Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
City forester updates council on 2024 work, citywide tree survey and Oak Grove arboretum designation
Summary
City Forester Hunter Smith told council the Shade Tree Commission completed a citywide tree survey in 2024 covering more than 23,000 public trees, reported planting and removal totals and announced Oak Grove Cemetery's designation as a level‑1 ArbNet arboretum.
Hunter Smith, the city forester, briefed Delaware City Council on Arbor Day and summarized the Shade Tree Commission’s 2024 work, including a citywide tree survey, plantings and removals and a new arboretum designation for Oak Grove Cemetery.
Why it matters: The citywide survey gives public‑works planners and the Shade Tree Commission an inventory to prioritize removals, plantings and maintenance. The Oak Grove arboretum designation formally recognizes the cemetery’s tree resource and provides documentation that can guide management and public education.
Key points from the presentation
- Inventory and conditions: Staff surveyed more than 23,000 public trees across rights‑of‑way, parks and public lots, documenting species, diameter at breast height (DBH) and a condition rating (dead, poor, fair or good). The urban forest includes about 135 species; five of the top 10 species are maples,…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
