The Rotary Club of Colusa and the Colusa Parks, Recreation, and Tree Commission last week finished their Spring planting of 25 new trees.
“If you haven’t noticed, we have trees growing in Colusa – and the number is increasing,” said Commissioner Cynthia White, who addressed the City Council on April 4.
Colusa has long been known for having a lush canopy and tree-lined streets.
“It’s all part and parcel of what people say when they come to town…the trees are amazing,” White said. “Well, they didn’t get that way by themselves.”
The City of Colusa and the Rotary Club joined forces last fall to replace Colusa’s historic trees that had been removed from the city’s mow strips because they reached the end of their natural life or were lost to disease. The program also provided for some new trees to be planted in Colusa parks and at homes that have not had a shade tree in the past.
Six tree varieties were offered to homeowners at no cost by the Rotary Club, with the City of Colusa charging property owners only $25 for public works to dig the hole.
“It’s a heck of a deal,” said Commissioner Thomas Roach, who helped the Rotary Club plant three trees Thursday on 10th Street. “I would like to see more property owners consider planting a tree when we start back up in the fall.”
Residents are encouraged to visit the Parks, Recreation, and Tree Commission website at cityofcolusa.com for a master tree list and application. Forms are also available at City Hall.
Once approved, the trees will be planted in the public right-of-way adjacent to their property. The property owners will then be tasked with watering them, although they may request training, pruning, or re-staking.
“If you have blank spots where there used to be a tree, then you may want to think about getting a tree in the fall,” White said. “It will save a lot of money on your air conditioning, it will keep us being the city we want to be, and no one will ever be sorry they did it.” ■