Draper City Tree Committee Meeting - March 3, 2026

The Draper City Tree Committee met on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at approximately 8:00 a.m. The meeting included review of committee roles, a presentation on the new water element of the General Plan, updates on street projects, and discussion of tree planting specifications and removal policies. The committee also began planning for Arbor Day.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the February meeting were approved by unanimous vote.

Discussion Items

• Committee Roles (Rhett): Rhett reviewed the committee's roles as an advisory body, noting that members are appointed by the mayor for four-year terms, and that the committee advises on city property trees and landscaping. Discussion included whether the committee's purview should be expanded to include water-wise landscaping and education, as the current code limits focus to city property. Members expressed interest in updating the code to reflect the committee's broader activities, such as public education and partnerships.
• Water Element Presentation (Jen): Jen presented the new water element adopted by the city council in 2025. The element includes goals and strategies to reduce water use, such as creating a water conservation team, updating ordinances, promoting water-wise landscaping, and leading by example on city properties. Jen noted that implementation is up to the city council, and the committee could help with education and outreach.
• Pioneer Street Update (Darren): Darren reported on the widening of Pioneer Street from 7th to 13th. Survey results are in, and concepts are being developed. Park strips up to 10 feet wide will allow tree planting, but not along the entire corridor. The plan is to use the street tree guide and vary tree species to avoid monoculture.
• Tree Planting Specifications (Rhett): Rhett updated on the tree planting spec that was developed to avoid planting trees in road base. The city attorney advised against making it part of the adopted tree guide by resolution, but it will be posted on the website as a recommended standard. Several members argued that developers should be required to follow the spec via code, but the attorney noted that code changes could take three years. The committee will continue to seek ways to make the spec mandatory.
• Tree Removal Policy (Michelle): Michelle presented research on tree removal policies from Salt Lake City and Sandy, including guidelines for root protection, tree risk assessment, and replacement requirements. The discussion was prompted by sidewalk damage from tree roots. Members noted that the city currently lacks a formal removal policy, and there is no requirement to replace removed trees. The committee will consider developing a policy that includes replacement ratios.
• Arbor Day Planning: Arbor Day is scheduled for April 24, 2026 (Friday). The committee discussed planting a tree at Draper City Park to commemorate America's 250th anniversary. The mayor's availability is being checked for either April 24 or 25. The tree species will be an elm, with the specific variety to be determined based on location and nursery availability.

Key Outcomes

• The committee will continue to explore updating the code to expand the committee's role to include landscape and water-wise topics.
• The tree planting specification will be posted on the city website as a recommended standard, not as a mandatory requirement.
• The committee will prepare a draft tree removal policy for future discussion, including replacement requirements.
• Arbor Day plans: The committee will coordinate with the mayor and nursery to plant an elm tree at Draper City Park on April 24 or 25, 2026, in celebration of America's 250th anniversary.