Tree Planting

Forestry plants trees on all public property, including boulevards, parks and other right of ways. Forestry has also been planting trees in new subdivisions since 2012. Forestry typically plants 500-700 trees in the community each year.

Forestry uses the 20-10-5 guideline when determining which species of trees to plant. This guideline states that a community will have no more than 20% of one tree family, 10% of any genus and 5% of any species. This guideline has been implemented to diversify the urban forest. Diversification is the single most important aspect to consider when planning for future tree pests and diseases. By planting a variety of tree species in a neighborhood, we can reduce the impacts of potentially devastating pests or diseases, similar to what happened with Dutch elm disease (DED) and what is expected with emerald ash borer (EAB).

There are several other guidelines that are followed when configuring the layout of the urban forest.
        • To maximize the optimal growth of many of the trees, we plant trees a minimum of 30 feet apart.
        • To reduce sight line issues, trees are planted a minimum of 10 feet from a driveway, 30 feet from
           an intersection and 25 feet from a street sign.
        • To allow for appropriate lighting, trees are planted a minimum of 20 feet from light poles.
        • Trees are planted a minimum of 10 feet from a fire hydrant.

When forestry removes a tree, that site will be scheduled for a replacement tree the following year, as long as there is sufficient space.

Residents in developed neighborhoods can request to have boulevard trees planted by contacting Forestry. The number of City trees planted each year is dependent upon the amount of trees we are able to purchase that season, as well as Forestry staff time constraints.

New Subdivisions

Trees in new subdivisions are installed by Forestry once the subdivision is 80% complete and sidewalks have been installed. A survey is distributed to homeowners as a means for public input into the tree selection for their neighborhood. All selections will be considered, but may not be selected. Forestry will still adhere to the 20-10-5 guideline when planting new subdivision.

Businesses, Redevelopment or New Construction

Business owners need to submit a landscaping plan, which often includes boulevard trees, to Planning and Zoning for approval. Forestry is available to mark tree spacing after the underground utilities have been clearly marked.

List of Tree Species

These lists highlight species that will be used to diversify City boulevards and can also be used for home landscaping:

• Shade Trees - When overhead wires are not present.
• Small Trees - When overhead wires are present.