Tree Planning for the Year 2000
An inventory of the city trees in the boulevards and parks was completed in l995. Along with the inventory, a comprehensive urban forestry program was presented. The plan called for the removal of many dead, dying and structurally weak trees. The plan also called attention to all appropriate planting sites including those where trees would be removed.
A computer program was obtained that would allow the city to keep up with all the details, including where the trees are located and the name of the species. This information is available at the Public Works/Street Department on Miami Street.
In the past four years, hundreds of trees have been removed. City crews have removed many of these with the guidance of Lowell Hetzel, a certified arborist. Others were removed by contract with tree removal agencies.
Almost every site that was in the original inventory has been examined by the Shade Tree and Beautification Commission or by a city work crew, and a determination was made as to whether a tree should be planted. At the same time, notes were made about the kind of tree that would be appropriate. The follow-up of the original inventory of l995 is basically completed. About 1200 trees were planted by contract with nurseries. Over 200 were planted from the city nursery at the Water Pollution Control Center by city crews.
Before a tree is planted on city owned property along the streets, a card is sent to the adjacent land owner that requests a reply only if they do not want a tree at that site. All negative returns are honored, otherwise the tree will be planted.
For the fall of l999 and spring of 2000, 275 trees were contracted after following the above procedure. The contractor came to Tiffin in November and December with 185 trees and all the equipment needed for planting. As they were planting, several individuals spoke to them or called the city in opposition to the trees being planted on the city property adjacent to their property. As a result, several trees were not planted by the contractor. Others, already planted, will be dug up and replanted in the spring. The city crews have had to find up to 30 new unexamined sites for these trees. . The city probably lost the guarantee and two year care for the 30 trees.
The average cost for each tree, including the planting, guarantee, and two year care is $l00. They are all nursery grown, and selected for their quality and suitability to the site. Japanese silk lilac, cockspur hawthorn, Kousa dogwood, redbud, centurion crabapple, stellar pink dogwood, Robin Hill service berry, Autumn blaze pear, golden rain tree, yellow wood, crimson king Norway maple, bonfire sugar maple, October glory red maple, American hornbeam, tulip tree, crimson spire oak, shingle oak, red oak, scarlet oak, skyline honey locust, magnifica hackberry, black gum, green ash, greenspire littleleaf linden, and Zelkova were choices to be received. The homeowner would pay $150 to $200 for these same trees.
A tree Commission goal for 2000 is to plant another 275 trees. There are many special sites that have not been evaluated. These include new homes, businesses and factories which will receive the Commission’s attention. All home owners are invited to request a tree or trees to be planted on city property adjacent to their homes. Owners can call the Public Works/ Street Department at 448-5430 or Percy Lilly, Chairman of the Commission at 447-2896. The city parks where more than 50 trees were removed in the last four years may receive new plantings. The Shade Tree and Beautification Commission invites all to send in any ideas where we can work together in beautifying our city.
Mary and I were among the hundreds of revelers that were in downtown Tiffin on New Years Eve. It was a wonderful idea, and the planners and promoters are to be commended. There was much excitement and good feeling. I hope this is the beginning of a tradition. It can be a fun evening for all ages.
Many wonderful things have happened in Tiffin in the last decade of the 20th century . We look forward to the first decade of the 21st century with enthusiasm and anticipation. But there is one area where we should give renewed attention. New sidewalks and improvement of old sidewalks are desperately needed. Ella Street is a prime example where it is extremely dangerous for our children to have to walk on the pavement of this very busy street.
– Percy