April 24th National Arbor Day: The Trees of RNA

In the 1920's the front yard of a home was considered a public space and received the most landscaping attention. In RNA many homes had trees, in pairs in the front of the home. Some of these original 'twins' survive and now tower over their homes. In contrast, back yards were considered a work or service area with clothes lines, garbage cans, perhaps a kitchen garden but were not typical for retreat or recreation.

One a beautiful, blustery day in October 2019, my dad and I drove around the neighborhood, taking note of some most common species, their size and possible age. My dad, Sand Mueller, is a retired horticulturist, trees are his passion.

Some of the most senior trees that we encountered included: Pecan (Native and Paper Shell), Box Elder, Red Oak, Sycamore, River Birch, American Elm and Magnolias.

Left: Mr. Paul Trees planting a pecan tree in the mid 1930's. Read more about the Trees and their large Tudor Revival HERE. Right: In the foreground see the pecan tree some 80+ years after planting.

Cottonwood in Gary Park. About 98 feet tall. Trunk is 120 feet in circumference.

Note the root formations protruding near the base of the tree. Approximately 150 years old.

Huge Red Oak- 63 Feet tall, 9 feet in circumference.

Note how these trees are positioned in front of the house, commonly seen of trees planted in the late 1920's and '30's.

Shimmering leaves of twin sycamores. About 100 feet tall, 10 feet in circumference. Likely planted around 1930.

Magnificent Magnolia near Fourteenth and Gary Avenue.

~75 Feet tall, 12 Feet in circumference

Massive American Elm.

Seventy feet tall, 10.5 feet in circumference, likely planted in the 1920's or 30's.

Beautiful River Birch

Take some time to slow down and enjoy the trees!

References:

https://golmn.com/2011/03/03/a-look-back-in-time-landscaping-trends-from-the-1920s-50s/

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