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Monmouth tree board reports success of yard-tree program, seeks volunteers to fill vacancies
Summary
Gordon Taylor, chair of Monmouth’s Tree Advisory Board, said the city’s yard-tree program is entering its third year with strong uptake and low mortality; the city pays 50% of tree costs and will run applications in January. The board has two vacancies and seeks volunteers.
Gordon Taylor, chair of the Monmouth Tree Advisory Board, told the council the yard-tree program has entered its third year and is delivering results: planted trees are generally healthy and public feedback has been positive. He described the program’s mechanics: the city pays half the cost (up to a capped amount), applicants enter a lottery and volunteers help plant trees in selected yards. Taylor said the program hopes to expand earlier outreach next year and noted only one tree seemed lost last season but showed signs of recovery.
Wade Carey of Power & Light added that volunteers and Western Oregon University athletics often supply planting crews; the board has two vacancies and outreach is planned. Councilors asked whether the board handles maintenance and pruning. Taylor and staff clarified the board’s role is primarily planting and community engagement; major maintenance and hazardous tree removal would be routed to Public Works or require arborist involvement. Staff said they will consider raising the city match if tree costs continue to increase.
Councilors encouraged improved marketing and earlier notice for applications (timeline: application window opens in January), and thanked volunteers for the program’s community-building value.
