A Tree Grows on Marco

I very much enjoyed reading “A Tree Grows on Marco” (Marco Island Beautification Advisory Committee, March 16, page A20) along with the associated CG images. There are a couple of points worthy of mention. First, the President of ERD is Dr. Harvey Harper, not Harry Harper, and ERD was a contractor with the City, and not consultants. In addition to the quote attributed to Dr. Harper, transpiration (evaporation through tree foliage) can cool the surrounding air, which can offer additional cooling on hot, dry days. However, this can also be a disadvantage at times of drought, in that such plantings then require additional, expensive irrigation to maintain a healthy tree. Marco’s natural geology is non-ideal for trees, and consequently they can require significant soil amendment and care in our climate, even for some ‘Florida natives’. Potential participants choosing to participate in this scheme would do well to fully understand what they’re getting into, since they will remain responsible for the care and maintenance of any trees they choose to plant.

I am confused by the muddled commentary, citing the “limiting runoff of nutrient-rich water into the city’s canals.” What are the origins of the waters that require limitation? On January 9 of this year, City Council took the position that nitrogen and phosphorus from City’s reclaimed water does not degrade our canals (Press Release 2305). If one believes this Panglossian edict (personally, I do not), then how are trees offering a related benefit? Alternatively, if one does want to plant material offering such benefits, then plantings that have high nutrient demand are required, and not slow growing trees. Turning the swales into lettuce beds may not be an appealing concept, but would be highly functional in this regard.