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Manchester files Tree City USA and Growth Award applications after expanded tree spending
Summary
Staff told the Tree Advisory Board Manchester completed Tree City USA and Growth Award applications and exceeded the $2-per-capita expenditure requirement, citing $102,803 in maintenance and $26,000 in MDC grant support; Arbor Day Foundation approval is pending.
Mark Halpin, a staff member who briefed the Tree Advisory Board, said Manchester completed applications for Tree City USA and the Growth Award and that the state coordinator has approved them while the Arbor Day Foundation’s decision is pending.
Halpin reviewed the city’s tree-related spending for 2025: $102,803 on maintenance (pruning, chipping, and Christmas tree recycling), $34,955 on tree removals and $39,139 on tree management such as inventory and consulting. Halpin said Manchester received $26,000 in grant funding from MDC to offset inventory costs. He added that the city exceeds the Tree City USA requirement of $2 per capita.
Halpin also said Manchester accrued 15 Growth Award points, including 10 points for a February 2025 tree inventory conducted by Davey Resource Group and 5 points for tree-risk mitigation. According to Halpin, staff and contractors mitigated 100% of high-risk trees identified in the inventory.
The board did not record any formal vote on the applications in the transcript. The next procedural steps are awaiting final approval from the Arbor Day Foundation.
