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Council adopts street tree selection guide to standardize park-strip plantings
Summary
Midvale City Council unanimously approved a street tree selection guide on March 18 to provide planners, developers and residents with preferred species lists for different park-strip widths, photos, mature sizes and a list of prohibited trees; the guide is a resolution rather than a code amendment so it can be updated more flexibly.
Midvale City Council on March 18 adopted Resolution 2025-R-11, establishing a street tree selection guide to provide a reference for planting in park strips and the public right-of-way.
City staff said the code contains multiple references to a street-tree guide but no existing document. The guide, developed with landscape architects and arborists, identifies recommended species lists for small (3–5 feet), medium and large (8+ feet) park-strip widths, shows mature height and spread, and lists species the city prefers not to plant in sidewalks because of root damage or excessive mess.
Planner-presenter Adam (staff) and council members noted the guide is a resolution rather than an ordinance to allow flexibility for future updates and to accommodate new cultivars. Adam said landscape plans submitted for new development already list species and caliper; the guide will give planners and developers a city-approved reference at review time. Council members discussed the need for an administrative process to add species in the future and requested robust public-facing messaging so residents and contractors understand the guide’s role and limitations.
The council approved the resolution by unanimous roll call. Adoption provides staff with a consistent reference to advise homeowners and developers about preferred species for park strips and will be used in review of future landscape plans.
