Tree commission outlines planting, hazard-removal work and asks council to back grant application

Mount Healthy City Council heard a detailed update from Tree Commission chair Dwight Weasey on the commission’s near-term planting and grant work.

Weasey described community events including seed-potting in March and seedling potting in April tied to a 'Year of the Pawpaw' outreach program and said the commission is coordinating site work with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and neighboring commissions. He said an arborist completed a survey and the commission has hazard-reduction work lined up "that should be $7,300. We have 7 trees; some of those are removals and four are hazard-reduction pruning," which will be spread across the city.

Weasey also said the commission is planning soil remediation along Perry Street to improve planting conditions and that the current grant round will cover plantings through June 2027. He told council the grants the commission has pursued were 100% funded and asked the council to pass a resolution of support so the application can be submitted by the April 1 deadline: "We will be asking, like last time, a resolution of approval from the city council approving that, yes, we're behind you doing this effort."

Councilors asked logistical questions about volunteer classes and timing; Weasey said a pruning class is expected soon but a firm date had not yet been set. He also flagged that some planting work needs to occur in fall and that the commission plans to roll some activities into a second round of grants.

The update closes with the commission requesting formal council support at the March meeting so the commission can meet the April 1 application deadline.