EXTRA, EXTRA/And the urban tree of the year is…
The Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) has been selected as the 2006 Urban Tree of the Year by the Watkinsville, Ga.-based Society of Municipal Arborists (SMA). The well-balanced, strongly branched, hardy tree transplants easily, grows well in alkaline soils, and displays yellow leaves in the fall, according to Cornell Urban Horticulture Institute Director Nina Bassuk. The trees need adequate space to grow as they can mature at 50 to 60 feet tall and 40 to 50 feet wide. SMA members select trees for the annual award based on their abilities to adapt to a variety of harsh urban conditions and their strong ornamental traits. Previous winners include “Chanticleer” flowering pear, “Autumn Blaze” red maple and bur oak. For more information, visit www.urban-forestry.com.