A native shade tree planting campaign is underway in Montclair. The town's Environmental Commissioner, Imke Oster says time is running out for Montclair's mature trees and it's time to replenish the town's treescape

It takes about 30-40 years for shade trees to reach full maturity. The majority of Montclair's canopy of trees is reaching the end of their lifespan and are more and more prone to storm and insect damage. If residents don't replant soon (and replicate the vision that our town's residents had 100 years ago), we will see a very different town in 10-20 years.

The EC's advice: dig into your gardens, to "plant, preserve, protect." With many of Montclair's venerable tree trunks nearing their demise, we can't be sitting back and taking shade for granted.

Montclair has an abundance of trees they've classified as senior citizens - susceptible to disease and broken limbs. Oster says we can't just get by on what the town is planting - private planting is the way to preserve our shade canopy and brings an added bonus - adding 10-20% to the overall valuation of your home.

Protect indigenous trees. Native trees are an important habitat for local insect and bird species, and help foster sustainable living by providing cleaner air, reducing cooling costs and preventing water run off.

Download this Montclair Trees.pdf for native shade tree information and who can plant if for you. The price of trees range from $80 to $300, depending on variety and size. Most nurseries will deliver and plant the tree for a fee - about 50-80% of the tree price, and they guarantee the life of the tree for the first year. Some nurseries will also give a discount if you mention MEC's save the shade tree campaign.

Originally posted on Baristanet