Moraine highlights Tree City USA status, warns residents about invasive Bradford pear

A staff member told the Moraine City Council that Mayor Murphy signed the 2025 Arbor Day Proclamation and outlined the city’s Tree City USA activities, including an Arbor Day event on April 25 and attendance at the Tree City USA awards in Wyoming, Ohio, on April 24.

The announcement matters because the city plans to use its Tree City USA status to expand recognition and shade improvements in public parks and at recreation events, and officials urged residents to report invasive pear trees that the state banned in 2023.

The staff member said, “Mayor Murphy did sign the 2025 Arbor Day Proclamation,” and described the Arbor Day event the Parks and Recreation Department will run on April 25. The staff member said Kelly and other Parks and Rec staff “do a great job” organizing the event and that the speaker planned to attend.

The council member or staff representative said the city will attend the 2025 Tree City USA awards program in Wyoming, Ohio, on April 24 and will receive a packet and a new Tree City USA sticker for city signage. The speaker said the streets department made eight new Tree City USA signs to add across the city, and noted the city is replacing many signs as part of a larger signage transition. The existing Tree City USA sign was described as “on 741” northbound; the speaker said the new signs will be deployed in higher-traffic locations.

The staff member asked to take a group photo with the tree board and the proclamation after the meeting to include tree board members in posts and recognition. The speaker specifically asked Karen, a tree board member, to join a quick photo following the meeting.

The meeting also included an informational item about invasive pears. The staff member reviewed an article about protecting native trees from invasive Bradford pear trees, saying Ohio placed a ban on Bradford/Callery pear trees in 2023. The speaker said Bradford pears “are very difficult to remove” and that birds spread their seeds, allowing the trees to spread along roadsides and clearings. The staff member said the pear’s tendency to crowd out native trees and shrubs was a primary reason for the ban and for city outreach.

A person identified in the transcript as Brent explained physical differences between Bradford and Cleveland pears, describing Bradford pears as “a little thinner” and Cleveland pears as “a little squat,” with Cleveland pear trees smaller in height and spread at maturity. The staff member clarified that the Ohio ban covers Bradford and Callery pears and does not apply to Cleveland pear trees.

No formal votes or ordinance actions were recorded on the tree items during the discussion. The speaker closed the item by confirming no further questions and noting the next council meeting date as June 17.

The Moraine City Council’s presentation combined event planning for Arbor Day and Tree City USA recognition with outreach about invasive species and new city signage.