Davie urban forester Tim Lee highlights native-tree replanting at Bamford Park

Tim Lee, the Town of Davie urban forester, described a tree-replacement project at Bamford Park and urged residents to plant native or Florida-friendly trees for Arbor Day.

Lee said crews removed a large number of invasive trees from the park and replanted 22 primarily native trees, along with some Florida-friendly species. "We've taken out a lot of invasive trees and we've replanted 22 primarily native trees," he said, adding that more live oaks will be added.

Lee identified the removed specimens in the transcript as "ear trees," which he described as a category one invasive, and he said crews removed a number of queen palms, which he identified as category two invasives. He said the park team has planted cypress, red maple and slash pine and plans to add live oaks to increase canopy diversity.

"These trees we planted are going to provide diversity and good wildlife habitats," Lee said, noting the newly planted trees are expected to support pollinators, provide nesting areas and food sources for birds and other wildlife. He pointed out that burrowing owls are already present in the park and that some trees with cavities were intentionally left for woodpeckers and owls.

Lee encouraged homeowners to choose native species or Florida-friendly trees in their yards to support local ecosystems. He noted that pink and yellow trumpet trees mentioned in the message are not native but are considered Florida-friendly flowering trees.

The site of the project is next to the artificial turf at Bamford Park. Lee closed the short on-site message by wishing viewers a happy Arbor Day on behalf of the Town of Davie.

The town did not state any associated budget, permitting steps, or scheduled follow-up events in the recorded message; those details were not specified in the transcript.