Print
E-Mail
tool name
closeSumner sees beauty in trees
The Sumner Forestry Commission makes effort to plant a number of new trees in cemetery, parks and along local streets
Roxanne Cooke
From the rows of Golden Chain trees on Thompson Street to the old growth trees in Loyalty Park, Sumner would not be the same without its vast array of trees.
The Sumner Forestry Commission is aiming to keep it that way by encouraging a diversity of tree types, said Parks and Facilities Manager Lee Anderson.
The group recently helped plant 20 Austrian pines on the northern border of Sumner Cemetery, Anderson said. The trees act as a buffer to the train noise and offer some privacy for cemetery visitors. More trees on the southern side will be planted soon.
The commission also helped plant plum trees on Wood Avenue, trees that were historically planted in that area, he said. And Bigleaf maples planted in Rainier View Park will help create shade over the playground.
“It’ll be nice to have some shade for that play equipment,” Anderson said.
The commission’s effort stems from the Urban Forestry Strategy created in 1994, which set up standards for planting trees and created the Sumner Forestry Commission, he said. It was an endeavor to place more importance on trees.
Today, approximately 50 trees are planted in Sumner each year, Anderson said. And in 2006, the city and the commission planted 3,500 saplings along the trail on 24th Street. The group accepts requests from residents to plant “street trees” along city sidewalks.
“Every year we reinvest back into our community,” he said.
Trees have many benefits, aside from their good looks: Their shade creates a cooling effect and can keep a house cool in the summer, Anderson said. Trees also hold the soil structure intact, absorb rainwater and create a noise buffer.
And studies show they can relax drivers, too, he said.
“They have a calming effect on traffic,” Anderson said. “People really enjoy their plants here.”
William Dugger, a retired forester and member of the commission, said it’s always good to have more trees in town. He joined because he felt like giving back to the city.
“I always think trees are a benefit,” he said. “I think it adds a lot to the city to have trees alongside the street.”
Another goal for the group is to inventory all city-owned trees using a software program that can chart many different characteristics of the tree, as well as location, Anderson said. The commission already has the software but is just starting the effort.
There’s an educational piece to their mission, too, he said. Trimming weeds or mowing the lawn right up to the edge of a tree trunk causes damage and can eventually prevent trees from soaking up vital nutrients.
Unfortunately, there are several trees dying because of this, Anderson said. One of the commission’s goals is to help educate the public on how to properly care for trees.
For more than a decade, Sumner has been designated a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. Tree City USA is a program that offers assistance and direction for cities with urban forestry programs.
Sumner has also received a Tree City USA Growth Award for several years, which indicates going above and beyond the criteria for the Tree City status.
----------------------------------------------------------------
JOIN THE FORESTRY COMMISSION
The Sumner Forestry Commission meets once a month, reviews requirements for planting trees and handles some declining trees. There are currently two vacancies. For more information or to apply, call city of Sumner Parks and Facilities Manager Lee Anderson at 253-299-5631.