Choose trees with high shade value, and trees that are native to this area, such as Maples, Hackberry, Green Ash and Sycamore. Sweetgum and Oaks have a little less shade value, but are useful native shade trees. Virginia Russell from the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service Department of Urban Forestry attended the August meeting of the Oriental Town Board to present the Tree City USA award for 6 years of planting and caring for trees. Trees are major capital assets in America's cities and towns. Just as streets sidewalks, sewers, public buildings and recreational facilities are a part of a community's infrastructure, so are publicly owned trees.
Trees are important assets that require care and maintenance the same as other public property.
Every year we lose trees, from old age, storms, new building, etc., but every year we plant more trees and keep an eye on all town trees to see that they get pruned, fertilized, mulched, and in the case of newly-planted trees, watered as needed. Grateful thanks once more to Pete Newman for continuing to supply mulch for needy plants and trees, and to Mac's Minimart for donating space for storing it. Bring your own shovels and containers. Keep mulch about 6 inches from the trunk. Leaves will soon be falling, giving a major mulch opportunity.