When the Palisades Beautiful board considered the 13 nominations they received for the tree to represent Arbor Day on April 29, they were challenged. ‘Board members found every tree nominated as a favorite to be truly worthy,’ said chairwoman Ann Fogel, who spearheaded the contest. Palisadians were asked to send in a few sentences or paragraphs describing their favorite tree’especially one growing in a park, yard or parkway and not hidden by a fence or a wall. The Board considered beauty and stature, but in the end pedigree won out. The tree selected to honor Arbor Day is a grand ginkgo biloba located at 1429 Capri, a suggestion submitted by Helene Tobias, who planted the tree more than 30 years ago. ‘It was planted as a replacement for a gas lantern at the foot of my driveway,’ Tobias said. ‘It has two main trunks that have intertwined to reach over 50 feet. Historically, ginkgos have existed for millions of years, and it gives one hope that life goes on no matter what.’ In explaining her board’s choice, Fogel said that the ginkgo biloba is a rather rare tree in our town, especially one this majestic. ‘It is glorious and healthy in its maturity, it has been lovingly cared for and trimmed throughout its life, and its unusual leaves and architecture stand our against the sky and background.’ A deciduous tree, the ginkgo’s light green fan-shaped leaves turn gold in the autumn and carpet the sidewalk, making it a beautiful choice for a street tree. The slow-growing ginkgo is considered an ancient survivor from prehistoric times and is now native only to two small areas in China. As with any beauty contest, all the trees entered could have come away with the crown, and the runner-up beauty was the blue gum eucalyptus growing in Joanne Repath’s back yard at 531 Chapala. With a tap root as deep as 60 feet, one tree may be 150 years old, Repath said. Dave Card nominated the red horsechestnut (Aesculus carnea) at the door to St. Matthew’s church on Bienveneda. Suited more to cooler climates, these trees are flourishing at this location, Card said. ‘The 8-inch cones of rosy red flowers are standing tall on the outer branches like red candles on a Christmas tree.’ Donna Stewart chose an old Monterey cypress that she shares with her neighbor at 1047 Galloway. ‘We are told that is has pretty much lived out its life, but this year it looks more beautiful than ever. I love the way it cleans my air, the way it smells after a rain, and the way it whispers when the wind blows through its strong branches.’ Mia Wigmore of Village Books loves the Jacaranda tree at 1040 Monument. ‘There is something magical about a tree with purple blossoms,’ she says. ‘My grandmother says, ‘The Jacaranda trees are in bloom and the children are home from school.” Palisades Beautiful thanked all those who submitted their favorite trees. ‘We say thank you for treasuring trees as we do,’ Fogel said. ‘May we all take further steps toward greening our town.’
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