Tree board discusses canopy grant, planting methods, trail plantings and mowing coordination

Members of the Evansville City Tree Advisory Board spent a substantial portion of the June 5 meeting on canopy goals, grant-driven plantings, and maintenance issues tied to trail construction and state mowing contracts.

Sean (staff member) said the grant-funded planting window extends through next spring; the board plans fall plantings in neighborhoods including Jacobsville and others and will finish remaining work in spring if necessary. “We're working with Paul from Parks, as well as Westman Woods, and some neighborhoods, Jacobsville and some other neighborhoods to get some trees planted, before time runs out for the grant, which is, I believe, next spring,” he said.

Nut graf: The board focused on improving tree survivability by changing planting strategy and protection — discussing smaller tube trees, staking and caging systems, and the mixed performance of balled-and-burlap plantings — while linking plantings to trail projects that expand usable green space.

Planting methods and survivability Board members debated the relative success of tube trees versus balled-and-burlap or container trees. Sean and others said tube trees have shown higher short-term survival but are more vulnerable to mower damage, vandalism and wind until they grow larger. The board discussed a proposed protective system of stakes and cages and more frequent inspection during early years to improve survival rates. One board member said the tube trees “for the most part look like they're doing pretty good.”

Trail and planting updates The board received an update on the Next Level Trail (Walnut Street to Lincoln and through State Hospital Park) and related plantings. Paul (board member) said phase 2 was awarded to Rivertown Construction and described the trail routing and connections to the meadow and Westman Woods. Members noted sections near Vane Avenue and US 41 have new plantings and that the planting efforts are already changing the character of those corridors.

Maintenance and mowing coordination Board members raised concerns about recent INDOT mowing cycles in urban corridors and how reduced mowing frequency can create heavy growth that later becomes difficult to manage. One member warned that while mowing less can help young trees initially, the accumulated growth can lead to a “mess to clean up” and increase invasives and rodent habitat.

Other notes - Tree giveaway attempt: Staff reported limited uptake in some neighborhoods because lots are small or not owner-occupied; the board discussed offering smaller ornamental trees in tight-yard neighborhoods. - Seminar and outreach: The board confirmed tree-pruners licensing seminar dates: May 8, Aug. 7 and Nov. 6 at the C.K. Newsome Center at 6 p.m.

Ending: The board agreed to continue experimenting with protection systems for newly planted trees and to coordinate fall plantings under the grant to maximize survival and canopy gains.