The Washington Park Conservancy has invested in twenty two new trees added to Washington Park this year. Fifteen trees were planted in the park on June 29, in addition to the seven trees planted on Arbor Day in April.
The new trees include Sugar Maple, Red Oak, Burr Oak, White Oak, English Oak (columnar); Dawn Redwood, and Magnolia ‘Butterflies’ (yellow flowers). Seven of these trees were planted to restore the hilltop next to the skatepark/ basketball court, where a severe storm two years ago destroyed several mature trees. Others were planted near the entrance to the park at State Street and Henry Johnson Boulevard, replacing recent losses; on the roadway near Willett and Hudson; and along Magnolia and Lilac Way.
Because it is critical that they get moisture, especially when it’s hot and dry, WPC board member and former City Forester Tom Pfeiffer placed donated water “gator” bags around most of the newly planted trees. The City of Albany’s Department of General Services (DGS) is responsible for the care and maintenance of the new trees.
