Draper Tree Committee Meeting – February 3, 2026

The Draper Tree Committee met on February 3, 2026, at 5:15 PM. The meeting focused on updating tree planting specifications, addressing street tree removal policies, and planning for Arbor Day. Key attendees included Chair David Cloward, new Arborist Logan Matthews, city staff from engineering and planning, and committee members.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the November 2025 meeting were approved unanimously.

Discussion Items

1. City Planting Specifications for Street Trees

• The committee discussed a long-standing effort to require developers to use the same planting specs used by the city for street trees. The city’s current specs (e.g., requiring proper soil removal of road base and inspection) were adopted after trees planted by contractors in widened park strips often died due to being planted in road base.
• Staff from community development (Rhett, Taylor) explained that code changes are slow due to state legislative requirements. Instead, they recommended amending the city’s Street Tree Guide to include the planting specs, which can be updated more quickly.
• The committee agreed to have Rhett provide the city’s planting spec and then prepare a resolution to add a new section to the Street Tree Guide. The guide will then reference the specs for all street tree plantings.

2. Street Tree Removal Guidelines / Too Many Sycamores Status

• The committee reviewed a proposed engineering spec that would require removal of a street tree if its diameter (in inches) exceeded the park strip width (in feet). For example, a 20-inch tree in a 10-foot park strip would be removed.
• Members expressed concern that this rule would unnecessarily remove healthy trees, especially in older neighborhoods. They noted that other cities (Salt Lake City, Sandy) do not use such a rigid spec.
• The committee recommended a more nuanced approach: use a third-party arborist to assess each tree, consider root pruning, grinding, and resident input, and allow residents to sign an indemnification form if they want to keep a tree that the city recommends removing.
• A subcommittee will draft a proposed processing criteria to submit to the city council as a recommendation.

3. Tree Inventory and Management System

• City staff (Taylor) reported that the GIS department is developing a tree inventory system using Google Earth imagery and existing data from a volunteer inventory a decade ago. The system is currently focused on city-maintained properties.
• Committee member Michelle suggested using the Tree Committee’s $10,000 annual budget to purchase a dedicated tree management software program. However, staff noted that the current system meets their needs and is budget-friendly. The committee agreed to let staff evaluate the current system further before committing funds.
• Volunteers may assist with data collection (e.g., counting trees) to support the inventory.

4. Arbor Day 2026 and America 250 Elm Planting

• The committee discussed plans for the Arbor Day ceremony (likely April). There was an informal suggestion to plant a significant elm tree as part of the America 250 initiative near the new Gold Star Memorial at Draper City Park.
• A field trip to scout potential planting locations will be scheduled before the next meeting, involving Logan (arborist) and committee members.
• Tree talk and localscape classes are scheduled for March 18 and March 25, respectively, at the City Council Chambers.

5. Watering Reminder

• Arborist Logan advised that evergreens and newly planted trees should be watered during winter, especially if dry. Established deciduous trees (over 3 years) are less critical but still benefit.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution: The committee will prepare a resolution to amend the Street Tree Guide to include the city’s planting specs. Rhett will provide the spec.
• Recommendation: A subcommittee will draft a proposed street tree removal policy (focusing on arborist assessment and resident involvement) to submit to the city council.
• Tree Inventory: City staff will continue developing the GIS-based inventory; committee may volunteer for data collection.
• Arbor Day: The committee will finalize plans for an Arbor Day ceremony and potential America 250 elm planting at the next meeting.
• Next Meeting: The next meeting will include a field trip to review planting sites and further discussion on tree inventory and budget allocation.