West Bloomfield Township is celebrating 175 years in 2008.  As a part of this milestone, the environmental department will be selling trees.  The choices will be shagbark hickory and northern red oak.  Each tree will cost $3.75 and will be in the form of a bare root. The shagbark hickory will be approximately 12 to 18 inches in length.  The northern red oak will be about 18 to 24 inches tall.  Tree deliveries are expected some time in September, 2008.  If you would like to purchase these trees or have any questions, please contact Robert Assenmacher at 248-451-4845 or by email at r_assenmacher@wbtwp.com with your contact information as well as the type and quantity of trees you desire.  The deadline to order trees is July 15, 2008.

The northern red oak is a very popular tree.  It is easier to transplant than most trees, and can tolerate city conditions quite well.  With red leaves in the fall, it provides beauty to one’s yard.  Red oaks usually grow up to 2 feet a year for 10 years.  They reach a maximum height of 60 to 75 feet tall with a 45 foot spread.

Shagbark hickories are known for their bark having a shaggy appearance.  However, this only occurs in mature trees.  Young trees will have smooth bark.  The bark is used by Native Americans to make bows, and is great for smoking meat.  Shagbarks are slow growers.  They reach their maximum height of 80 feet tall after about 20 years.  Shagbark hickories also have conspicuous yellow flowers in the spring, and produce an edible nut.

West Bloomfield Township is committed to protecting, restoring, and enhancing the natural resources of West Bloomfield Township for current and future generations using approaches and solutions based on science and best management practices, collaboration and respect for all the stake holders involved.