August 14, 2023 |
Photo – Trees at Washington Park – Bigfoot99 file photo
Rawlins Parks staff is working on maintaining the city’s trees.
In a press release issued last Thursday, Rawlins officials announced that local arborist, Affordable Tree Care, will begin tree maintenance in the city’s cemetery and other green spaces. Work is expected to begin this month and finish sometime in September.
Rawlins Parks and Recreation Director Jason Sehon said his department has a set amount of money to spend on trees. Sehon said dry conditions over the past two years forced his staff to concentrate on maintaining the city’s existing trees instead of planting new ones.
Sehon said his policy is to plant two trees for every one cut down. The parks and rec director said starting in 2024, he will direct parks department staff to begin planting more trees.
Sehon said the pruning and trimming operations will ensure the city’s trees remain healthy. The parks and rec director said Affordable Tree Care will also cull any dead trees they find.
Tree maintenance isn’t the only tree-related project Rawlins is undertaking. Sehon said the Wyoming Forestry Division awarded Rawlins with a grant to perform an inventory of all the trees within the city. The parks and rec director said when completed, city staff can consult a database to know what has been done to any tree over the years.
Sehon said residents need to help maintain the city’s existing trees. The parks and rec director asked people to keep the trees in their yards alive.
Sehon said over a century ago, Rawlins had hardly any trees. Through the hard work of city staff and residents, Sehon said Rawlins is now beautiful and green.
Rawlins is part of the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program. Sehon said to be considered a Tree City USA, municipalities must set aside money each year for tree planting and maintenance. The parks and rec director also said cities must celebrate the tree planting organization.
Sehon said the city offers free mulch to help residents keep their trees healthy. The parks and rec director encouraged people to take advantage of the free protective ground covering.
Sehon said trees are an integral part of the city’s character. Through proper care and maintenance, Sehon said residents can continue to enjoy the beautiful plant life even when water is scarce.
