Huber Heights board votes to recommend prioritizing native trees but allow adapted species in constrained sites

The Huber Heights Park and Recreation Board on Jan. 21 voted to recommend that city council adjust the parks’ planting policy to prioritize native trees while allowing selected adapted nonnative species in constrained urban locations.

Staff presented handouts outlining why native trees matter in Ohio and shared an example ordinance from Somerville that requires 100% native species for new plantings. The board discussed practical constraints — root systems near paved areas, salt tolerance for parking-lot plantings, and leaf/fruit drop concerns — and members identified candidate adaptive trees, such as the crimson spire oak, for narrow or paved sites.

Board member Chris (speaker labeled S6) moved “to prioritize native trees, but not make them exclusive,” and another member seconded. The motion passed by roll call with the recorded result of 10 to 0 in favor. The motion asks staff and public works to develop a recommendation or draft ordinance to take to city council authorizing limited use of adapted noninvasive species where needed while keeping a strong preference for native plantings.

Members stressed prohibiting invasive species. “Definitely not include invasives. Not for sure, no Bradford pears,” a board member said during the discussion. Staff also noted Somerville’s approach as a cautionary example: that city’s ordinance defines native plants as those originating east of the Mississippi and requires native species for new plantings.

Next steps: staff will prepare a formal recommendation and draft ordinance template to present at a future council work session, with the board planning to use the March work session as an opportunity to present the park-and-rec update and proposed change.