Bexley discusses tree-giveaway, Fair Avenue oak plan; commission names white oak 2025 landmark tree

At its Feb. 19 meeting the commission heard details about the city's Arbor Day and tree-giveaway planning and a proposal to align the giveaway with a Franklin County Soil & Water "Community Backyards" certificate. Grant Archer, urban-forestry staff, said the county program offers residents either an online course and quiz or an in-person workshop; participants receive a certificate that the city could use as part of its giveaway eligibility. "This program does provide a list of native trees that can be planted, so we can always just use that list as well," Archer said.

Archer explained the trade-offs: higher-cost trees such as oak species reduce the number of trees that a limited fund can cover, while cheaper species allow more plantings. "If we go with all oaks, those are more expensive," he said. The commission discussed options including awarding a larger planting subsidy for native species, offering fall-planting options to align with better establishment conditions, and scheduling a local workshop so residents can receive the classroom portion of the county course without leaving Bexley.

Separately, staff reported that the Fair Avenue beautification project has begun tree removals and that the design, once submitted, will return to the commission for approval. Grant described a goal of establishing an oak-focused collection on Fair Avenue: "We'll try to get at least one of every species that's available here in the state of Ohio on Fair Avenue," he said, using the Latin-derived arboretum name Quercetum to describe an oak collection.

The commission also voted to name the white oak as the 2025 landmark tree. The motion passed by voice vote. Commissioners discussed outreach for nominations and education on how to distinguish white oaks from other oaks; staff said the commission will publish guidance and request photo nominations in the coming weeks.

Administrative notes: the commission discussed scheduling for Arbor Day events, a planned film screening about redwood conservation and fundraising author events tied to the Bexley Public Library author series.