Local Groups to Buy Trees for Boulevard

Money may not grow on trees, but it sure does pay for them.

Both the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Assn. and the Sherman Oaks Town Council have set aside funds to purchase and plant trees along the 13600 block of Ventura Boulevard.

The association will use the $4,500 raised at its first holiday dinner dance in mid-December to plant trees this spring along the boulevard between Woodman and Ventura Canyon avenues.

“It was a great event and we were able to raise a lot of money which will go right into the community,” said Richard Close, president of the association.

The Sherman Oaks Town Council obtained additional money with the help of Councilman Mike Feuer’s office through a grant from California ReLeaf, a state agency that provides funds for communities seeking to purchase and plant trees.

The grant money, combined with that of the association and a couple of private residents, will pay for the 23 trees. The trees will be planted in rows on both sides of the street in a sequence of two Chinese tallows and one Washingtonia robusta palm, said a spokeswoman for Feuer.

“It’s a case where everyone has come together to help improve the community,” said Sharon Mayer, an aide to Feuer. Mayer said the trees are part of a beautification project for the area known as the Sherman Oaks Streetscape Plan.

Although an exact date has not been set, Mayer said that when the trees are planted, the council and the association intend to make the day a community event with volunteers doing the actual planting.

The homeowners association is also exploring the possibility of having residents and businesses purchase trees and receive a plaque on or near the trees in recognition of their donations, Close said. Each tree sells for roughly $800.

“It’s a great idea that has worked in a lot of communities,” said Close.