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Resident urges update to Sioux Falls tree guide to allow fruit and dwarf trees
Summary
During public input the resident recommended the city broaden its approved boulevard tree list, add fruit and dwarf varieties, and include metadata—such as nativity, boulevard suitability and power-line compatibility—in the tree guide; he said he forwarded suggestions to city staff Don Kearney.
David Socaitis used the general public input portion of Tuesday’s Sioux Falls City Council meeting to urge changes to the city’s tree guide and related ordinance, arguing that the current approved list is too narrow and discourages residents from planting a broader range of species.
Socaitis told the council the city’s published tree guide lists about 24 species and excludes fruit trees and dwarf varieties. He recommended the guide add for each recommended species: the common name, whether it is native to Sioux Falls, whether it is appropriate for boulevard planting, whether it is suitable under power lines, and disease-resistance notes (for example, Dutch elm disease resistance when recommending elms). He said he had sent his recommendations to Don Kearney, a city staff member.
Socaitis framed his suggestion as a way to increase tree planting and the benefits that follow, including shade, improved air quality and property-value effects. He did not propose a specific ordinance change on the record and the council did not take action during the meeting.
