Go out and explore your Piedmont neighborhood to look for a remarkable tree to nominate as a Heritage Tree. Nominations are due by Mar. 18 and will be evaluated on their aesthetic, educational, and historic merits by a Park Commission subcommittee.
At the base of the stairs in lower Dracena Park is a glorious Big Leaf Maple, known by the Latin name of Acer macrophyllum. The Big Leaf Maple is native to the West Coast and can be commonly found in moist, riparian habitats. It is a large deciduous tree with dramatic branches forming a full, round crown. This species has the largest leaves of any maple tree. Each leaf has blades which can range from 10 to 14 inches across. Also, these leaves turn an attractive yellow-gold in the fall. The tree was designated as a Heritage Tree in 2021 and was nominated by Lyle Gordon.
At the Apr. 6 Park Commission meeting, commissioners will vote to approve the selected nominations. This year’s selections will be announced at the Piedmont’s Arbor Day festivities on Apr. 28.
Forms are available on the City’s website on its Heritage Tree page HERE.
For more information, please contact Nancy Kent at nkent@piedmont.ca.gov or (510) 420-3064.