Tree Commission finalizes Arbor Day giveaway plans and training outreach
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Summary
Commissioners set Arbor Day for April 25, selected white oak as the giveaway species, discussed ordering quantities (historically ~100, possibly 75), logistics (drive-through vs. in-person) and training and instruction materials to accompany plantings.
The Tree Commission confirmed plans for the city's Arbor Day tree giveaway and discussed outreach and training to improve survival and equity of plantings.
Speaker 2 (commission member) announced the date: "First best is Saturday, April 25 from 10 to noon," and commissioners discussed three candidate species — American hornbeam, yellow buckeye and white oak — ultimately agreeing on white oak for this year's giveaway. Commissioners said past giveaways ordered about 100 trees and that weather and turnout in some years left significant leftovers; they discussed reducing the order to about 75 this year to better match demand.
Logistics were debated: some commissioners favored preregistration and a drive-through pickup (used during the COVID period) to manage flow and inventory, while others preferred an in-person distribution at the event with educational materials. Commissioners agreed that each distributed tree should include clear planting instructions or a small care card so recipients understand planting expectations and early maintenance needs.
Training and staffing needs were also discussed. Several members praised recent training events (including a session in Parma attended by staff and commissioners) and recommended local sessions for volunteers and crew to standardize pruning and young-tree care.
What's next: Staff will check availability with suppliers, place orders in time for spring planting, prepare informational cards for recipients and finalize a logistics plan for pickup and distribution.