Share The Love; Friends of The Urban Forest
This last Valentines Day we exchanged cards, savored specialty chocolates and planted trees in our city.
“Share The Love” was the name of the Valentines Day tree planting event held by The Friends of The Urban Forest. We joined up at 9:00 in the morning with other volunteers and neighborhood residents to plant over thirty trees .
Since 1981 the non-profit Friends of The Urban Forest has overseen the planting of thousands of trees on the sidewalks of San Francisco. Friends of the Urban Forest obtains permits, removes sidewalk concrete, purchases and delivers the trees, supplies, tools and materials. Neighborhood residents select a tree from a list of trees that will do well in the climate and that is appropriate for the situation. On planting day neighbors come together to assist each other in planting the tree that they will be responsible for outside their residence or place of business.
Except for a few neighborhoods, most of San Francisco in the past had few trees on its streets. The city itself is dense with Victorian apartment building and flats, and there are few front yards and other street planting. The Friends of The Urban Forest has transformed the cityscape with thousands of trees, reducing the “heat island” effect and providing habitat for many birds. The group is committed to the belief that trees are a critical element of a livable urban environment.
Volunteer extraordinaire Charlie Starbuck, looking dapper in his green beret, gives a demonstration planting before we break into smaller groups.
I could not help but notice all of the “For Rent” signs in what is normally a very popular neighborhood. One of the residents, Marta, confirmed that all parts of the city have been hurt by the economic downturn. I was impressed looking at this group who had come together in uncertain times: an older couple, the stylish group of Japanese-American young women, gay and straight neighbors who were meeting for the first time.
Planting manager Naomi Le Beau answers our questions.
Should we use planting mix?
No, the existing soil or “backyard dirt” is best
Should we place the bushier part of the tree away from the wind?
The stronger side of the tree with the most branches, if there is one, should be placed into the direction of the wind.
With Naomi’s calm assurance and winning enthusiasm we think to ourselves “Yes, we can do this! Let’s go!”
Our group heads up the hill where Kris, a Friend of The Urban Forest volunteer, is our guide planting the trees for this street.
Kris holds a planting stick, while David, the homeowner, is engaged.
Everyone gets into the act.
An evergreen pear (Pyrus kawakamii) is the tree that has been selected for this location. Native to Asia, this tree is tolerant of poor soil and does well in coastal California. A suitable choice for this location, this tree will not become overly tall and conflict with utility wires. This tree is effective when pruned, an important consideration in a narrow sidewalk. Evergreen in winter, this tree will delight in the spring with a display of white flowers.
A curved saw is used to gently score the roots.
Now that this tree planting has begun, a number of volunteers and residents split up from this group and begin the next tree planting.
Kris uses one of the stakes which will be used later to ensure that the root ball is at the proper height with the sidewalk.
A cardboard tube is inserted and rocks are placed into it. David will water the tree for the first year into this tube, allowing water to get to the roots. The rocks filter dirt, and eventually the cardboard tube will decompose.
Donning a hard hat and climbing a ladder, a volunteer pounds the stakes for the tree with a post driver.
I am struck how when strangers join together in a common purpose, what is needed to be done is achieved naturally and instinctively without language. I cannot help but think that today we are isolated in so many ways: working inside corporate cubicles and behind locked doors watching television. When given the opportunity to join together in a task such as planting a tree, we immediately know what to do. Perhaps working together is what really makes us human.
Ta Da! Now that this tree is planted, this group will join with the other groups in the neighborhood until all the trees are in the ground. Around noon the tree plantings will be done, and the volunteers and residents will enjoy a potluck lunch. I look forward to visiting this tree in the future to see it grow and thrive. I will never forget the people who planted these trees, and in the act of planting a tree, a city becomes a community.
What a great community project! Sounds like a fun day with so many people working together, and such a good cause. I enjoyed your photos
Comment by kerri — 23. February 2009 @ 21:07
Hi Philip, what a heart warming sight, seeing diverse strangers working together for the good of all. Planting a tree, and the right tree in the right location, is a selfless act for the future. This is a terrific program, one that all cities should adopt. I had wondered what the ladders were for at the beginning of the post and now understand. That is a neat tool, used for fence post setting also. Out here in the country. We have missed you and are glad to see you return.
Frances
Comment by Frances — 23. February 2009 @ 21:23
Great idea and inspiring pictures.
Comment by Phillip (UK) — 23. February 2009 @ 21:33
hi kerri!
This was such a fun thing to do. I have admired their work for years. You can see their trees all over the city!
Philip
Comment by admin — 23. February 2009 @ 21:37
Frances!
Yay! I love getting your comments!
I agree so much with your comment here…a selfless act for the future is a beautiful way to express it.
Philip
Comment by admin — 23. February 2009 @ 21:51
Thank you so much, Philip (UK)
Best regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 23. February 2009 @ 21:51
I feel good after reading your post and looking at the pictures. Thanks!
Comment by Tatyana — 23. February 2009 @ 21:54
What a wonderful and worthy project. Your photos are all lovely, but I especially like the second photo with all those colourful stepladders.
Well done to the whole group!
Comment by Nancy Bond — 23. February 2009 @ 22:06
Hi Tatyana!
Because of the recession I decided that I needed to see something that uplifted me… this one and the next posts are about that journey. Thank you for your comment!
Philip
Comment by admin — 23. February 2009 @ 22:18
Nancy!
That is quite a compliment coming from you!
You know, occasionally you see something and you think
“that is a good picture”. When I saw the ladders I felt that.
Thanks Nancy!
Philip
Comment by admin — 23. February 2009 @ 22:21
Hey Philip! How inspiring! I’ve been meaning to hook up with the good people at FUF…I’m gonna check out the site and see when there may be another planting party soon! Thanks for sharing this with us, kudos!
Comment by Ronnie — 23. February 2009 @ 22:26
Hi Ronnie!!
Thank you for your comment!
You will have a great time. I wish I had done this before!
Philip
Comment by admin — 23. February 2009 @ 22:57
Phillip…Hello…So glad you posted this story…Not only did I get to see a great group of people come together to improve their community, but I learned about using a tube and gravel to help water a tree! Fantastic! gail
Comment by Gail — 24. February 2009 @ 00:09
Hi Gail!
Yes, the cardboard tube with rocks! This is a method I will try myself! I am so glad to hear from you, Gail.
Thank you for your fantastic comment!
Philip
Comment by admin — 24. February 2009 @ 00:39
Such a cool event for Valentines Day and any other day of the year. I want to reuse this idea for one of our Park Angel events…. http://parkangels.org You did a great job photo documenting the process.
Comment by compostinmyshoe — 24. February 2009 @ 03:37
I want one of those t-shirts! Except it would be kind of fraudulent, like wearing a footrace shirt if you didn’t actually run… Missed you and are glad you’re back. What a great thing to do, and with a group. I am hoping our little SAGBUTT crew will do something like this in the future, or maybe a garden version of a Habitat for Humanity project - renovate and help someone plant a formerly derelict space. Thanks for the inspiration! And I agree with Gail, that gravel tube with rocks is a nifty technique to try next time a tree goes in here. Did you do this in your own neighborhood? I love the photo where a gal is gazing in wonder at you guys from her car! Maybe she’ll join Ronnie in the next round of plantings.
Comment by Karen — 24. February 2009 @ 03:54
A guy after my own heart, I believe this is how life must be lived, dear Philip. Selfless community volunteers open myopic eyes. Trust me, the tree will grow and thrive as will the gardeners who planted it. ((Tree hugs)).
Comment by joey — 24. February 2009 @ 04:48
Hi Compostinmyshoe!
Thank you for sending the link to Charleston’s Park Angels. I enjoyed looking at what they do, and I see you have planting days in March!
I did want this to be mostly a photo post with the hope that people could look at it and see how easy and fun it is!
Thank you so much for your comment!
Philip
Comment by admin — 24. February 2009 @ 05:45
Karen!
I thought of you so much when we were doing this! I was so reminded of your Greenwalks.
We live in Potrero hill and this was in the Castro. We had lived in the Castro years ago in the beginning and the height of the AIDS pandemic. We walked with others at night with candles on a march down Market St. to the Civic Center. Before we moved, there was a sight that has haunted me. A very young man was sitting on the curb at the corner of Castro and Market Street. He was wearing shorts and a T-shirt and his face and body was covered by the black lesions of Kaposi Sarcoma. He was just sobbing and a friend had their arm around him. When read about the Share the love event, I was reminded of this young man and I thought this would be a way for me to do something on Valentines day for all those who had lost loved ones in this neighborhood.
I spoke with Reed with Friends of The Urban Forest and asked if I could come along and photograph for my blog. He was enthusiastic! I look forward to doing this again.
I did not see the woman before!
Wow! There she is! Thank you for pointing that out!
All my best to you and my friends at SAGBUTT!
Philip
Comment by admin — 24. February 2009 @ 06:06
Joey!
I just love your beautiful and thoughtful comments. That is so beautifully expressed.
Thank you so much Joey.
Big tree hugs!
Philip
Comment by admin — 24. February 2009 @ 06:08
Wow - what a brilliant idea!
I’m very lucky that my town (like many English towns) has lots of trees, but I can think of quite a few places that would benefit from a project like this - partly for the trees, but partly for the community involvement and interaction.
You have really inspired me with this post - thank you!
Comment by Liz Watkin — 24. February 2009 @ 11:55
What an inspiring post! It is so great to see projects like this underway.
Comment by Phillip — 24. February 2009 @ 18:52
Hi Liz!
Thank you for your comment!
Yes, both aspects ! found to be rewarding!
Philip
Comment by admin — 24. February 2009 @ 21:34
Hi Phillip!
Thanks for your comment!
Philip
Comment by admin — 24. February 2009 @ 22:36
Great to see you posting, Phillip and what a great topic to choose! Urban life gains so much from a lively green environment. We’re learning, all over the place, about the calming and mitigating health effects of trees in urban environments - and what a lively, active and robust role they can play in our everyday lives. Plus, when that Pear blooms and a bee or two visits, they move to your place and work on your cherries! (LOL, if you have any,)
Comment by Steve — 25. February 2009 @ 02:47
Hi again Philip -
I seem to need to comment twice on each of your posts, since they resonate so much with me and I spend days mulling them over. Plus you are always so gracious with your responses, I always check back to see what you said. That is such powerful story about that poor man you saw, and all the others who lost lives and loved ones, and that your tree planting was inspired by the memory of this dark period. I lived on Duboce near the Castro, but during a more hopeful time, after the discovery of combination therapy, but it’s so terrible that the advent of this was too late to help so many. Your trees will grow and change the way that SF always does, rising from the ashes and spreading glorious wings.
- Karen
Comment by Karen — 25. February 2009 @ 03:36
Hi Steve!
Your comment
“calming and mitigating health effects of trees in urban environments - and what a lively, active and robust role they can play in our everyday lives”
Is so well said. i so agree with that. Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments!
Sincerely,
Philip
Comment by admin — 25. February 2009 @ 20:27
Hi Karen!
Yay! I love getting your comments.
I thought your comment
“Your trees will grow and change the way that SF always does, rising from the ashes and spreading glorious wings” was very beautiful.
Warm regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 25. February 2009 @ 20:29
Philip,
Wonderful post with your spot on observations and comments about this great project. As a gardener, I am an optimist by definition while planting just anything, but when planting trees I feel especially optimistic….It is like making a long term investment. I always hope that the trees I plant will continue to be beneficial long after I am gone.
It is a small thing we each can do that is in reality a BIG thing.
Jon at Mississippi Garden
Comment by Jon — 25. February 2009 @ 20:47
It’s the kind of post which will stick in my brain. Many important (and moving) things in it . . . in the comments too.
A couple of practical things - the cardboard tube . . . what a good idea. Our local council puts plastic tubes near young trees, with the same purpose. They have plastic caps on and look very ugly. This idea seems much better.
But I also worry about trees close to buildings. Not just the roots (which sometimes are a problem and break the pavement) but the branches, which get hacked about when they get in the way - and, from your photos they do look very close to the buildings.
And (finally) I bet you would guess which is my favourite photo - the ladders! The others are memorable in different ways - but the picture I now have in my mind of the young man you saw while on the AIDS march is probably the strongest image of all.
Esthe Montgomery
Comment by Esther Montgomery — 25. February 2009 @ 21:06
Jon,
Thank you so much for your engaging comments. I loved it when you said
“It is a small thing we each can do that is in reality a BIG thing.”
That is so well said.
I appreciate your positive gardeners attitude!
All the best,
Philip
Comment by admin — 25. February 2009 @ 22:57
Hi Esther!
Thank you for your thoughtful comments!
Yes, Naomi does a great job assisting in the tree selection process. She explained that she looks to place trees that will work in a narrow situation. (I think I remember your neighbor Lucy mentioning some plants being badly hacked…Buddleia in the hedgerow)
Esther, the ladders! You always pick out my favorites. There is the few and far between moments when I spot something and say” That will be a good photo” The rest of the time is pretty willy nilly and luck of the draw.
I did not mention about AIDS and the young man who prompted me to do this post in the text as I did not want to confuse things. I am grateful that I was able to explain this in the comments. The memory of him is freed and at rest, which is always a wonderful reason to plant a tree!
Thanks Esther,
Philip
Comment by admin — 25. February 2009 @ 23:14
I love those pictures!!! And great desriptions too.
Comment by amber — 26. February 2009 @ 03:23
Hi Amber!
It was such a pleasure to meet the people of Friends of the Urban Forest.
thank you for comment!
Philip
Comment by admin — 27. February 2009 @ 03:03
Hey Phillip, I’ve missed you more than I can bear but if you’ve been planting tress then you are forgiven. I love the way you get wrapped in the whole story. You show the people and how they react, You show the purpose and relay that to the reader very well. And you are loads of fun. Big hugs to ya
Comment by Anna/Flowergardengirl — 27. February 2009 @ 09:43
Hi Anna, Flower garden girl!
Yay! I have been looking forward to blogging again. I am going to visit you on your blog, now!
Thank you for your wonderful comment!
Big hugs!
Philip
Comment by admin — 27. February 2009 @ 20:10
Ok, the world is back in order now–you visited and made my day
Hey..very handsome gents above!
Comment by Anna/Flowergardengirl — 27. February 2009 @ 22:16
Hi Philip,
Happy belated Valentine’s Day to you. It’s great, as usual, to read your posts. Thanks for demystifying the tree planting process and sharing some tips. I’m impressed that some of the botanically unloved parts of town are getting some greenery that should benefit both the humans and birds. Looks like everyone was extra-motivated on this day with their own supplies of Valentine’s chocolates…
Best,
James
Comment by lostlandscape — 28. February 2009 @ 19:06
Phillip,
Thanks for doing some good for the environment in SF. I enjoyed the read and the photos.
BTW that special instrument used to pull in the posts is a Post driver. I have used them for putting in a floating dock on our side of the country and for installing metal fence posts here at home.
Cheers,
Randy the Liberalhandyman.com
Comment by Randy — 3. March 2009 @ 01:45
Hi Philip,
I so enjoyed your post! The way you were able to show the process as it happened made it clearer. That is one of the wonders of photography-it’s the next best thing to being there! Internet access can’t hurt, either;) Its great that this organization is making sure SF stays earth-friendly. It would be nice if other tree-less urban areas could follow suit. Thank you for sharing this story with so many readers!
Comment by Jan(ThanksFor2Day) — 3. March 2009 @ 04:43
Hi Anna!
Philip
Comment by admin — 3. March 2009 @ 18:59
Hi James!
Yes, I know you do like specialty chocolates!
Thanks for your comment!
Philip
Comment by admin — 3. March 2009 @ 19:00
Hi Randy,
I had meant to edit that. It now reads post driver in the text.Thanks!
A floating dock sounds great!
Thank you for your reminder and your comment!
All the best,
Philip
Comment by admin — 3. March 2009 @ 19:02
Hi Jan!
I have not been on Blotanical for a bit, but I have been thinking of you and I will get over to your blog.
Thank you so much for your comment.
Best regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 3. March 2009 @ 19:03
You rock Philip
Big hugs!
Comment by Anna/Flowergardengirl — 6. March 2009 @ 07:26
BRAVO Phillip! You’re the best. What a wonderful experience and story!
Comment by Anne — 12. March 2009 @ 04:37
Brilliant blog, fab community project. Trying to encourage our local authority to plant fruit trees, feed the people! Regards F
Comment by fay — 12. March 2009 @ 23:38
Doing it together makes all the difference.
–Kate
Comment by themanicgardener — 13. March 2009 @ 01:19
Hi, Philip, what a fantastic post. It’s wonderful to see people working together like that, and doing something so worthwhile. And there was even a bit of tree-planting advice thrown in as well! Fabulous. Love, Victoria xx
Comment by Victoria — 18. March 2009 @ 10:53
Thanks for a photo-focused blog that really does make it seem fun, easy, and social! May every tree live long, thrive, and bring delight to those who walk by. The FUF-hosted Washington thorn tree in front of my old apt. has grown nicely…Happy 12th Year Tree!
Comment by Joyce — 19. March 2009 @ 23:49
Wow, Philip! This is so INSPIRING! I love this. It’s also very instructional. I didn’t know about the need to put that cardboard roll w/ rocks in a confined space like this. Makes so much sense. I wouldn’t have known not to add potting soil. (Whew!) And I didn’t know you use those bong bong bong thingies to get the stakes down. (I’ve used for fence posts.) This is incredibly encouraging for those in the City! Bravo. I will send this link around to the folks I know in SF. They will love this and maybe some of them will even get involved next year! Thanks so much! Kathryn xoxo
Comment by Kathryn/plantwhateverbringsyoujoy.com — 22. March 2009 @ 06:03
Hi Anna!
You rock!
Philip
Comment by admin — 24. March 2009 @ 23:58
hi Anne,
Thank you for your comment!
Philip
Comment by admin — 24. March 2009 @ 23:58
Hi Fay,
I appreciate your comment!
Philip
Comment by admin — 24. March 2009 @ 23:59
Hi kate,
Yes! Together people can do great things!
Philip
Comment by admin — 25. March 2009 @ 00:00
Hi Victoria,
I do so appreciate your comment. You are the best!
Philip
Comment by admin — 25. March 2009 @ 00:00
Hi Joyce,
What a lovely comment!
I can see in my mind your beautiful tree!
How wonderful!
Philip
Comment by admin — 25. March 2009 @ 00:02
Hi kathryn,
I have not posted in a month, but I will again shortly. it is such a treat for me to recieve your comments. I am thinking of you and Antonia during you time of loss. Big hugs to Ruby and Conner!
Philip
Comment by admin — 25. March 2009 @ 00:05
The only thing that makes me happier than a tree is people planting trees, especially in the city. Thanks for the thorough report on what FUF is doing. Bravo to the group. D.
Comment by Daniel Mount — 25. March 2009 @ 03:33
whole post brought a smile, but the last photo was just wonderful! good work.
Comment by wayne — 26. March 2009 @ 06:02
Hi Daniel,
I am so glad to have discovered your blog. Thank you for your comment.
Best regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 26. March 2009 @ 22:38
Hi Wayne!
Thank you so much for reading this and your comment. I have been away, lots of things going on, but I miss my Blotanical friends. I hope to be back soon posting and visiting blogs.
I appreciate your comment!
Philip
Comment by admin — 26. March 2009 @ 22:40
Hi Philp -
We miss you out here in blogland. Hope all is well and that we’ll see you soon!
- Karen
Comment by Karen — 3. April 2009 @ 01:26
Hi Philip.
I’ve mothballed Esther in the Garden and have started Esther’s Boring Garden Blog instead.
Hope all is well. Keep in touch regardless.
Esther
Comment by Esther Montgomery — 3. April 2009 @ 17:38
What a fantastic project - do you mind if I feature it in my public planting write up this week?
I can’t believe it’s so long since I last visited - I hope all is well with you.
Comment by VP — 6. April 2009 @ 10:13
Please! They are a wonderful group!
Comment by admin — 6. April 2009 @ 20:42
what a great job you are doing guys
Comment by flower — 28. May 2009 @ 17:26
Yes!!! It’s all about the heat island. I live in the Phoenix area and believe me, I know about the effects of a heat island. Studies are showing that severe heat islands (like we have) are actually pushing the moisture around us, thus leaving us with very little rain. My neighbors have desert landscaping (a lot of rock) and I try to push plants into as much space as possible. You can definitely feel the difference in temperature from their yard to mine….especially when it is 120 degrees outside.
Great job!!!!!
Michelle
Comment by Mosaic Queen — 23. June 2009 @ 17:15
Well alright then. I am uplifted, and that is final. The project itself is wonderful. Having just lost several trees on our street, I know full well that trees make such a difference in daily city life. What’s more, the way the trees brought the people together is just brilliant. I had no idea that planting would be so complex. Finally, your loving telling of the story makes it all the more compelling. Thank you all around.
Comment by crayons — 25. June 2009 @ 04:59
Not so fast, my fine friend! You are required to visit my blog and receive that award for which you have waited all these long years! Yeah, I went and did a MeMe post, about me, naturally. I also included you as my favorite ever blog, Philip, something I just wanted you to know, if nothing else. Take a look and I hope you are doing well!
Comment by Steve — 15. September 2009 @ 09:05
This is wonderful… I can only hope that our city would do something similar. I would love to know more about the organization.
Comment by Jack Tilton — 13. October 2009 @ 19:26
It is good to see people doing projects like this, it should be going on in EVERY community!
Comment by Keith — 27. October 2009 @ 20:41