75 new trees coming to Klutho Park

[St. Auggie]

A lot of the really tall Washingtonian Palms in the city were killed by the severe winters of the late 70s.

Are the Washintonian palms more susceptible to cold? or was that just the result?

[reednavy]

Are the Washintonian palms more susceptible to cold? or was that just the result?

They're hardy to the mid-low 20's, and this past winter was the coldest since 78-79, when a lot of those palms suffered damage. Any of those that survived that and Jan. 21, 1985, coldest ever for much of the South, will have trunk constrictions marking the event.

Overall though, they're hardy for our region as we are mainly zone 9A, but you of course have microclimates of 8B/8A and 9B just in the city of Jax alone. 

Many palm are able to withstand temps lower than they're suggested hardiness for only brief periods. It is when the daytime highs don't recover enough or if the cold spell lasts a while, like this past winter.

[Dog Walker]

Why aren't they using our native palms instead of Washingtonian?

[Miss Fixit]

Stephen,
Thank you for your interest in our Trees for Tracks Jacksonville tree planting date.

We look forward to planting trees in historic Springfield on June 3 from 1-3pm in Klutho Park.

We will be planting:

13 live oak
11 holly
20 cypress
5 little gem magnolia
20 multi stem crepe myrtle
6 single stem crepe myrtle

Thank you.

CSX is donating the trees listed above - no palms at all.

[Captain Zissou]

Cypress trees! +1!
Live Oak! +1!

Crepe Myrtles....-1

[Miss Fixit]

The crepe myrtles are looking pretty good right now so it's hard for me to be a hater - I agree cypress are an excellent choice for this location.

[finehoe]

Yay cypress trees!!  They need to be planted more.

[KuroiKetsunoHana]

^completely, totally, indubitably, and without question--you are correct.

[Dog Walker]

When cypress trees are planted in the right conditions, mostly damp soil, they grow faster than slash pines.  Handsome form too.

[Miss Fixit]

I participated in the CSX tree planting project today - it was a great event with lots of volunteers. 

75 large live oaks, magnolias, hollies, crepe myrtles and cypress were planted, fertilized, mulched and watered.  CSX contract with the company providing the trees includes maintenance for the next year, along with a guarantee that all the trees will survive or be replaced.

The transformation of the park along boulevard between the old public health building and 3rd street was amazing - instant gratification! 

Springfield was very fortunate to be the beneficiary of this project.

And the cypress - which were planted in the muckier part of the park close to Hogan's Creek - should do well.

[peestandingup]

has anyone ever tried this?

http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to-kill-fire-ant-beds-naturally-171304/

That may work with individual beds, but it would take FOREVER to do this at the park since they're scattered all over.

I honestly think the park should close for a couple days while some exterminating team comes in & just totally destroys then treats every ant mound in site.

I wouldnt feel comfortable letting my kid play here the way it currently is.

[Springfield Chicken]

It was a hot day and my body was grateful for a cold shower afterward but you can accomplish a lot with a bunch of determined sweaty people.

[JeffreyS]

Post any pics if you have them.

[Ethylene]

I think I'll pass by on my way home.

[nvrenuf]

Story and pics.

http://myspringfield.org/people-and-places/4-general/50-100-new-trees-in-klutho-park/?time=1275661716