On Saturday, and perhaps Sunday, volunteers will try to give away 2,000 trees to Galveston property owners. The trees are free. The idea is to help people recover from Hurricane Ike.
As we’ve said before, trees are important. One of the remarkable accomplishments of the people of Galveston after the 1900 Storm was creating an urban forest. Who will ever forget the oaks that used to overhang the streets on the East End?
The 1900 Storm bulldozed large areas to smooth sand. It’s difficult to grasp that most of all those trees islanders used to enjoy were planted by people who wanted to do something good for the island after that storm.
On Saturday, trees suited to Galveston’s climate and soils will be given away.
Here are the rules:
• The trees will be given away, first-come, first-served, until they’re gone. Trees will be given away Sunday if any are left.
• The limit is two trees per address.
• You’ll need identification and a utility bill to prove you’re a Galveston resident.
• You’ll have to sign an agreement to plant the tree on private property in Galveston and to care for it.
The trees, which come in 5-gallon buckets, were donated by the Tree Folk of Austin, the Apache Foundation and Randalls Food Markets. The donors deserve public thanks.
Members of the Galveston Tree Committee and the Galveston Island Tree Conservancy will help load trees into your vehicles. They’ll also be available to offer advice. The volunteers also deserve public thanks — and some help. More volunteers are needed. If you can help, call David Schuler at 409-599-7578.
There are some questions to consider.
The first is whether the tree-loving islanders of today can accomplish what their predecessors did.
If the answer to that one is yes, consider the size of tree that would fit your yard. Larger species include live oak, Mexican white oak, Mexican sycamore and sweet gum. Smaller species include mountain laurel, Mexican plum, loblolly pine and fruited pear.
Wouldn’t a couple of those look good in your yard?
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Information
WHAT: Trees for Galveston
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and, if any trees remain, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: City Hall, 823 Rosenberg
REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must show an ID and a utility bill with a Galveston address.
