Successful community tree planting event on Burke Gilman Trail in LFP

City Arborist Mike Woodbury educating volunteers
Photo courtesy City of Lake Forest Park

From the City of Lake Forest Park

On Saturday, February 6, 2016, more than 25 volunteers attended the second of two tree-planting events on the Burke-Gilman Trail across from the Town Center at Lake Forest Park. Volunteers planted Mountain Hemlock, Vine Maple, and Witch Hazel trees under the direction of City Arborist Mike Woodbury.

In addition to planting trees, volunteers learned about Lake Forest Park’s “right tree, right place” philosophy.

Tree planting volunteers
Photo courtesy City of Lake Forest Park

Shade-tolerant Hemlocks were planted in the shadow of mature cottonwoods, ensuring forest succession when the cottonwoods eventually die.

Witch Hazel, a smaller, deciduous variety of tree, was planted in areas of the trail that bordered buildings, in order to provide shading and privacy in the summer while allowing sunlight in the winter months.

Native Vine Maples were planted in the areas closest to McAleer Creek. These trees replaced a number of Lombardy Poplars that were removed in late 2015 after Lake Forest Park and King County arborists discovered they were at high risk of failure due to root and trunk rot.

If you missed out on this planting event, stay tuned for information on upcoming planting events in the spring and fall.