Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Monday - February 20, 2012

From: West Islip, NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: Planting, Trees
Title: Spot for communion and tree planting on Long Island
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

I'm planning to combine my son's communion and a tree planting memorial for his uncle/godfather that passed on Valentine's Day. I'm looking for a venue on Long Island that can combine both on May 19th. I welcome suggestions and ideas. Thank you!

ANSWER:

Even though we answer questions on plants native to North America and get questions from all over the world, we believe that question is better answered locally. We suggest a venue for the communion first, a religious structure, etc. Then you can work with the responsible people at that location on where they would like to have a tree, and if if the space could be converted into a gathering place for family and friends to attend both ceremonies, perhaps the religious ceremony inside and the tree-planting outside on the grounds. It might be best to consult with a licensed arborist on what trees would work best in the soils and environment chosen, as well as offering you a selection of trees. That arborist would also be prepared to tell you where NOT to plant the tree, in terms of interfering with other landscaping, hardscape such as buildings, driveways and sidewalks where the growing roots could cause damage over time.

Finally, we urge you to choose a tree native to your location that is already enabled by centuries of experience to prosper in the temperatures, rainfall, sunlight and general climate. You will have commemorated the honoree with something that will provide oxygen for humanity, a storage place for carbon in the soil, and homes for wildlife. We like the idea very much. Here is a list of trees native to Suffolk County:

Carya alba (Mockernut hickory)

Carpinus caroliniana (American hornbeam)

Chamaecyparis thyoides (Atlantic white cedar)

Crataegus mollis (Downy hawthorn)

Fagus grandifolia (American beech)

Ilex opaca (American holly)

Larix laricina (Tamarack)

Liriodendron tulipifera (Tuliptree)

Ostrya virginiana (Eastern hop-hornbeam)

Picea pungens (Blue spruce)

Quercus alba (White oak)

Quercus macrocarpa (Bur oak)

 

From the Image Gallery


Mockernut hickory
Carya tomentosa

American hornbeam
Carpinus caroliniana

Atlantic white cedar
Chamaecyparis thyoides

Downy hawthorn
Crataegus mollis

American beech
Fagus grandifolia

American holly
Ilex opaca

Tamarack
Larix laricina

Tulip tree
Liriodendron tulipifera

Eastern hop-hornbeam
Ostrya virginiana

Blue spruce
Picea pungens

White oak
Quercus alba

Bur oak
Quercus macrocarpa

More Trees Questions

Yucca rostrata needs some help in Austin, TX.
September 16, 2013 - We planted an expensive 5-6 foot Yucca rostrata last fall. It bloomed beautifully in the spring. We installed an irrigation link to water the recently planted areas with succulents, viburnums, spart...
view the full question and answer

Deer-resistant trees for privacy in Texas
January 09, 2015 - I need to find a deer resistant tall shrub or tree to plant and hide the deer fence my neighbor just put up on our property line. My property has full sun in parts and mostly shady in other parts and ...
view the full question and answer

Dead portions on oak tree in Hutchinson KS
August 22, 2011 - I have an oak tree on the property I just moved into. One tree is healthy, the other has a dead side or almost dead. It did have some new green leaves on the dead branches but not many. What should...
view the full question and answer

Leaf fall from Cedar Elm planted in clay
August 17, 2008 - I saw the answer to leaves falling off a cedar elm planted in clay. However I planted a Cedar Elm in my back yard. I dug a hole in the grass then planted and put grass back on top. I water every other...
view the full question and answer

Propogating snowbells from Elmendorf TX
June 06, 2012 - Is it possible to propagate Styrax platanifolius and Halesia diptera from cuttings? If yes, what is the process?
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.