THE LEAFLET

In honor of National Dog Day on August 26, we decided to have a little lighthearted fun – after all, dogs bring so much joy and joy many laughs to our lives. Without further ado, a collection of our residential program trees as popular dog breeds (thanks to the American Kennel Club for the descriptions!):

German Shepherds | London Planetree |Platanus x acerifolia

Generally considered one of the finest all-purpose workers, the German Shepherds are large, agile, muscular dogs of noble character and high intelligence. They’re loyal, confident, courageous, and steady. It may not be a German tree, but it is definitely one of the finest all-purpose workers – the London planetree! The London plane, a cross between the American sycamore and the English Oriental plane, is the king of street trees. It is the world’s favorite urban tree because it is tall, big-leafed, hardy, and long-lived. Although with their peeling bark they may get a bit messy, London planes are by far the most common tree in London, Paris, Rome, and New York City thanks to their unparalleled ability to filter air pollutants and withstand pollution and drought. Talk about one of the finest all-purpose workers! This tree is available through our residential planting program, RiverSmart Homes. You can also get up to $50 back for planting this tree yourself through our tree rebate program.

Labrador Retrievers | Red Maple | Acer rubrum

The sweet-faced, lovable Labrador Retriever is America’s most popular dog breed. Labs are friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited companions who have more than enough affection to go around. Similarly, red maple is one of America’s most popular planted trees and has something for everyone. They’re coveted for their brilliant fall color, can withstand challenging soil conditions, and have eye-catching red spring blooms and playful seeds that fall “helicopter-like” to the ground. This tree is available through our residential planting program, RiverSmart Homes. You can also get up to $100 back for planting this tree yourself through our tree rebate program.

Akita | Ginkgo | Ginkgo bilboa

Akitas are muscular dogs of ancient Japanese lineage famous for their dignity, courage, and loyalty. In their native land, they are venerated as family protectors and symbols of good health, happiness, and long life. Sound familiar? How about another ancient specimen from Japan, a ginkgo? A throwback to prehistoric times, the ginkgo is a beautiful shade tree with unique fan-shaped leaves that turn a beautiful yellow in fall, and distinctly furrowed corky bark that is gray-white in color. This tough urban tree is able to withstand varied conditions and stresses. You can get up to $50 back for planting this tree yourself through our tree rebate program.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis | Eastern Redbud | Cercis canadensis

Among the most agreeable of all small house dogs, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a strong, athletic, and lively little herder who is affectionate and companionable without being needy. A tree that one could describe as agreeable, lively, and on the smaller side? An eastern redbud! Instantly recognizable, just like those Lil Corgis, redbuds are a local favorite found in forests, fields and yards – the redbud usually blooms in late February or March. Small, pinkish-purple flowers are produced in unbelievable profusion along the branches (and even on the trunk) before the leaves appear. A fast grower, redbuds can reach 15 – 25 feet in height in approximately 15 years. For this reason, it is often planted under power lines – a plus in a city like ours. Not only are redbuds available through our residential planting program RiverSmart Homes, you can also get up to $50 back for planting this tree yourself through our tree rebate program!

Siberian Huskies | River Birch | Betula nigra

The Siberian Husky, a thickly coated, compact sled dog of medium size and great endurance, was developed to work in packs, pulling light loads at moderate speeds over vast frozen expanses. This northern breed is friendly, fastidious, and dignified. A hard-working tree that typically thrives in cold weather but has made a home in warmer climates? The River Birch! With a native range spreading from New England west to Minnesota and south to Texas and Florida, this is no wimpy birch that withers at the sight of the hot sun. Indeed, the river birch claims wet sites and the river’s edge as its stronghold but it is, in fact, a species able to succeed in a breadth of conditions. They’re available through our residential planting program, RiverSmart Homes or plant one yourself and receive up to $100 back through our tree rebate program.

Shiba Inu | Japanese Zelkova | Zelkova serrata

An ancient Japanese breed, the Shiba Inu is a little but well-muscled dog once employed as a hunter. Today, the spirited, good-natured Shiba is the most popular companion dog in Japan.  A similarly tough companion is the Japanese zelkova, an extremely tough shade tree that was used in many cities as a replacement for the American elm when it was ravaged by disease from the 1950s. With a classic vase-shaped crown, zelkovas cast abundant shade on yards where it is planted. You can get up to $50 back for planting this tree yourself through our tree rebate program.

American Staffordshire Terrier | Northern Red Oak | Quercus Rubra

The American Staffordshire Terrier is smart, confident, good-natured companions. Their courage is proverbial and can be a loyal, trustworthy friend to the end. Considered a sentinel shade tree, the strong limbed Northern Red Oak captures the essence of an AmStaff.  An excellent street tree that can tolerate difficult urban conditions, northern red oaks have leaves turn to a distinctive bright brick red in the fall. This tree is available through our residential planting program, RiverSmart Homes. You can also get up to $100 back for planting this tree yourself through our tree rebate program.

Jack Russell Terrier | Ironwood | Ostrya virginiana

Upbeat, lively, inquisitive, and friendly, the jaunty Russell Terrier was developed for use in foxhunts. These jaunty little fellows pack lots of personality into a compact body, much like the ironwood! Don’t be fooled by the fact that ironwoods, also known as American Hophornbeams, are understory trees. They’re durable, known for being strong, and have some of the densest wood around. Traditionally, they were used for tool handles and heads, wooden cogs, flooring, and golf clubs for their durability, as well as for turned bowls and plates due to their tendency to resist cracking. This graceful tree has yellow fall foliage, a compact shape, and is valued by wildlife for shelter and food. You can get up to $50 back for planting this tree yourself through our tree rebate program.