Delaware City Shade Tree Commission reviews multiple landscape plans, species swaps and canopy accounting

At a recent meeting of the Delaware City Shade Tree Commission, commissioners reviewed multiple landscape plans for incoming developments and discussed proposed tree species substitutions, canopy calculations and maintenance responsibilities.

Commissioners examined landscape plans for several sites, including Sawmill Farms and Mill Run Crossing, and discussed whether proposed plantings belong in the public right-of-way or on private property. Commissioners noted a range of species proposed and several substitutions: hedge maples and hornbeam were added for larger shade-tree slots, Japanese tree lilac and ginkgo were proposed in some locations, and a common hackberry was suggested in place of a red oak in at least one plan.

Commissioners raised questions about species suitability and long-term…