Tree-Mendous Rehoboth kicks off with tree planting

When noted urban planner Ed McMahon spoke in Rehoboth Beach one year ago, he said, "When people say, 'Oh, what a beautiful town,' what they are really saying is, 'Oh, what beautiful trees.’” On Nov. 3, five lucky homeowners in the City of Rehoboth Beach received new trees, thanks to a new community effort called Tree-Mendous Rehoboth. Created by a group of volunteer homeowners, the program has received the support of the Rehoboth Beach Homeowners' Association. In addition, the Country Club Estates Property Owners Association is co-sponsor for trees planted in its section of the city.

Rehoboth Beach is unique among all the beach resorts on the East Coast because of its abundance of trees. Unfortunately, many are being lost today due to age, disease and development. Tree-Mendous Rehoboth was created as part of an ongoing effort to enhance the tree canopy for current and future generations. "We're really planting these trees for our children and grandchildren," said Terri Eskew, a homeowner in the Pines. "The trees planted today, mostly maples, won't reach their full height for 20-25 years, but in the meantime, they help our environment in multiple ways, and enhance our property values."

Through fundraising and private donations, homeowners are offered trees at a greatly reduced price. Special thanks go to these donors who made the initial planting event possible: Plant Retrievers; Brian Barry of Barry Realty Investments; Kathryn W. Downs, MLA Inc; Dr. and Mrs. W. James Downs Jr.; and the Country Club Estates POA. For more information on how to get a new tree in the front yard next spring, homeowners can contact TreesRehoboth@gmail.com.