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City updates street-tree programs; hazard removals cost-share and winter clearance pruning remain in high demand
Summary
Urban Forestry staff reported on the Hazard Street Tree Cost Share and the Courtesy Street Tree Clearance Pruning program, noting strong demand, rising per‑tree costs and a need for improved inventory data and longer-term funding for replanting and crown work.
Lexington’s urban forestry staff on June 10 briefed the Environmental Quality and Public Works Committee on street-tree programs, saying demand for hazardous-tree removal and replacement assistance remains high and that the city is working to expand proactive maintenance and inventory tools.
The update came from Heather Wilson, urban and community forestry section manager, who described two core programs: a Hazard Street Tree Cost Share that reimburses homeowners for hazardous street‑tree removal and replacement (typically a 50% reimbursement; 100% grants available to households under an income threshold) and a Courtesy Street Tree Clearance Pruning program that prunes limbs over sidewalks and roadways.
Why it matters: Street trees provide environmental and social benefits such as shade, stormwater mitigation and improved walkability. Wilson said it is less expensive to maintain a healthy urban canopy than to…
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