Repost:Urban tree question/mulch volcanos

**D*@aol.com**

Hi, all,

This is a request for info on urban tree ordinances, but first, on mulching 
trees, we find it helps to teach people to think 'donut' or 'bagel' when they 
mulch a tree or shrub, not 'volcano'. Leaving at least the trunk diameter 
bare around the base is also an easy thing to teach. We too have mulch 
volcano problems here, along with the usual peat moss addiction. Our locally 
produced commercial mulch of choice is fallen pine needles (aka, 'pine 
straw'). Low pH, but hey, no weed seeds. Fallen oak/maple/whathaveyou leaves 
and tree service grinds (some loads, anyway) are also good cost free mulches 
here, as are ground up shipping pallets (mostly oak), which our county sells 
for $7/cubic yard. Ground and composted pine fines from tree plantations in 
our region make a suitable replacement for peat moss, too (though I'm not 
pushing tree plantations, clear cutting, all that). Anyway -

Charlotte, North Carolina, is rewriting its tree ordinance. Do any of you 
live in cities, counties or communities with a strong tree ordinance that 
works (ie. developers actually follow it, the whole community supports it, 
etc)? Do any tree programs 'dovetail' with community gardens, open space or 
green space programs? Are community gardens involved in urban and suburban 
tree and habitat stewardship, anything from native tree and plant nurseries 
to demonstration areas at garden sites? Thanks in advance for your examples. 
Oh, one specific: Today at the 'stakeholder' meeting discussing this issue, 
someone declared flatly that saving trees hurts efforts to create low income 
and affordable housing, and the two cannot possibly co-exist. I really need 
counterexamples - or is this guy right?

Don Boekelheide
Charlotte NC

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