CLEARFIELD – Clearfield Borough and the Shade Tree Commission recently received notification that they were awarded the state’s Community Forest Municipal Challenge grant that it applied for in March of 2012. This grant is to encourage and assist communities to develop shade tree management programs.Â
In the process, the Clearfield Shade Tree Commission was advised by several state forestry personnel. They were Scott Sjolander, Extension Urban Forester, Rich Johnson of the state’s Bureau of Forestry and Christine Ticehurt of the state’s Community Forestry Council.Â
Sjolander suggested the European Hornbeam to be the best tree for the site. European Hornbeams are a medium shade tree that will grow to a maximum of 40 feet. They are particularly suited for planting in sidewalk cutouts.
The trees feature crisp, green summer foliage and smooth gray bark. They tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, such as alkaline soil and wind. Their fall foliage color is green-yellow. These are a durable and long-living tree.
The YMCA trees were purchased from a local nursery, the Andy Johnston Nursery of Penfield. Tim Morgan, nursery owner, said the trees survive best if they are planted the same level as in the pot and that they also need a lot of water at the bottom of the hole to winter over successfully.