Tharinger builds canopy of benefits

Cassie Tharinger is the new director of the Providence Neighborhood Planting Program, taking the reins from Cynthia Kwolek. She most recently managed the Mount Hope Farmers Market, and has been involved in many other community initiatives. PNPP plants more than 500 street trees a year throughout the city.

City trees seem like the kind of thing we all rush past and don’t pay much attention to. Why are trees needed in urban areas?

Trees provide important shade canopy in the summer (the net cooling effect of one young, healthy tree on a summer’s day is the same as running 10 room-size air conditioners for 20 hours) and can significantly reduce energy bills. City trees absorb CO2, pollutants and odors, decreasing the risk of air-quality-related diseases such as asthma. Trees help stabilize soil, prevent stormwater runoff and provide needed habitat for … urban wildlife. Studies repeatedly show that street trees planted in an urban area significantly increase property values … and foster a sense of ownership and pride in neighborhoods, businesses, parks and other civic spaces.

For applicants who receive PNPP street trees, what factors come into play when choosing what species are planted? 

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PNPP works very closely with the city forester to carefully survey each site. Whenever possible, we want to plant tall shade trees such as oaks and maples … but we have to work around overhead power lines, street signage and sightlines, sewer and water utilities, and all of the other components of the urban landscape. Overall, we want to have a diverse range of species … to promote resilience and biodiversity.

What is required of a “new tree” applicant who comes to the PNPP looking for more green on their street?

The deadline for applications for a spring planting was Jan. 15, and Aug. 15 for a fall planting. To apply, you would identify a minimum of five separate properties whose owners are interested in participating. The properties should be fairly connected or close to each other. For each property, an owner or tenant agrees to help with the planting and care of the trees in their early life. … As the tree leader for the application, you are responsible for making sure each property owner has given signed permission … and you are also responsible for recruiting residents to come out on planting day. •

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