Seasonal maintenance team tackling tree projects large and small!

June 2012 marks the beginning of the second year of the TreeKeepers program (formerly the Seasonal Tree Maintenance Associate Program).  With this new year comes exciting new changes in management, staff and methodology. The goal for the TreeKeepers program for 2012 is to continue lengthening the list of parks that are managed and maintained by the program.  What remains consistent throughout the past couple of years is the commitment to furthering the quality of life for local neighborhoods through the management and inventory of neighborhood civic spaces.

A new component of the TreeKeepers program this year will be completing a inventory of follow-up work for city arborists which include, removal of dead trees, removal of poison ivy, spraying of invasive weeds, reporting larger pruning projects and identifying locations for new tree plantings with parks.

Additionally, TreeKeepers would like to develop partnerships with local groups whom are interested in the beautification projects and proper maintenance of their beloved park. Here’s a testimonial from one of these happy neighbors: “Friends of Kemble Park . . . would like to Thank the [TreeKeepers] for a magnificent job of revitalizing our park. Words are inadequate to describe the overwhelming appearance that Kemble Park took as a result of the in-depth pruning of trees and clearing of old logs removed from the interior and exterior of the park.”

Please contact TreePhilly if you are interested in being a TreeKeeper for the 2013 season.

2011 TreeKeeper Eric prunes a sweetgum tree in Fotterall Square.

The 2011 TreeKeepers crew relaxes after taking care of the trees in Nicetown Park.

2011 TreeKeeper Lamont shows off how good a well-mulched tree pit can look.

2011 TreeKeeper Diego prunes a Redbud at Papa Playground.

Praise for TreeKeepers

“I am contacting you on behalf of the entire board of the Friends of Marconi Plaza. We just wanted to let you know that we are really thrilled at the results of the groups work- not only are the trees healthier but when they are clearly pruned and mulched it seems to keep the vandals at bay- which otherwise is a problem that plagues us . . . I just wanted to say thanks, and we hope budgets allow this program to continue!
Best,
Friends of Marconi Plaza”

“Thank you so much for the tree work you recently did at Starr Garden! The park looks amazing! As one of the founders of Starr Garden Neighbors, I can attest that we are committed to constantly improving our neighborhood gem, Philadelphia’s oldest playground. The work you did with the trees, and the training you gave us, is largely appreciated and will only inspire us to further beautify our park! Thank you again!”

“I wanted to take a moment and tell you how much I appreciate the recent tree trimming in Starr Garden. I’ve been working with a group of dedicated moms to revitalize the park and this made a humungous difference. I spoke to guy named Gabriel, who seemed great and was able to have a longer talk with Sam. I loved seeing and hearing how dedicated he is to his work and the parks of philadelphia. I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to chat with him. Thank you so much for making this service available to our community and others.”

“I wanted to email you on behalf of Starr Garden Neighbors for the recent tree pruning at Starr Garden. As I’ve relayed to Andrew and Sam, this makes such a huge improvement in the appearance and safety of our park! While I am a big fan of Starr Garden Playground and the proximity to our park, I couldn’t help but notice this work being carried out at Palumbo Playground and others around the city. It makes such a dramatic appearance in the overall look and health of the park, and I am sure others would agree. It looks so great and feels so much lighter to be inside the park. Keep up the good work and I can’t tell you how appreciative I am of this especially at our park, as it’s increased the visibility all around the park deterring sketchy behavior and welcoming more families to come to our park! . . . While I have a noticed that many new trees are being planted around our city, I am glad to know there is some attention given to existing trees that have been planted and are beautiful. Our gardening group at Starr Garden would be in great favor for more educational programs that review tree trimming and care going forward!

THANK YOU again!!!!
Starr Garden Neighbors”

“I wanted to send you a quick email thanking you for the tree trimming at Starr Garden. The place is looking great with some help from local volunteers but we needed your effort to handle some big improvements. Please keep up with good work. I also say that you did some similar work at Palumbo – again thanks.

Regards -
Neighbor of Starr Garden and Mother of 4 year old who uses both play spaces a lot!”