City Trees is a premier publication focused on urban + community forestry. In each issue, you’ll learn how to best manage the trees in your community and more!
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/232632
We Parrotia fall foliage • Photo by Steve Cothrel planted 'Vanessa' parrotia as a street tree in 4 x 8 feet (app. 1.2 x 2.4 m) cut-outs using tree grates during December of 2011 (we can plant trees all winter long due to our mild climate here in Renton, Washington). Other than some poor stock we received from a nursery (which they replaced immediately for free), we have had 100% survival to date. They received some supplemental watering between June and September (our driest season) at the rate of once per two weeks and they showed little or no stress. We also planted one at a different site that unlike the others, did not receive supplemental watering, and even this tree has survived nicely. 'Vanessa' is an upright, columnar growing tree that fits nicely in our downtown area with zero building setbacks and along the curb-line. I plan on using more parrotia in the future based upon this trial planting and appreciate their tolerance for dry, hot urban conditions. —Terry Flatley, Certified Arborist - Municipal Specialist, Urban Forestry and Natural Resources Manager, Renton Washington www.urban-forestry.com Some of the first trees planted during the kickoff of TreeVitalize Pittsburgh in April of 2008 were parrotia. The 2-inch (51-mm) caliper trees were 8-9 feet (2.4-2.7 m) tall and planted in 3 x 10 feet (.9 x 3 m) tree pits. As of November 2013, those trees are now 5-inch (127-mm) caliper (4-inch/102-mm DBH) and 17 feet (5.2 m) tall. Residents love the beautiful fall color and were very concerned about the tree's health when the bark began to peel. After we explained how the bark will continue to exfoliate and change colors, they are now excited for the bark to mature. One tree was defoliated in late summer by a gas leak and recovered very well the next year. We've observed that parrotia seems to have a low to moderate salt tolerance. Prune only in full leaf, as pruning in fall/winter has caused extensive bleeding followed by mold, much worse than we have seen on any maple. Parrotia stands up very well to vandalism as the wood is strong and doesn't break or tear easily. —Matthew Erb, Director of Urban Forestry, Tree Pittsburgh 9