Tree Trust and Tree Care Program
The Conservancy, since its founding in 1989, is committed to the reforesting, protection and care of trees in Piedmont Park. We have overseen the planting of more than 800 new trees in the historical section Piedmont Park alone. The Conservancy also instituted the Integrated Pest Management system, IPM for disease and pest control. This system uses a combination of techniques to control pests with an emphasis on methods that are better for the environment and includes using natural predators, planting pest-resistant varieties and regular monitoring.
Additionally, the Conservancy established a separate account in 2001 to provide funds for the care of trees in Piedmont Park. Approximately $150,000 in donations have been directed to this account to-date, including generous gifts by Georgia Power Company and The Home Depot.
Park visitors will often see the Conservancy staff or representatives from organizations like Trees Atlanta watering recently planted trees in Piedmont Park. The early months after planting are critical to establishing a healthy root structure.
The City’s Bureau of Parks and the Conservancy routinely inspect the trees in the park and catalog those with dead limbs or branches that need trimming so that a healthy canopy is maintained. Trees damaged by storms are given special attention to ensure that damaged or weakened limbs don’t pose a safety hazard.
Dogwood and Oak Tree
The Conservancy is also alert to protecting trees during large festivals and events in Piedmont Park. Protective fencing will be deployed if the City Bureau of Parks or the Conservancy staff feels this is necessary to protect a tree from vehicles or equipment. Festival and event organizers that cause damage to trees in the park will be assessed for the full costs of restoration.
Most significant trees in the park have been numbered and cataloged. In fact, a Tree Tour was developed in 2001 and published by the Conservancy with funds provided by the Georgia Forestry Commission. This Tour features 15 of the park’s magnificent trees representing various species.
Future plans include the North Woods expansion and will bring new opportunities to restore the health of the tree canopy in these 53-acres, including a section that will contain a new woodlands entrance into the park through a section of the Storza Woods off Piedmont Avenue and Westminster Drive. Many trees in the North Woods have for years been covered by ivy and kudzu. There are dead trees to be removed and other restoration work for the years ahead.
Opportunities exist to donate various species of trees in a variety of park locations, naming the tree in the honor of someone or something special.
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