Dayton's new cherry trees are beautiful, educational and safe

DP&L and Operation 1000 Cherry Tree Project have partnered to bring gorgeous new cherry trees to Dayton neighborhoods. (Image provided by DP&L)​

DP&L and Operation 1000 Cherry Tree Project have partnered to bring gorgeous new cherry trees to Dayton neighborhoods. (Image provided by DP&L)​

Have you noticed the recent spike in cherry trees being planted in the Dayton area? Well, it’s not just a coincidence. It’s all part of a program to help bring awareness to the very important relationship between landscaping and power lines.

Two Dayton neighborhoods are the proud new homes of 100 cherry trees that were raffled off and planted through a collaboration between DP&L and Operation 1000 Cherry Tree Project. Last year, the DeWeese Ridgecrest Civic Association and the Wright Dunbar Neighborhood Association were selected each to have 50 trees planted in public spaces, front yards of homes and parks, and the early spring planting has just been completed.

These neighborhoods, like many others in the Dayton area, have been hit hard by the Emerald Ash Borer, leaving many dead or dying ash trees that posed a real threat to nearby utility lines. The new cherry trees, planted by Siebenthaler’s Nursery and DP&L employee volunteers, are considered utility-friendly. This means the trees grow to less than 25 feet at maturity and are less likely to interfere with overhead power lines. Their root structures are contained alleviating  possible disruption of underground utilities, as well.

This partnership is the most recent project of the Right Tree, Right Place program launched by DP&L in the spring of 2015. The goal of this project has been two-fold: to raise awareness about smart, utility-conscious tree planting, and also to help beautify local neighborhoods by removing dead or dying trees and replacing them with gorgeous new trees that are utility-friendly.

Of course, everybody loves the positive benefits that trees bring to our communities. Trees not only provide oxygen, they also enhance the appearance and landscape of our neighborhoods and yards. But poorly planned trees can create a dangerous situation when they encounter power lines and utilities. DP&L wants everybody to be aware of smart planting practices. You can find a list of recommended trees for the Miami Valley at the DP&L website or on their Facebook and Twitter pages.

The partnership of DP&L and Operation 1000 Cherry Tree Project plans to continue this program for years to come educating and benefitting customers, so keep your eyes open for an opportunity to nominate your neighborhood this spring and make sure you check out the beautiful new cherry trees throughout the Dayton area.