Posted January 19, 2023 by M.S. Coyne
Last week in the Cemetery we made some changes that you might notice the next time you visit.
Town Branch Tree Experts arrived and removed three trees as part of our landscaping plan.
First, they cut down two White Mulberries (Morus alba) in the center garden that were impeding the growth of a Red Maple (Acer rubrum) in Section B. By removing the White Mulberries, the Red Maple will be able to straighten and expand its canopy and provide more shade in the long term. Don’t worry about the loss of these trees. White Mulberry is considered an invasive tree species in Kentucky. There is also a third White Mulberry in the center garden that was left standing. A far older and better looking specimen can be found by the fence line in Section A (you can see it in the far background of
these pictures).
We also removed a Bradford Pear (Callery pear) at one of the front gates. Bradford Pears are also considered an invasive species. At one time Bradford Pears were widely planted as ornamentals, but because they are prone to disease and damage and make poor habitat they are being removed where possible in Lexington. In the time this Bradford Pear was growing in the cemetery, it had begun to encroach the power lines on 7 th Street and show evidence of limb splitting. One large branch, for example, broke off in 2022 and was removed with the help of Hoe ‘N Hope Garden Club. Although this represents the net loss of one tree species from the cemetery inventory it was an important safety measure for persons entering and leaving African Cemetery No. 2.
We will be planting new trees and tree species in 2023. Stop by for a visit and see our collection. Most of our trees have identification tags tied to them.
Remember, if you or your group would like to contribute a few hours of service maintaining African Cemetery No. 2 in 2023, please contact Mark Coyne at mscoyn00@gmail.com to plan a visit.