Sycamore tree program a success

By EJ FROMER

Sycamore may soon be a little greener.

Sycamore’s tree program stopped accepting applications Tuesday and now moves toward the planting of the trees.

The city offered a program where village residents were able to purchase trees of their choice and have them planted by the city for a reduced price.

“I think it’s a nice program and as long as the public participates the city will keep doing it,” said Sycamore Assistant Engineer John Laskowski.

This year the program was used by 52 village residents, 10 more than in 2007, said Bobbie Lundberg, Sycamore Deputy City Clerk.

Residents had several trees to choose from, ranging in price from $90 to $165. The most popular choice was the Chanticleer Callery Pear tree, Lundberg said.

The pear tree can grow as tall as 40 feet, which is usually reached at about 30 years of age, and will have many white flowers when in bloom, according to the City of Sycamore Tree Program Guidelines.

All trees from the program are planted with a one year guarantee, said John Brady, consultant to the Village of Sycamore from Municipal Engineering Corporation.

After trees are planted, it is suggested that they be watered every 10 days until the ground freezes. After the ground warms the same watering schedule should be followed, Brady said.