Princetons Shade Tree Commission Unveils New Database for Street Trees

What would Princeton be without its trees? The blossoming pear trees on Witherspoon Street signal spring for many residents. Street trees provide shelter and shade that can save homeowners on air-conditioning and heating costs.

According to Princetons Shade Tree Commission (STC), the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that the net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to 10 room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day. And if that were not enough, trees bring birdsong, give off oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide and pollutants, reduce storm runoff and the possibility of flooding.

The job of protecting and managing the towns trees is overseen by the volunteers of the STC, working closely with municipal arborist Greg ONeil.

The seven-member commission (with two alternates), appointed by the mayor and assisted by one municipal employee, has just announced the completion of an inventory of Princetons street trees. The inventory database, which can be consulted on the STCs still-under-construction website (www.pbshadetree.org) will serve as a tool for Mr. ONeil and inform decisions about tree maintenance, removal, and new plantings. It is also open to residents curious about the trees on the streets where they live.

Anyone who has wondered what type of tree that magnificent specimen across the street is can go to the Shade Tree website and learn not only what species it is, but also its name, caliper, and estimated annual benefit, said STC member Janet Stern. Accompanying every tree is a Google map showing the site where the tree is located and an image of the tree.

In addition to the location of each tree within the public right-of-way, the database provides size, condition, hazard rating, and maintenance needs. As yet, the database is confined to the street trees and does not include municipal parks and open space, trees on private property, or on state or county roads.

According to STC Chair Sharon Ainsworth, Princeton has a total of 18,558 street trees and at least 179 different species. The top ten species are in order of percentage: Ash (white & green) 10.97, Red Maple 9.6, White Pine 5.11, Pin Oak 4.43, Norway Maple 4.4, London Plane 4.15, Sugar Maple 4.11, Tulip Poplar 3.32, Norway Spruce 3.24, and Eastern Hemlock 3.19.

Diversity of species is important, said Ms. Ainsworth, because too heavy a reliance on a single species could have significant consequences should some disease or insect problem arise. In neighboring states like Pennsylvania, the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is devastating the Ash tree population. To date the EAB hasnt been found in New Jersey but if it does cross the river, it would create significant management challenges, said the trained ornamental horticulturist who came to STC after serving with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and as political liaison for Rutgers University for a combined period of 25 years.

As Ms. Ainsworth reports, most of Princetons street trees are deciduous and, as yet, it is too early to assess the full impact of this years winter storms. Although structural damage, like broken limbs, is already apparent, damage to a trees overall health, for example from salt application to roads and sidewalks or from the severe cold, will take longer to become evident.

Besides the new database, the STC website offers advice, including the best way to mulch a tree: mulch should be spread like a donut around the tree rather than packed up like a volcano; it should never be allowed to touch the trees bark, or piled higher than 3 to 4 inches; mulch that is too deep can promote fungal and bacterial diseases and wood chips or other coarse organic material are best.

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Princetons Shade Tree Commission Unveils New Database for Street Trees