Evansville Tree Advisory Board Meeting – October 1, 2026

The Evansville Tree Advisory Board met on October 1, 2026, at 9:06 AM. The board reviewed multiple requests to remove park and street trees, discussed a new framework for resolving tree and sidewalk conflicts, and approved several tree removals with replacement commitments. Upcoming community planting events and educational opportunities were also announced.

Discussion Items

• Park Tree Removals: The board considered removal requests for dead, dying, or structurally weak trees at Tepe Park (3 trees), Caldwell Park, Diamond Valley Park, Helfrich Golf Course, Pagoda, and West Branch Library Park (4 trees). At Helfrich Golf Course, approximately 20 trees of size will be cleared to access a power transformer. The board discussed replacement strategies, deciding on a canopy-for-canopy approach at Helfrich (rather than tree-for-tree) and the standard two-for-one replacement for the other parks. A motion to approve the removals with the canopy replacement caveat passed unanimously.
• Street Tree Removals: Requests included a dead tree at 5 E. Powell, a dying ornamental cherry and maple at Alvord & Bellemeade, a dying oak at 1116 Madison, a dying oak at 1037 Ravenswood, and a structurally weak Tree of Heaven at 600 Taylor (Garvin Street side). For the Alvord & Bellemeade trees, one-for-one replacement was approved (boulevard constraints). The Tree of Heaven stump will be treated to prevent regrowth. The motion, including tree-for-tree replacement on Ravenswood and stump treatment, passed unanimously.
• Tree & Sidewalk Conflicts: Aaron presented a new decision-making tool developed with the city engineer to objectively evaluate trees causing sidewalk conflicts. The tool uses a scoring system and will be piloted on three trees along Lincoln Avenue between Garvin and Governor. The board discussed the larger oak tree (growing over the curb) and two smaller trees. A motion passed to remove the large oak, trim roots of the other two, and allow sidewalk repair. A second motion approved a two-for-one tree replacement in the green space between Garvin and Governor, also passed.
• IU Environmental Resilience Institute Cohort Program: An update was given that Bia is finalizing a proposal for the urban forestry management plan update. The city is receiving 10 free trees, to be planted on October 24 at 9 AM in partnership with the Tepe Park Neighborhood Association.
• Invasive Plant, Pest & Disease Update: The Twilight Tours at Oak Hill Cemetery (October 24, 5 PM, $15/person) will fund emerald ash borer treatments for city ash trees. The event includes historical reenactments.
• Ongoing Removal/Planting: Recent planting of native arborvitae at Wesselman Park (donated by Colonial Classics) was noted. Upcoming plantings: November 7 at Locust Hill Cemetery (Cratzville Road, 9 AM) and November 14 at Howell Park (close to 100 trees, 9 AM).

Key Outcomes

• Approved park tree removals with canopy replacement at Helfrich Golf Course and two-for-one replacement at other parks (unanimous).
• Approved street tree removals with one-for-one replacement on Alvord & Bellemeade and stump treatment for the Tree of Heaven (unanimous).
• Approved removal of the large oak on Lincoln Avenue, root trimming for two other trees, and a two-for-one replacement in the green space (both motions unanimous).
• The board adopted the new tree/sidewalk conflict framework as a pilot, with Aaron to distribute a one-page workflow summary.
• Upcoming events: Weed Wrangle at Hartman Arboretum (October 8, 9 AM), Weed Wrangle at Northwoods, Igleheart Park (October 17, 9 AM), Twilight Tours (October 24, 5 PM), Tree Pruner's Licensing Seminar (November 10, 6 PM at Wesselman Woods), and tree plantings on November 7 and 14.