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Guthrie board outlines tree inventory, removal and replanting priorities after Arbor Day
Summary
The Parks and Urban Forestry Board reviewed aging and dead trees across city parks, discussed creating or funding a current tree inventory, and reported on an Arbor Day tree giveaway and volunteer support.
The Guthrie Parks and Urban Forestry Board on May 15 discussed an accelerated program to inventory, remove and replace dead trees in city parks following recent losses and the city’s first Arbor Day event.
Board members and staff said inventory work is needed to identify trees for removal and sites for replanting. The board noted about 13 trees in Highland Park are now dead and five large trees in Mineral Wells were highlighted as priorities for replacement. A staff member said the current parks tree inventory exists in the parks and trails master-plan book but is out of date and needs updating.
The board emphasized practical next steps: begin with one smaller park to pilot a field inventory, consider using volunteers such as Boy Scout troops or Job Corps groups to assist with data collection, and explore software options or grant funding to support a searchable, maintainable inventory. A staff member suggested an Excel-based interim solution if grant-funded software is not available.
The group discussed sources of new trees and community support. Members said previous large-scale tree giveaways arrived through the Arbor Day Foundation and yielded multiple semi loads of container trees in the past, and that local nurseries and community partners have expressed willingness to donate or help. The board asked staff to pursue local partners and potential donations.
Board discussion also covered removal and trimming logistics. Staff reported crews will prioritize cemetery mowing for Memorial Day and then focus on tree removals and trimming, noting some large trees may require temporary park closures while crews operate equipment. A staff member said the parks department has identified trees that must be felled and about 15 additional trees needing trimming across Highland Park and the trail network.
Board members reminded colleagues of city standards for privately planted trees that staff provided during a recent giveaway: minimum planting size and spacing requirements are set by city ordinance, and staff urged anyone planting trees to consult the ordinance for required sizes and placement.
The board thanked volunteers and partners who supported the recent Arbor Day event and said the board will continue planning tree giveaways and fundraising to restore canopy coverage over time.
