Shade Tree Commission Meeting – September 26, 2025 (Note: Agenda Dated Sept. 23, 2025)

Note on date discrepancy: The agenda lists the meeting as September 23, 2025, but the instruction provided indicates the meeting occurred on September 26, 2025. This summary uses the September 26, 2025 date as directed, but the actual agenda date is September 23, 2025.

The Shade Tree Commission met to review routine approvals, hear the arborist report, and discuss street tree and landscape plans for three developments. No public comments were received. The Commission approved the motion summary from the previous meeting and discussed tree species selections, watering efforts during drought, and long-term greenway connectivity in the city.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Motion Summary: The Commission approved the motion summary from the July 22, 2024 meeting. The motion was moved and seconded, with all present members voting in favor (Mr. Anders, Mr. Harvey, Vice Chair Willem, Chairman Carey).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were received.

Discussion Items

• Arborist Report (Year-to-Date Totals): The arborist reported that 132 trees will be planted this fall, with 32 planted in-house and 100 contracted out. Species breakdown was provided, including street spire oaks, Kentucky coffee trees, and chestnut oaks. Tree removals: 143 total (139 in-house, 4 contracted). The report also noted that storm damage in Mingo required six to seven full work days to clean up, including the loss of a buckeye tree at the park entrance.
• Watering During Drought: The arborist confirmed that new plantings (e.g., Troy Road retention area, Stratford Park, and cherry grove) were watered approximately five times this year. The Commission discussed the difficulty of distinguishing drought stress from winter kill and noted that buds are a good indicator of tree vigor.
• Commissioner Comments:
  • A commissioner reported partnering with the Lantern Chase HOA to remove invasive brush (honeysuckle) in the forested area between Lantern Chase and Miller's Gardens, with hopes of recruiting volunteers.
  • The Commission discussed preserving a wooded area at the north side of Lantern Chase as a greenway corridor. A representative presented a linear greenway plan to connect Smith Park, Delaware Run, Gallant Woods Park, and the river. The plan has been shared with city planning staff, and the Commission encouraged continued advocacy to developers to incorporate green space.
  • A commissioner suggested using cemetery plantings to test design ideas, such as alternating street trees (e.g., straight and columnar). The cemetery manager expressed interest in green burial practices, but no immediate action was taken.
• Plan Reviews:
  • Kroger (Glenn Road & 36/37): The arborist modified the original species list to include chestnut oak as a native alternative. Four trees were removed for sight line issues. The Commission approved the street tree plan, noting the combination of Kentucky coffee, chestnut oak, and other species.
  • Four Seasons Section 3 (Addison): Two non-native species were replaced with London plane tree and tulip poplar. Two plantings were removed for sight line issues. The Commission approved the plan, with discussion on root structure and growth habits.
  • Briar Hill Landscape Plan and Tree Canopy Management: This plan covers a 55+ community with 62 units. The proposed planting list includes London plane trees, chinkapin oaks, green lindens, Turkish hazel, and American hornbeam. The Commission noted the variety and acceptable spacing; no modifications were required. This plan is part of the city's tree canopy management program and does not require formal approval but was reviewed favorably.

Key Outcomes

• Approvals:
  • The motion summary from July 22, 2024 was approved unanimously.
  • The Kroger street tree plan and Four Seasons Section 3 street tree plan were approved as presented.
  • The Briar Hill tree canopy management plan was accepted with positive feedback.
• Next Meeting: The Commission will meet in November 2025 (likely the fourth Tuesday, November 25) to avoid a December meeting. The next meeting after that will be in late January 2026.
• Future Advocacy: The Commission will continue to encourage developers to incorporate greenway corridors in the Lantern Chase area, with a focus on connecting to Delaware Run and Gallant Woods Park. Commissioners will attend planning meetings to press for green space preservation.