Clark Christenson, City Forester for the City of Duluth, is keeping an eye on the trees and how our area is ecologically going through changes. A big part of this is introducing new trees to the area that are likely to survive brutal Northland winters while also being suitable for potentially warmer years ahead.
The process for figuring out what tree will work best in Duluth requires both research and experimentation. "We've had successes, we've had some failures, but more successes in transplanting some unusual stock for the area," says Christenson.
One of the successes is Yellowwood, a species commonly found in Kentucky and Virginia. "I actually just drove by one the other day on East 10th Street, and it's doing wonderful," says Christenson. "I planted one in my backyard - that's how much I believe in Yellowwood." Yellow Buckeye is up next for consideration.
Comparisons between Duluth and other municipalities is another way to research what trees might work well in the area, but there are Duluth-specifics that add variables. Christenson has found that some trees will do just fine by the lake but are less prone to thrive further up the hill.
More information about the City's work with urban forestry, visit the Duluth Parks & Recreation website.
You can hear Green Visions at 8:20am every Wednesday on Northland Morning.
