Evansville board reports surge in plantings, plans replanting on US 41 and schedules seminars

During the Dec. 5 meeting the City of Evansville Tree Advisory Board reported an active year of tree plantings and reviewed operational items including replanting along US 41 South of Washington, grant coordination and training schedules.

Speaker 2 said the city arranged a 2-for-1 replanting agreement with a neighborhood association after tree removals along US 41 South of Washington; excess nursery stock from the agreement is expected to be available for planting on the Greenway. Members discussed species availability, the neighborhood’s preferences, and a target timeline for planting this winter through April.

Board members also described a busy year of volunteer plantings and partnerships. Speaker 2 estimated ‘‘somewhere around 500–600’’ trees were planted this year (the transcript provides this approximate range rather than a precise count). The board noted a recently approved Westwood Woods grant and ongoing collaboration with the Forest Alliance and Parks Department as supporting resources.

On Emerald Ash Borer, board members said there was not new technical information at the meeting but agreed EAB and the removal of ash trees have contributed to canopy decline over the last decade. The board also announced free tree-pruner licensing seminars in 2025 (Feb. 6, May 8, Aug. 7 and Nov. 6) at the C. K. Newsome Center at 6 p.m., and noted the board’s Champion Tree Tours were nominated for a Celebration of Leadership award.

No removals were approved at the Dec. 5 meeting; the board adjourned after wrapping up other business.