TREE OF THE MONTH AWARD FOR JANUARY
The North Myrtle Beach Tree Board’s January Tree of the Month award focuses on a pair of Italian Cypresses at the home of Mrs. Rose Hobbs, 703 Jerdon Circle in Tilghman Woods.
Mrs. Hobbs moved to North Myrtle Beach 30 years ago for what she thought would be a temporary stay. One of the first things she did was plant the two Italian Cypress trees that frame her front door. The trees grew quickly, upwards of three feet per year in some years, and their unique columnar shape provides an eye-catching accent to the home’s facade.
While Mrs. Hobbs acknowledges her effort in planting the trees, she says she has had to do very little with regard to their care and maintenance, although for her own peace of mind she does have an arborist check them once in a while.
She credits God with making her trees the specimens they are today, and she can be seen as proof positive that planting trees need not necessarily require a lot of ongoing work.
Mrs. Hobbs hopes that others may be inspired to plant trees to beautify their own property.
Unlike many other evergreens, the Italian Cypress does not grow in a pyramid shape. These trees are known for narrow, columnar growth, reaching straight up without growing very wide. When they reach the desired height, their height can be limited through simple pruning. The Italian Cypress is considered one of the best trees to use to help increase property value. It is tolerant of many climates and gives height to landscape foundation plantings without taking up a lot of room. Architects use Italian Cypresses to cover vertical drain pipes, soften corners and vertical edges, and act as property dividers. They can even be planted in large pots to frame an entryway or add character to a backyard patio or pool.
Shown in the accompanying photo are Tree Board Chairperson Jeanette Lyon, Tree Board members Emily Tinsley, Mary “Dee” Myers, and John Sloop, and homeowner Mrs. Rose Hobbs.