Greenleaf : plant, preserve, protect

Montclair is inviting residents to plant native shade trees and save the tree canopy!

Imke Oster, the Environmental Commissioner leading the Greenleaf campaign says time is running out for the town's mature trees and it's time to "plant, preserve, protect."

Two generations ago, Montclair residents planted trees on private property to enhance aesthetic value and to get protection from summer heat. Many of these trees have reached peak maturity, and their lives and Montclair’s reputation as a leafy town are in danger.

Oster says public planting is not enough to replenish the treescape, so your help planting a tree today is needed. And trees continue adding 10-20% to the overall valuation of your home.

The campaign posters displayed around town announces:

Protect indigenous trees. Native trees are an important habitat for local insect and bird species, and help foster sustainable living by providing cleaner air, reducing cooling costs and preventing water run off.

For native shade tree information and who can plant if for you go to www.mtcenv.org/greenleaf. The price of trees range from $80 to $300 and most nurseries will deliver and plant the tree for a fee -about 50-80% of the tree price, and they guarantee the life of the tree for the first year. Mention MEC's save the shade tree campaign, you might get a discount from some nurseries.