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Havre de Grace adopts comprehensive municipal tree plan, aims for 40% canopy by 2035
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Summary
The city council unanimously adopted a 2026 Comprehensive Municipal Tree Care Plan after a presentation from DPW Director Joe Conway. The plan sets maintenance targets, plantings, a canopy goal and includes a budget increase for proactive care.
The Havre de Grace mayor and city council on April 6 adopted a comprehensive municipal tree plan aimed at strengthening the city's urban forest and reducing public-safety risks from aging trees.
DPW Director Joe Conway presented the 2026 plan, describing scope, data sources and a multi-year maintenance schedule. Conway told the council the plan prioritizes trees in rights-of-way, parks and other public properties, follows ANSI A300 standards and will rely on a coordinated approach among city departments, contractors and advisory groups. "Every tree planted is a promise to future generations," Conway said.
Conway cited canopy analysis from the Chesapeake tree canopy network and i-Tree data showing a net gain of about 14 acres of canopy between 2013 and 2021 and laid out a 2026 maintenance program that includes crown raising for 20% of targeted areas, crown cleaning for 25% and crown reduction for 35— 40 large trees. He said the city will plant 50 native trees during the year (25 in spring, 25 in October) and is preparing an RFP to update the city's tree inventory.
The presentation flagged a current fungus affecting pin oaks and said impacted specimens are being monitored under Maryland forestry standards; Conway said some removals may be required if monitoring determines they are unsafe. Conway also said the administration is proposing increased funding for tree care for the coming budget year (he described the plan's funding as "over $105,000").
Council members asked about private-property planting, replanting timelines after removals and DPW contact procedures; Conway advised residents to contact DPW before planting on city right-of-way and said fall replanting is typical after removals.
Council introduced and then adopted calendar resolution 2026-04, which the mayor read as the vehicle to adopt the municipal tree plan. The resolution passed on a roll-call vote of 6-0.
The council directed staff to proceed with implementation steps identified in Conway's packet, including the inventory update and targeted plantings. The plan sets a long-range aspirational target of 40% canopy coverage by 2035 and emphasizes proactive maintenance to reduce emergency removals.
