AGOURA HILLS : City Invites Residents to Sponsor a Tree

Encouraged by the collection of more than $1,000 in private donations to a city beautification program, Agoura Hills officials are moving forward with plans to plant dozens of trees along the city’s main thoroughfares.

An arborist has been hired to make recommendations about what type of tree is best suited for the climate, Public Works Director Vince Mastrosimone said Monday. Planting is expected to begin by November.

For $50, a tree will be planted with a plaque installed nearby with the donor’s name, or any name the donor wants, according to Darlene Ballman, who is on a committee that is spearheading the program.

“If you are unable to buy a street tree, you may want to make a contribution toward the purchase, planting and maintenance of one of the trees,” reads a letter from the committee to city residents.

The money collected will go toward purchasing the trees, which cost about $20 to $30 each, Mastrosimone said. There are also tree stakes to buy, as well as plant food, ties and, in some cases, root guards, which prevent roots from growing through sidewalks.

The city has lost about 50 trees in the last several years to the elements and traffic accidents, Mastrosimone said. The goal is to plant trees in 150 empty tree wells in various locations.

The first ones will probably be planted near Kanan Road and Thousand Oaks Boulevard, he said.

Pines trees, which are prone to disease, will not be planted, Mastrosimone said. It’s likely that some type of native, drought-resistant tree will be chosen.

Anyone who wants to make a donation to the tree program can send their money to TREE, c/o City of Agoura Hills, 30101 Agoura Court, Suite 102, Agoura Hills, 91301.