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Tree Commission hears ONU will withdraw from Tree City program; forester warns late plantings may threaten young trees
Summary
The Village of Ada Tree Commission heard that Ohio Northern University plans to withdraw from the Tree City program and learned of concerns about late fall plantings and tree survival; the commission set a return to spring planting and added specimen-maintenance and Depot removal to the next agenda.
Michele Chambers, chair of the Village of Ada Tree Commission, told members at their Jan. 16 meeting that the Village will return to spring plantings and set a timeline for ordering locations and species in February or March, with planting in April and May.
Terry Keiser, forester, reported that Ohio Northern University (ONU) planted 60 trees in 2025, spent approximately $30,000 on tree removals, and used a private contractor for most plantings. Keiser said ONU will be withdrawing from the Tree City program and that he is unsure whether ONU will plant trees next year. Keiser also raised concerns about trees planted in the fall, saying the timing was much later than anticipated and that the commission will need to monitor survival closely.
Joe Hefner, public works superintendent, said all Village-planted trees have been installed and noted one tree will need to be moved to a new location. Keiser told the commission he was not satisfied with the timing of last year’s planting and said Public Works priorities contributed to delays.
Chambers said she will add discussion of a Specimen Tree maintenance quote and a proposal to use grant funds for tree removal at the Depot to the commission’s February agenda. Keiser also reported the commission did not use $1,500 of Hardin County Foundation funds and suggested coordinating with the Village fiscal officer to reconcile that amount against this year’s award.
The commission did not take a formal vote on planting policy or grants at the meeting; members set scheduling and agenda items to address those decisions at a future meeting.
