Spotted: Scouting America Troop 109 planting Red Ruby Horsechestnut trees

On Thursday afternoon, Dec. 4,  local Scouting America Troop 109 joined the MenloPark Public Works Tree Team and a few members of the Police Department to plant two Red Ruby Horsechestnut trees near the Gymnastics Center and the back entrance of the Recreation Center. Staff handed out golden shovels to the troop so they could dig the holes to plant the tree, spread mulch around the base and water the trees to allow the roots to establish.

Here are some fun facts about the Red Ruby Horsechestnut tree species:

• The horsechestnuts are one of many non-native tree species the City is experimenting with. Planting a variety of tree species will increase the diversity of City’s urban canopy, which contributes to a more resilient urban forest.
• These are hybrid tree species, a cross between a Red buckeye and a horsechestnut.
• They are deciduous trees, which means they lose their leaves during the winter.
• In the spring, the trees will bloom pink/red flowers.

The City plants trees during the wet season (November–April). If your non-profit organization would like to volunteer to help in this effort, please contact the City arborist at jmkeller@menlopark.gov.