Certified arborist urges Struthers to expand tree canopy, offers inventory and funding ideas

Charles Swattell, a certified arborist and master gardener, told the Struthers City Council at its community development meeting that the city’s tree canopy is well below recommended levels and urged officials to begin a citywide tree inventory and a planting program.

Swattell said Struthers’ canopy “sits at less than 10%,” and said the standard target is about 30% of a city under tree canopy. He described multiple benefits of urban trees, including cooler surface temperatures, reduced stormwater runoff and mental-health benefits, and he outlined practical steps for planting and maintenance.

Swattell said the city “has a lot of pavement and concrete” and described the urban-heat-island effect, adding that “shade from trees can reduce soil temperatures by as much as 8 degrees.” He recommended starting with an inventory to identify which trees the city owns, assess condition and prioritize where to plant.

The presenter described three assessment levels used by arborists. He said a level-1 inventory is a ground-level survey, level 2 allows cameras or drones, and level 3 includes entering the canopy for full inspection. Swattell described the Roosevelt Park inventory he performed for a nearby city: “I assessed 93 trees within the park boundaries” and rated the park’s overall tree-risk level as “moderate.” He gave a time-and-cost example: the Roosevelt Park effort took him about 10.5 hours and cost roughly $850.

Swattell recommended several program elements the city could adopt: a formal tree inventory, a city-approved list of appropriate tree species, a dedicated tree fund and an optional memorial-tree program that would let residents donate and pay for plaques. He also said Tree City USA designation and the Arbor Day Foundation offer grants and free trees to participating communities; “that association gives away trees every year,” he said.

Council members raised practical concerns about sidewalks and utilities. Swattell acknowledged past damage from poorly sited trees and recommended “the right tree in the right place” and using root wells or modified sidewalk designs where appropriate. He addressed utilities, saying most tree roots occupy the top two feet of soil and that properly designed root wells can protect underground lines.

Swattell offered to provide parcel lists and other inventory materials to city staff and said he would help identify which parcels are city-owned. Council members asked about next steps; several said a city inventory should be the first action. Swattell volunteered to assist and to deliver inventory materials to the city.

The meeting concluded without any formal vote on planting or funding; council members and staff indicated they would consider the inventory recommendation and related funding options, including grant applications tied to the city’s Tree City USA designation.