Tree commission advances invasive-species guidance and Arbor Day plans; proposes homeowner-facing list

Commissioners discussed draft guidance on invasive plants and a two-list approach: one homeowner-facing sheet with practical alternatives and one technical list for landscape professionals that cites state and national invasive-plant resources. Mary McMunn and Audra (surname not provided) reported they had compiled a spreadsheet and circulated it to staff and the commission for review.

Walter Raines, Mary and Audra advised the commission to align the professional reference list with recognized authorities (for example, state invasive plant councils) while keeping the homeowner list focused on species residents are likely to purchase locally. "We do have an ordinance that lists invasive species," the chair said, recommending the commission compare the ordinance against the spreadsheet and identify additions to recommend to City Council.

Members discussed how the lists would be used: distributing a simple homeowner list at new-resident orientations and including the professional list as an attachment to landscape-application packets to reduce surprises at the podium. Commissioners also confirmed Arbor Day activities, heritage tree nominations (this year focusing on a ginkgo), and community events such as an Earth Week invasive-removal effort would be opportunities to publicize the guidance.

Next steps: staff and the volunteer subgroup will refine both lists, share them with the commission and then prepare materials for public distribution and for inclusion with application materials.