Gateway Tree Planting for Charlotte
by Larry Hamilton

Under the Roadside Tree Restoration Program, fall planting activity is currently occurring along some of our key town roads. The Rutter Fund Beautification Committee has been diligently extending the plantings, paying particular attention this fall to some of the entrances into our town. Those entering along the Hinesburg/Charlotte Road from the east can now see a fine row of 16 trees between the “Welcome to Charlotte” sign and J and A Auto Parts. These have been planted on lands owned by Vic and Wanda Bean and Charles (Joe) and Mark Bean.
Coming south into town on Spear Street, by the time you read this, we should have nine roadside trees planted at Trudi’s greenhouse. From the town line south on Greenbush Road, we have now filled in all the gaps in the entire row of existing trees at Jean Pecor’s horse farm. This makes a total of 31 new trees planted (14 last spring, 17 this fall) in a cost-sharing agreement with Ms. Pecor. If you should travel into Charlotte from Route 7 along East Thompson’s Point Road this fall, you will see that the committee has added an additional 18 new plantings to the initial six on the Robert Mack farm on the north side of the road.
Lake Road planting has been completed at Donovan/O’Donnell, with seven new trees. South Forty, Horsford’s and Cobble Creek Nurseries have all contributed to our effort over the past two years.
In all this planting we are following the criteria of not blocking important views from the road or from landowners’ homes (unless with their permission). We have learned that red maple is toxic to horses and had to readjust our plans. We have adopted the policy this year of mixing species in any substantial row to hedge bets of pest damage to one species. The road salt damage problem is causing us to favor certain species, and soil poor drainage is a frequent concern.
The wet summer favored growth and minimized our reliance on the tub collars that were installed, but these proved useful in our dry May. New plantings and some of last year’s trees will be given blue tree-protector tubes for reducing rodent damage over the winter.
Our other major activity, the training of volunteer “Tree Keepers” is off to a fine start with two sessions on how to identify trees, one led by Norman Pellet and one by me. These were held on the Keyes property on Upper Old Town Trail, which had a remarkable 43 different species on site. The next meeting is October 4 and will focus on proper tree and shrub planting, including mulching, watering and staking (if needed). This will be taught by Norman Pellet, assisted by Gary Pittman. It will be held at Robin and Robert Coleburn’s Golden Apple Orchard from 9 to 11 a.m. Robin has offered to lead a tour of her wonderful gardens after the session. There are 21 Tree Keepers enrolled, an enthusiastic group!
Our challenge goal for 2008 (matching per dollar by Rutter Family) has still not been met. This is the final year of the challenge, but NOT the final year of our activity. We still need donations to carry out the five-year program. Will you consider a tax-deductible gift, perhaps in honor of someone? Make checks out to Town of Charlotte, marked for Rutter Fund, and mail to Larry Hamilton, 342 Bittersweet Lane.

The Rutter Family Fund Tree Beautification Committee members are Dale Bergdahl, Robin Coleburn, Annemie Curlin, Larry Hamilton, Norman Pellett and Gary Pittman.