News

NeighborWoods program beautifies city with more trees

By Lightning Reports, Published: October 11, 2022

More than 78 trees are being added to Hendersonville’s tree canopy during October.

The trees are supplied at no charge to homeowners and communities through the city’s NeighborWoods program, which is coordinated by Hendersonville Tree Board. The NeighborWoods program aims to protect and provide tree cover, wildlife habitat, energy conservation, beautification and health benefits to the community through the planting of trees. This service is available to all Hendersonville residents.
Residents at Wolf Chase development on Chimney Rock Road recently planted 16 trees in addition to the 19 trees they planted in the spring through the NeighborWoods program.
Blue Ridge Villas, a development behind Blue Ridge Mall, has added 15 new trees planted by residents. They include serviceberry, several types of magnolia, redbuds and flowering white dogwoods that will beautify streets and common areas in the development.
The historic neighborhood of Druid Hills will replace its older, mature trees and add others to landscape the historic homes during October as well. Thirty-five trees will be delivered to Druid Hills residents this month, including various types of oaks, tulip poplar, hawthorn, four red maples and four serviceberries. Volunteers from the Earth Caring Ministry at Trinity Presbyterian Church and students in Hendersonville High School's Key Club are lined up to help with this large planting project.
Seven residents along Ninth Avenue West, an older, historically black neighborhood near Hendersonville Middle School, are looking forward to planting new, healthy trees in their front yards this month as well. This will be their second planting through NeighborWoods support.
“We are dedicated to protecting and enlarging the tree cover in our town of Hendersonville,” said Mac Brackett, chair of the Hendersonville Tree Board. “The NeighborWoods program was created to help residents replace trees and improve the environmental and economic benefits that trees provide. Funds to purchase trees come from budget allocations by the City to the Tree Board, and citizens are encouraged to donate to our Tree Fund at the Community Foundation of Henderson County. Together we can preserve our beautiful neighborhoods and quality of life.”
More than 400 trees have been planted in Hendersonville neighborhoods and historic districts, along thoroughfares and at businesses through the NeighborWoods program since 2010, including fruit, nut, and flowering trees.
The Tree Board has established the Hendersonville Tree Board Fund at the Community Foundation of Henderson County to accept donations to support and increase the tree-planting program. The Tree Board encourages residents to plant and maintain trees, shrubs, and pollinator-friendly plants for health, beauty, wildlife, and to increase our urban forest coverage. Donations can be made at https://tinyurl.com/hvltreeboardfund.
To learn more about the NeighborWoods Project and how individuals and organizations can participate, visit www.hvlnc.gov/neighborwoods-projects.