Tree Commission approves Montrose perimeter planting plan, adds about a dozen replacement trees

The Bexley Tree and Public Gardens Commission on June 18 approved a perimeter planting plan for the Montrose area that adds about 12 replacement trees and identifies four trees for removal. Audra (Audrey) Young and Grant Archer led presentation of a marked map and planting key; commissioners discussed species selection and constraints from narrow berms and overhead wires. Chair Susan Quintenz asked for a motion; a member moved to adopt the Montrose tree review plan and implement it “as soon as possible.” The plan passed by voice vote. Grant Archer confirmed the implementation window is a fall planting project and staff will finalize placements in collaboration with Audra Young and commission staff if necessary. Why it matters: the plan aims to increase species diversity, improve canopy variety and replace lost trees near the playground and other Montrose perimeter locations. Commissioners emphasized native species where feasible and noted site constraints (narrow berms, utility wires) that affect species selection and caliper size. Supporting details: Commissioners discussed specific candidate species: forest‑pansy redbuds, smoke trees (with cultivar/availability concerns), flowering dogwoods (Cornus florida), lindens (Tilia), honey locust, and black gum/Tupelo. Walter Raines, the commission’s landscape consultant, advised that some small planting beds are only about three feet wide and that species and spacing were selected with those constraints in mind. Grant Archer said staff expects the planting to be completed in the fall. Next steps: staff and the commission will finalize exact placements and tree selections; the motion approved the planting plan with implementation details to be coordinated between Grant Archer and Audra Young.