City’s spring 2025 plantings and open tree wells discussed; ARPA money supports planting through 2026

Commission staff presented the commission with an inventory of open tree wells identified for possible planting in spring 2025 and described the city’s recent planting cycle and follow-up program.

Staff said the inventory lists locations that may be suitable for planting but that each site requires a field review to confirm city right-of-way, underground and overhead infrastructure, and homeowner willingness. The commission heard that homeowners sometimes decline trees in front of their property; staff said they generally avoid planting where the homeowner does not want a tree because ongoing care and survival are less likely.

The commission was briefed on funding sources: staff said some planting funds were secured through collaboration with the city’s Sustainability and Resiliency office and are covered by ARPA-related allocations and other grant funds. The ARPA funding must be spent by December 2026, staff said. Planting work is performed by contractors with city staff overseeing site selection, and seasonal staff perform watering and follow-up inspections; field notes in the inventory reflect planting outcomes, vandalism, and maintenance needs.

Commissioners raised questions about tree-well eligibility on streets with no sidewalks and about how inventory entries reflect variations in street layout and right-of-way. Staff said the standard minimum width for a planting area is typically about five feet but emphasized every location must be ground-truthed. The commission voted to file the agenda item and retain records of the planting inventory for future work.

Next steps: staff will continue ground-truthing the inventory, coordinate contractor planting and watering, and track ARPA grant spending deadlines.