Public works staff and tree board members discussed a project to distribute city‑owned container trees to Philomath residents and agreed on next steps at the Oct. 17 Public Works Committee meeting.

Committee members said the original goal was to target neighborhoods with low tree canopy rather than broadly distributing trees at the farmer’s market. Committee members and volunteers agreed to inventory the trees available, prepare a one‑page fact sheet (species, mature size, planting tips), and coordinate a short canvassing campaign to deliver cards and offer trees to households in priority neighborhoods.

Why it matters: The outreach aims to increase tree planting on private property in parts of Philomath with less canopy coverage, which committee members said would provide long‑term benefits for shade, stormwater mitigation and neighborhood amenity value.

What was discussed and directed

- Inventory and counts: Staff estimated there are several dozen “good” container trees available (committee discussion suggested about 28–30 larger container trees and additional smaller seedlings). Staff agreed to provide a species list, quantities and photos to help residents choose an appropriate tree.

- Distribution approach: The group discussed two approaches: (1) a booth at the final farmer’s market of the season to allow people to pick up trees and (2) a targeted door‑to‑door canvass of neighborhoods with low tree cover. Committee members favored prioritizing the targeted canvass first to ensure trees go to priority areas and to reduce the risk of leaving trees unused.

- Materials and assistance: The committee asked staff to prepare a one‑page fact sheet showing images of the species available, expected mature size and planting/care instructions. Members also offered to help plant trees for residents who need assistance.

- Timing and staffing: Staff said cards have already been prepared; committee members agreed to coordinate short evening canvass sessions to distribute cards and direct residents to pick‑up times. The committee discussed using a Saturday pickup window for those who need to collect trees in person.

Additional notes

Committee members suggested the city could augment available trees from upcoming local tree sales (Benton County/Soil & Water) or purchase extras from local nurseries if needed. Staff said there is budget capacity to purchase additional trees if required. No formal vote was taken; the group set tasks, assigned follow‑up steps and agreed to reconvene with counts and a draft fact sheet.