For the seventh year in a row, the Public Art Department at the Port of san Diego is installing 30 new tree-like sculptures along Harbor Drive as the Urban Trees 7 project gets underway. The project started as a way to give local artists an opportunity to display their work on public property while adding to the ambiance of the waterfront. “The first year we did it, it was so popular,” said Port senior public relations specialist Marguerite Elicone. “It got worldwide attention. It was written about in a publications in Paris.” Since that inaugural installation, the Urban Trees program has been going strong. Every year, the 30 sculptures are taken down to make way for a fresh batch of forestry. Although some of the pieces are tree-like in their designs, others encompass very different forms. One sculpture that received a lot of attention last year was the “Popcorn Chicken” tree, which looked like a huge movie-theater style box of popcorn filled with rubber chickens. Each tree has its own theme, based on the artist’s interpretation, which can vary from abstract to borderline outrageous. The Urban Trees project has become something local artists and enthusiasts anticipate eagerly. To make it all happen, the Public Art Committee first sends out a call to artists who can then send in a small model of their proposed design for approval. Although many artists are local, they can come from all over. If accepted, artists receive $2,500 for supplies and then it’s up to them to complete the project. The committee also supplies a 12-foot pole for support, but it’s up to each artist to decide how big the tree will be — as long as it’s deemed safe. “We consider this a pretty good deal economically,” Elicone said. “It’s a small price to pay for all of the positivity it brings down to the waterfront and all the activity and enjoyment they provide.” The new tree sculptures are being installed now through Oct.14 with a dedication ceremony set for Oct. 28 in front of the B Street cruise ship terminal. So, what happens to the massive structures once their year is up and they’re removed? At that point they go back to the artists and they can do whatever they want with the sculptures. If people are interested, they can purchase the trees which range from $9,000 to $40,000. In the past, businesses have purchased the structures as well as a few individuals. For more information, visit www.portofsan-diego.org or call (619) 686-7246.