If there were ever an industry which gave Glenview an identity , it would be the nursery business . Undoubtedly , this love for growing things has contributed to the beauty that characterizes Glenview today and to the quality of its parks . The Park District is proud to continue Glenview ’ s rich history and legacy through our very own nursery ! ▪
From left – Tom Deschamps , John York ( in vehicle ), Justin Lehn , and Erik York – with the tree spade future park had not yet been developed . In 2008 , during the construction of Community Park West , these still young oak trees needed to be moved to make way for park amenities . To preserve these trees , a nursery was created on the west end of the park . Thus began the ongoing endeavor of maintaining and caring for our Glenview Park District Nursery .
The nursery is about an acre of land and has around 300 seedlings growing at any time . Depending on the species , trees generally stay within the nursery for 6-8 years before they are ready to be transplanted to a Glenview park . Park Services team members evaluate and identify existing trees within our parks that are healthy , hearty and long-lived from which to take seeds . It is important to start with thriving trees , to ensure your seedlings have strong genes . Growing our own trees provides a valuable learning experience , as well as a sense of pride , for Park District staff .
Caretaking within the nursery is a team effort among the Park Services staff . Watering is most important , but only really needed during dry conditions . Pruning the shape of the trees when they are young helps to ensure a beautiful shape as they age .
When young trees are ready to be transplanted , the Park Services team uses a special tool called a tree spade to dig out the tree and its root package . The
root package is wrapped in burlap , to hold it together and protect it during transport , which is then peeled back when planted . Regular watering a few times a week is critical for the young trees in their first few weeks , as it helps their roots to spread and get established in the new location .
Residents that walk the trail along the perimeter of Community Park West will see the nursery as they pass along the tollway . For an up-close view , residents can play the disc golf course , which has a basket hole located within the nursery for a unique and interesting backdrop .
If there were ever an industry which gave Glenview an identity , it would be the nursery business . Undoubtedly , this love for growing things has contributed to the beauty that characterizes Glenview today and to the quality of its parks . The Park District is proud to continue Glenview ’ s rich history and legacy through our very own nursery ! ▪
GLENVIEW HISTORY IN TREES
Want to learn about all of the historical nursery sites in Glenview and Glenview ’ s historic trees ? In 1999 , the Glenview Park District partnered with many local organizations to create an informational brochure about our town ’ s history with trees . See the brochure →