City workers will plant 15 Japanese White Lilac trees this week along the south side of West Road. The trees will provide a natural barrier between the street and parking areas at the high school activity center. The trees will produce fragrant, white blossoms in the early summer and are hardy enough to withstand seasonal changes of the Midwest.
The tree variety was chosen by the Harrison Tree Board, an advisory panel appointed by the Mayor.
The Tree Board encourages the planting of trees to increase the green canopy in Harrison and encourage beautification. The Board approves all new landscape for businesses in Harrison and suggests tree varieties when asked by residents. The Board often distributes saplings for Arbor Day in April.
A presentation that was originally planned for Arbor Day 2020 will occur Oct. 27. Residents are invited to attend the presentation, featuring The Arbor Doctor, Ron Rothhaas. He will speak at 7 p.m. in the multipurpose room at the Harrison Community Center (300 George Street). He will talk about the basics of tree care, how to plant, how to prune and how to mulch a new tree. Each attendee will receive a ticket for a chance to win one of three Autumn Blaze maples. Attendance will be limited to the first 35 people due to room capacity. Masks and social distancing will be required.
Pictured: Harrison Tree Board members in 2019 planting an Autumn Blaze maple.