Trees coming soon to a median near you
The Mauna Loa median will soon be offering more shade from some very sensibly chosen trees, thanks to some hard work by LSCG members along with the dedicated expertise of county liason Debbie Marks and county forester Dimetra McBride.
At the August Lake Sarasota Community Group meeting, those attending voted in favor of installing two species of low-maintenance trees to adorn the central boulevard: One will be an evergreen, podocarpus nagi. The other will be a deciduous but water friendly cypress cultivar.
Several factors had to be taken into account in choosing suitable trees: resistance to old and new bugs and pathogens (including the brand new and 100% lethal Texas Phoenix that blights palms), ability to deal with standing water, suitable shape to not interfere with power lines, color and general survivability.
The Podocarpus Nagi is a hardy evergreen:
The cypress clone will offer varied colors through the seasons, and is bred to resist the usual ills:
Both trees, being native species, will require less maintenance than other possible choices, said McBride.
The trees currently in the median will mostly be removed, with the wood possibly going for use in a county park. Four pineapple palms near the front entrance will remain, thanks to the vociferous plea of several LSCG members.
See more trees and learn more about Sarasota forestry at the County's Forestry web page.
In other action, the attending members voted to incorporate as a group, solely with the view of being able to have a bank account and independent mailbox (the current PO Box is not in working order at the moment). In asking for the vote, members made clear that incorporation will not mean any change in the nature of the organization, which is voluntary, without dues or bylaws, and solely operated by the goodwill and contributions of Lake Sarasota residents. Speaking of contributions, the treasury of the group currently has $254.76.
At the August Lake Sarasota Community Group meeting, those attending voted in favor of installing two species of low-maintenance trees to adorn the central boulevard: One will be an evergreen, podocarpus nagi. The other will be a deciduous but water friendly cypress cultivar.
Several factors had to be taken into account in choosing suitable trees: resistance to old and new bugs and pathogens (including the brand new and 100% lethal Texas Phoenix that blights palms), ability to deal with standing water, suitable shape to not interfere with power lines, color and general survivability.
The Podocarpus Nagi is a hardy evergreen:
The cypress clone will offer varied colors through the seasons, and is bred to resist the usual ills:
Both trees, being native species, will require less maintenance than other possible choices, said McBride.
The trees currently in the median will mostly be removed, with the wood possibly going for use in a county park. Four pineapple palms near the front entrance will remain, thanks to the vociferous plea of several LSCG members.
See more trees and learn more about Sarasota forestry at the County's Forestry web page.
In other action, the attending members voted to incorporate as a group, solely with the view of being able to have a bank account and independent mailbox (the current PO Box is not in working order at the moment). In asking for the vote, members made clear that incorporation will not mean any change in the nature of the organization, which is voluntary, without dues or bylaws, and solely operated by the goodwill and contributions of Lake Sarasota residents. Speaking of contributions, the treasury of the group currently has $254.76.
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