Huber Heights staff propose public tree ordinance to formalize management and seek Tree City USA recognition
November 05, 2025 | Huber Heights, Montgomery County, Ohio
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Under the proposal the public-works manager and parks manager would have defined responsibilities for trees on thoroughfares, parks and city facilities. The ordinance also sets the long-term goal of preparing a formal tree master plan and identifying maintenance cycles and pruning standards; staff told council that those standards will be informed by professional arborist practices and by how neighboring communities coordinate with utility companies on trimming.
Sarah said the city already meets and, in some respects, exceeds the criteria for Arbor Day Foundation's Tree City USA designation and that formal adoption of an ordinance would allow the city to submit an application by Dec. 31. She added the city already budgets more than the $2-per-resident minimum standard used by the program and that grant eligibility for urban forestry programs typically improves with the designation.
Council members asked whether the ordinance and master plan would address utility trimming practices and reduce instances of over-pruning along rights-of-way; staff said the master plan would explore coordination options and pruning standards and that grant funds could cover some of the work.
The ordinance was scheduled to move to readings so staff could submit a Tree City USA application this calendar year.
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