From the Morristown Shade Tree Commission:
In an effort to protect the town’s urban trees, Morristown has begun testing a new tree well refurbishment design, improving several tree wells with soil amendments and resurfacing.
The Town of Morristown and the Morristown Shade Tree Commission are currently soliciting feedback from the community on the four test wells currently installed.
The refurbished tree wells are located on South Street, west of Pine Street, at #80 – Anais, #76 – Supercuts, #74 – Smartworld, #70 – 70 South gallery.
These tree well improvements are designed to address a major cause of urban tree death: Soil compaction.
Soil compaction is the result of prolonged pedestrian traffic over the tree well and, without treatment, can starve the tree’s roots of water and minerals resulting in stress and eventually death.
The test rejuvenations include enlarging the current tree wells to improve water absorption and deepen root growth. The soil is then aerated and amended with organic matter and BioChar, a nutrient-rich soil amendment that holds carbon, adds fertility to the soil, and does not compress like regular soil.
A porous surface material called Flexi-Pave is then installed on top of the tree well. Flexi-Pave is a recycled rubber and stone material that is walkable and ADA-compliant.
This product flexes with root growth and allows water to infiltrate the soil at rates of up to 4000 inches per hour. Flexi-Pave is approved for snow-blower use and is resistant to salt and other contaminants, making it low-maintenance and long-lasting.
The project is designed to promote healthier and longer-living trees, reducing the need for replacement and improving the quality of life for our residents and downtown businesses.
By improving water absorption and eliminating mulch spill, streets will be cleaner and easier to navigate.
Morristown Shade Tree Commission Chair Kristin Ace said: “This project puts Morristown on the cutting edge of tree preservation, and reflects Morristown’s desire to protect the shade, clean water and clean air that our shade trees provide.”
The tree well work is part of the Business District Tree Rejuvenation Plan, a project coordinated by the Town of Morristown and the Morristown Shade Tree Commission, in coordination with the Morristown DPW and the Morristown Partnership.
The plan aims to improve the health of existing trees, remove dead trees and replant new, sustainable tree species.
Comments and suggestions regarding the form and function of the pilot tree wells can be sent here.
If you are wondering what o do with your collection of wine bottle corks, one suggestion is to grind them in your Cuisinart and add them to your soil. Perhaps Morristown’s many bars could contribute their corks to this effort in helping the tree wells on South Street.
Great idea. It will be nice to get all the dead trees around town out too