Specimen Tree Planting Program

Over the next two years, 60 specimen-quality trees will be given at no cost to Newport residents who agree to plant and care for them. A tree planting clinic will be conducted this coming spring for all tree recipients.

“The trees along the streets are numerous, and arranged in a manner which is not usual in American cities. They rather generally overhang the street from the front or side yards of the houses. A large part of the quality of the more agreeable Newport streets, both in the poorer quarters and in the more fashionable, depends upon the very irregular disposition of the trees, and their variation in kind and size, giving a delightful play of light and shade. The fact that these trees are so frequently to be found growing in the side yards of houses indicates a…fact of considerable importance, namely, that there are generally side yards in which the trees can grow.” – Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., Proposed Improvements for Newport, 1913

By its very nature, an urban forest is manmade and thus must be purposefully maintained and regenerated. An unusually high percentage of Newport’s most exceptional trees were planted well over a century ago and are now in natural decline. For evidence of this, look no further than the majestic European beeches that shade Bellevue Avenue. These behemoths, along with many more of Newport’s most spectacular specimen trees, are largely of the same generation and are now in serious decline. The loss of these trees will take an immense toll on Newport’s wonderful cityscape.

In recent years, public tree planting initiatives have taken us in the right direction. However, most of Newport’s specimen trees are situated on private landscapes. These privately planted trees are often visually accessible for all to appreciate and treasure, a fortunate situation referred to as a “borrowed landscape.”

Unfortunately, following the loss of private specimen trees, replacements are rarely planted. When trees are planted, the species utilized reflect what is available at box stores or most widely available at garden centers. These trees, including Crimson King Norway Maple, Bradford Pear and Honey Locust, are not in character with the collection of trees that constitute Newport’s Arboretum.

The City of Newport plants trees up to 20’ onto private property through its Bare Root Tree Planting Program — but this program can only plant trees on a fraction of land area that will require replanting to maintain Newport’s unique character. Newport citizens are in need of support in making wise choices when choosing and planting specimen trees for the next generation. The Newport Arboretum’s Specimen Tree Planting Program will fill an existing gap in Newport’s urban forest management program, and will act as a model for other cities and towns.

Funded by a grant from the Helen Walker Raleigh Tree Care Trust Fund.