Committee discusses using tree-bank funds for medians and irrigation; no policy change yet

The Hendersonville General Committee discussed Feb. 11 whether to broaden use of the city's tree-bank funds, including using the account to support median plantings and irrigation to improve tree survival, but took no formal action.

Jason Gellow, administrative services director, explained the tree bank is a restricted account the city keeps for tree replacement fees paid by developers. “So the tree bank is we keep, on our books, on our financial books, we keep certain accounts or funds designated for restricted use,” Gellow said. He said the city currently limits planting to public property under the program.

Economic development and community planner Jay Breerbeck told the committee the fund balance is roughly $364,000 and said the city has had difficulty finding eligible public locations large enough to use the funds: “So, we we have $364,000, I think, with the industry behind that. And we're having a hard time just finding places for those,” Breerbeck said. Committee members suggested medians and select private locations that provide public benefit, such as corridors near West Main Street and Galton Road, as possible sites for trees paid from the account.

Members also discussed irrigation and post-planting care. Staff described current practice of using watering bags and a contract for tree watering rather than running permanent irrigation lines; committee members said funding additional soil or irrigation work could improve tree survival in some locations.

Committee members asked whether the limits on the account were statutory or set by city policy; staff said the restrictions are city-imposed and therefore could be changed by the city. No formal motion or vote to change policy was recorded; the discussion ended with members encouraging staff to identify potential planting locations and return with options.

The transcript records no formal vote or amendment on the tree-bank rules at the meeting.