Bringing New Life to Golden Gate Park
Introduction
Golden Gate Park, an iconic landmark in San Francisco, is known for its lush landscapes, diverse flora, and vibrant ecosystem. Maintaining such a vast and dynamic park requires ongoing efforts and expert care. Arborist Now, a local tree care company, has played a crucial role in rejuvenating and maintaining the beauty of Golden Gate Park.
Who would have thought arboriculture and disc golf would be so intertwined? While arborists are concerned about maintaining tree safety and health, disc golf players are concerned about the impact trees will have as permanent fixtures on their courses. This intersection of interests is what has brought Arborist Now and the San Francisco Disc Golf Club (SFDGC) together for a tree planting collaboration in Golden Gate Park.
The San Francisco Disc Golf Club course is located in Golden Gate Park, but space was not simply handed over to them. After years of proposals and negotiations with the parks committee, the club was able to secure a space in 2007, where they designed a beautiful 18-hole disc golf course. One condition of this land acquisition was that the club had full responsibility for the maintenance of their new space, including all of the trees. Where did all those trees come from, anyway?
Arborist Now Prepares the Planting Site at Golden Gate Park
Park History
Golden Gate Park became rich in diverse plants and trees because of a man named John McLaren. In 1871, he had the idea to plant grasses and trees to stabilize the sand dunes that once inhabited the site. By 1879, with great success, he had planted more than 100,000 trees in an area of more than 1,000 acres. McLaren introduced a variety of species such as blue gum eucalyptus, Monterey cypress, and Monterey pine that, to this day, make up the main components of the disc golf course. Looking to replace some recently removed trees, the SFDGC reached out to Arborist Now to continue the project McLaren started and plant three new trees within their course.
Tree Planting in Progress by Arborist Now at Golden Gate Park
Arborist Now's Involvement
Initial Assessment and Planning
Arborist Now began work in Golden Gate Park with a comprehensive assessment of the existing trees and vegetation. This initial step involved evaluating the health of each tree, identifying any signs of disease or stress, and determining the specific needs of the park's diverse plant life. We worked together with the SFDGC to ensure they chose the appropriate species of trees and favorable locations to plant them. One concern for the club was to plant a bushy species as a screen to block stray discs from going off course and interfering with pedestrians on a nearby sidewalk. For this location, we chose a species of Leptospermum.
The other two trees chosen were an atlas cedar and a deodar cedar, both of which will tolerate the sandy soil well and provide a beautiful fixture for the course. Furthermore, because discs often unintentionally hit trees as people hurl them down course toward their target, the thick bark of the Cedrus will fare well against this barrage.
Long-Term Care Plan
Planting a tree is no simple task. The location, size of the hole, amendment of the soil, and watering of the newly planted tree are of utmost importance. Furthermore, the condition of the roots and crown must be thoroughly inspected, and any imperfections that may affect the subsequent growth of the tree need to be addressed. Luckily, the professional team at Arborist Now knows how to plant a tree to ensure it will thrive even in urban environments.
Based on the assessment, Arborist Now developed a customized tree care plan tailored to the unique needs of Golden Gate Park. This plan included:
- Pruning and Trimming: Regular pruning to remove dead or diseased branches, promote healthy growth, and maintain the desired shape and structure of the trees.
- Disease and Pest Management: Implementing strategies to prevent and control tree diseases and pest infestations, ensuring the trees remain healthy and vibrant.
- Soil Health Improvement: Enhancing soil quality through aeration, mulching, and the application of organic fertilizers to support root growth and overall tree health.
- Water Management: Installing efficient irrigation systems and employing water conservation techniques to ensure trees receive adequate hydration without wasting resources.
Conclusion
Arborist Now Providing Tree Services at Golden Gate Park
At Arborist Now, we always work very closely with our customers to ensure that the project is done properly, that the customer understands the process behind the work we are doing, and that the final product matches the customer’s vision. It is a mutual goal between Arborist Now and our customers that we ensure that any tree we plant or prune provides endless beauty for its entire life. We love to help educate our customers so they can take care of their investment and make sure it thrives!
Our dedication to bringing new life to Golden Gate Park exemplifies our expertise and commitment to tree care and environmental conservation. Our comprehensive approach, sustainable practices, and community engagement have made a significant positive impact on this iconic urban park. As a leading tree care company in the San Francisco Bay area, Arborist Now continues to set the standard for excellence in arboriculture, ensuring that Golden Gate Park remains a vibrant and beautiful haven for generations to come.
If you want your trees to receive the same level of attention and care as these vital urban trees, contact Arborist Now for a consultation!
Originally published on May 11, 2018.
