Casey Trees expands fruit tree operations in its tree planting programs

So far this spring, Casey Trees has planted fruit trees at over 15 school campuses and community gardens through its Community Tree Planting (CTP) program.

“We shouldn’t be taken by surprise at the interest in urban orchards,” said Jim Woodworth, Director of Tree Planting at Casey Trees. “It’s not a new, urban hipster thing. It’s an old idea — to pick a fresh apple or fig right off the tree — but it’s gaining renewed interest because new resources are being made available to support it.”

The growing interest is clear: March’s Tree Talk Thursdays chat session on fruit trees had the highest rate of participation ever.

“This is a natural convergence of interest among those already engaged in urban agriculture and others who want to improve their communities, make healthy choices for personal nutrition, have a closer connection to their food production, and generally appreciate doing things themselves,” Woodworth said.

To qualify for the CTP program, groups must have space for at least 10 trees. Small spaces that may not be conducive to planting large shade trees could actually sustain fruit trees, including espalier trees that grow two-dimensionally along a wall or fence — Casey Trees planted these at its Brookland headquarters — and columnar trees.

Individuals who are not sure how to utilize your space can set up a site visit with Casey Trees staff.

Casey Trees is accepting CTP applications for fall 2012 from now until June 15. Groups who receive fruit trees through the CTP program also get a fruit tree maintenance plan covering every aspect of care.

Casey Trees’ Tree Rebate program offers another option for individuals who want to add fruit trees, but don’t have the space to qualify for a CTP event. Casey Trees offers rebates of up to $50 per standard-sized fruit tree planted on private property in the District. Dwarf and semi-dwarf trees are not eligible.

Casey Trees offers many additional free services to assist aspiring urban orchardists, including free classes and workshops dealing with fruit trees, forest gardens, and other tree-maintenance issues.

For more information on fruit trees and Casey Trees’ fruit tree programs, email Casey Trees Urban Forestry Crew Member Josh Singer.

This article originally appeared in The Leaflet. Subscribe to The Leaflet to have it delivered fresh in your inbox the first Tuesday of the month.

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