacement trees. Boulevard trees are trees that will be planted parallel to the city streets within the city right-of-way (33 feet from the center of the street).

“Many of our beautiful trees have been severely damaged or have already been removed due to windstorm and ice storm damage, have disease or are nearing the end of their lifespan,” said Debbie Alber, committee member. “The goal of the committee is to act now to start replacing these trees so that we will always have beautiful tree-lined boulevards in Marion.”

Trees ordered will be from 5 to 7 feet tall and will be bare root. Residents are responsible for the care and planting of the trees. Several tree species are available. A poster containing pictures and a description of each species can be seen at the Marion Community Hall Bulletin Board, Marion Café, First State Bank, or on the Marion blog at http://marion.communityblogs.us/.

The committee is also in the process of writing a two-phase grant that is due Nov. 24 for this project. Phase 1 would include planting ordered trees in ready-to-plant boulevard locations in the spring of 2011. Phase 2 would include a plan to remove damaged/dead boulevard trees in 2011 and plant replacement boulevard trees in 2012. People should notify the committee members if they have a dead/damaged boulevard tree that needs removal. This information is also needed by Nov. 6 in order to write the grant.

Trees may be limited due to nursery availability and funding at the discretion of the Beautification Committee. The Beautification Committee consists of Karen Baeth, chairman, DuWayne Bott, Vanita Rodin and Debbie, Jon and Barb Alber. They can be contacted to answer any questions. For more information or an order form, contact Debbie Alber, 701-669-2242 or dova_car@yahoo.com.

Tags: north dakota, news, marion, trees