Evansville Tree Advisory Board Meeting - September 3, 2026

The Evansville Tree Advisory Board met on September 3, 2026, at 9:02 AM. The board approved minutes from June and August, authorized removal of 9 park trees at Woodmere Park and 12 street trees at various locations, discussed ongoing INDOT coordination issues, and heard an update on a $145,000 tree planting grant. Public comments from Jennifer Roll highlighted progress and frustrations with tree planting efforts and utility clear-cutting.

Consent Calendar

• The board approved the minutes from June and August 2026 (July minutes had been approved previously). The motion was made by Sarah, seconded by Jean, and passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jennifer Roll, a volunteer working with the Westwood Woods grant, provided an update on a $145,000 tree planting grant that must be spent by the end of 2027. She reported that a meeting with the Evansville Housing Authority resulted in a plan to plant up to 200 trees at their multi-family sites. A meeting with Memorial Foundation for tree planting on private property has stalled despite multiple follow-ups. She also expressed strong frustration with CenterPoint Energy’s clear-cutting practices along neighborhood streets, stating she knows they don't need to do what they do and want to be more vocal about it.
• Jennifer Roll asked clarifying questions about the city’s authority to plant street trees in certain corridors (e.g., Washington Avenue) and about interdepartmental cooperation during new developments.

Discussion Items

• Tree & Sidewalk Conflicts: A point of clarification was raised regarding a tree removal approved earlier. The board confirmed the correct address was 400 SE 2nd Street (not 212 Cherry), and a new motion to approve that removal passed.
• Evansville Forest Task Force Grant & IU Resilience Cohort: The board noted that Beatrice is still working on her report; a full update is expected in October or November. The Westwood Woods grant-funded inventory has been completed by an intern, with details forthcoming.
• Request to Remove Park Trees: The board approved removal of 9 dead or dying trees at Woodmere Park, as requested by the Van Park Neighborhood Association. Parks Department confirmed the trees are hazardous, especially near soccer fields. Motion by Mike, seconded, passed unanimously.
• Request to Remove Street Trees: The board approved removal of 12 street trees at these addresses: 1409 Crabapple Circle (structurally weak Basswood/Linden), 907 Ravenswood (dead), 965 Ravenswood (dead), 1125 Ravenswood (dying Oak), 1502 Akin (dying Maple), Linwood & Taylor (2 dying Oaks), 117 Cherry (structurally weak ornamental Pear), and 1322 E. Columbia (dead Ash). Members described these as the worst list of dead/dying trees seen in months. Motion by Jean, seconded by Amanda, passed unanimously.
• INDOT Coordination (Old Business): The board discussed ongoing issues with INDOT not mowing to fence lines, creating breeding grounds for invasives. Monthly meetings with INDOT are occurring but the problem may worsen. The board plans to elevate the issue to elected officials for stronger impact. Member Mike noted that this subdistrict does a better job than others, but funding is limited.
• Tree Canopy Goal Initiative: Merged with the task force update; more information expected at the next meeting.
• Ongoing Removal/Planting on Public Properties: Jennifer Roll’s grant update covered this, including efforts to plant trees at housing authority and Memorial Foundation properties. A potential line of credit from Old National Bank may be used to advance cash flow if needed.
• Invasive Plant, Pest & Disease Update: Referenced in the context of INDOT coordination; no separate discussion.
• Upcoming Events: Tree ID Hike at Hartman Arboretum (October 3, 9:30am), Weed Wrangle at Northwoods in Igleheart Park (October 17, 9am), Twilight Tours at Oak Hill Cemetery (October 24, 5pm), Tree Pruner’s Licensing seminar at Wesselman Woods (November 10, 6pm), and Tree Planting events in November (dates TBA).

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes from June and August 2026 (unanimous).
• Approved removal of 9 park trees at Woodmere Park (unanimous).
• Approved removal of 12 street trees (unanimous).
• Clarified and approved removal of a street tree at 400 SE 2nd Street (motion by Mike, second by Sarah, unanimous).
• The board will continue to pursue INDOT coordination via elected officials and a comprehensive approach.
• The $145,000 tree planting grant will be spent through partnerships with Evansville Housing Authority and others, with progress expected this fall.
• Upcoming public events were announced as listed above.