SARASOTA, Fla. — Growth they say is a constant, and many people want to see it in their various communities. However, as welcome as that growth can be, it can come at the significant cost of precious resources in the environment.
That's why a city of Sarasota program to help neighbors plant more trees has rebranded and returned.
Formerly called The Mature Tree Program, the Neighborhood Canopy Program is getting positive feedback from both residents and visitors.
"It sounds wonderful. The community which I live back in New England, that's what they do and it's been extremely successful," said Princey Stotz of Greenfield, Massachusetts.
Stotz has spent several winter months in Sarasota over the years and said the trees planted today are for future generations.
"Trees is where it's at. It's so healthy, it's good for oxygen and it's good for our moods," she said.
With at least a $100 deposit, single-family homeowners can use up to $500 in city funds to buy and plant an approved mature tree like magnolia, live oak, bald cypress and seven other local species of trees.
"The more you plant, the better it is for the environment as well,"said Jim Stevens who is snowbirding in Sarasota for the first time. "We love the palm trees too. Obviously, we don't have them in Pittsburgh."
"From the aesthetic point of view, to health-wise, it lifts people's spirits and I know you can't avoid Development but you can mitigate it," Stotz said.
The program is geared toward allowing homeowners to become a part of the city's tree mitigation strategy by providing incentives to encourage more tree planting.
"We actually plant the tree, stake the tree, and provide water so that they only have to water it two or three times a week for the first 90 days until it's established," said Donald Ullom, Senior Arborist, city of Sarasota.
Arborists with the city hope this will increase walkability, reduce the heat island effect, and promote a healthier environment.
"Provide canopy and food sources for our native wildlife and our migratory bird population that comes through, reduce stormwater runoff, pollutants, and particulate matter in the city," said Ullom.
The trees will be planted between the right-of-way and the front plane of the house nearest to a sidewalk.
"You've got to start somewhere and the trees are really helpful when you're walking and I'm a walker," Stotz said.
"It would be too barren without the beauty of the trees and the shade. I think that's what makes it a neighborhood," Stevens said.
Money for the Neighborhood Canopy Program would come from fees and fines that contractors pay into the Tree Mitigation Fund. This covers any trees they remove from development sites or any ordinance violations.