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Michiana amends Tree Ordinance to limit oak pruning amid oak‑wilt concerns
Summary
The Village Council amended its Tree Ordinance to prohibit pruning identified oak trees from April 15 to Sept. 15, requiring sanitized tools and latex paint on wounds when emergency pruning occurs; the council also approved a tree‑services application contingent on attorney review.
The Village of Michiana council on Nov. 8 amended the local Tree Ordinance to restrict pruning of identified oak trees between April 15 and Sept. 15 to reduce oak‑wilt risk. The ordinance language requires that when a tree is damaged or must be pruned during the restricted period, tools must be sanitized and a latex‑based paint applied to the wound immediately after pruning.
The Tree Board reported AEP trimming nearly complete, noted Pizzo had applied a final herbicide treatment on Oct. 2, and said a proposed Monarch watch and native‑plant seeding are under consideration pending a December presentation by Pizzo Gardens. Tree Board matters were introduced by Nancy Thill.
Nancy Thill moved to approve a Tree Proposal application for tree services conditioned on review by the village attorney, Sara Senica; the motion was amended to include the attorney review and passed on a 5‑0 roll call. The council later passed the ordinance amendment by the same 5‑0 tally.
Council members said the amendments aimed to limit pruning during the oak‑vulnerable period and to ensure sanitary practices when emergency pruning is needed. The Tree Board will work with the village attorney and the selected tree services vendor to confirm compliance details and timing for any planned work.
Next steps: The Tree Board will schedule a December presentation from Pizzo Gardens on seeding methods and costs for the butterfly/native plant garden; execution of approved tree services is contingent on attorney review and vendor selection.
