CARROLLWOOD — Sickles High School National Honor Society students got a hands-on lesson in tree care Jan. 17 at VISTA Gardens.
Jordan Upcavage, an arborist with Independent Tree, taught about a dozen students proper tree-trimming techniques and the work of certified arborists. The company supports and partners with VISTA Gardens.
After his presentation, Upcavage and the students planted a 15-gallon yaupon holly tree in the Wildflower Garden. He demonstrated trimming techniques using a pole (pulley) pruner on several trees on the grounds.
Separately that day, VISTA Gardens planted 40 native plants in a section of the Carrollwood Pollinator Corridor, completing activities for a Viva Florida Landscape Demonstration grant.
The Village Institute for Sustainable Technologies and Agriculture Gardens is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2008 through a partnership of three Carrollwood Village homeowner associations and Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department. The 3.31-acre park uses solar power to pump water from a 230-foot-deep well.
For information, visit www.vistagardentampa.org.