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Tree Commission: roughly 185–190 trees planted this spring; staffing and watering needs flagged
Summary
The Tree Commission reported that Corso's nursery planted about 162 trees this spring at targeted south-of-the-tracks locations under an urban forestry grant, bringing total plantings to roughly 185–190 this season (about 400 including fall efforts). Members raised concerns about watering capacity, warranty replacements and resident pushback; a Touch-a-Truck event is planned for early August.
The Tree Commission reviewed its spring planting program on May 19, reporting that contractor Corso's nursery planted roughly 162 trees at targeted locations south of the railroad tracks and in downtown streets, and that total plantings this spring are about 185–190.
An agency official responsible for the urban forestry grant told the commission, "There was 162 trees planted by Corso's nursery," and said the locations included 50th Street, the Columbus corridor south of the tracks, Pierce and Buchanan streets, much of Tyler Street, Barker, portions of Harrison and Seneca, and several downtown streets including Washington Row, Wayne Street and Market. The presenter said a fall planting had added about 100 more trees, bringing the combined program to close to 400 trees that will need watering this season.
Commissioners and staff cautioned that watering every tree once per week—staff's stated goal—may not be achievable while the department is "down a full time person." A staff member said the likely reality is watering every 1.5 to 2 weeks and that the city is seeking to rehire and will use seasonal help; watering activity and dates are being recorded in GIS for grant reporting.
Several newly planted trees were identified for warranty replacement. Staff reported about 5–6 trees on Columbus Avenue and roughly 13 in MacArthur Park had been tagged for replacement and that vendors had been contacted to make replacements within the one-year warranty period. Commissioners described follow-up inspections at the nursery and pre-construction checks to confirm root systems and planting quality.
The commission addressed modest resident resistance in a few blocks (noted around Sandusky and Harrison) and said staff had relocated 3–5 trees within the qualifying grant area when homeowners declined them. Members emphasized outreach to explain benefits and to prioritize locations with sparse canopy.
Under new business, commissioners confirmed that the Touch-a-Truck event is on the agenda for the first Tuesday in August and invited participation and ideas for giveaways; staff will issue reminders as the date approaches. The meeting concluded after routine business when a motion to adjourn was agreed.
The commission did not record a formal roll-call vote on the minutes; the chair stated the minutes were approved by consensus earlier in the meeting.
