Tiffin Tree Status, 2003
In September, 1995 Tiffin received a Tree Inventory Report and Management Plan submitted by ACRT, Environmental Specialists, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.
The Plan included the findings of the city streets and park trees. Every tree was carefully examined and the species and condition of the tree were noted. The approximate size was noted.
Trees on the city streets numbered 6,117. The findings noted 842 planting sites and 123 stumps. The parks contained 1,142 trees and 14 stumps.
Almost 100 species and varieties of trees exist on street rights-of-way. The most common species were silver maple, representing more than 33 per cent, followed by sugar maple with 15 per cent. More than 80 species were recorded in the parks. Here, the dominant species were again silver maple, 9% and Norway maple, 8%.
The class size of the street tree population is fairly even with an above average percentage of large trees. The majority, 82%, of the street tree population was evaluated as being in fair to good condition; where as 88% of the park trees were rated fair to good.
A priority listing of about 500 trees were determined to be dangerous and to be immediately removed. More than 1300 trees were recommended for priority pruning.
The total estimated value of the 6,117 street trees was $8,458,000. The value of the 1,142 park trees was $1,112,000. This adds up to roughly $1300 for each street tree and $1,000 for each park tree!
The city administrator, the city arborist and the Shade Tree and Beautification Commission have recommended several removals beyond the 500 priority removals. The requirements of the sidewalk ordinance is certainly responsible for most of the additional removals. Perhaps 1,000 trees have been removed along the city streets and from the parks since 1995.
The Tree Commission has examined most of the 842 planting sites mentioned in the ACRT report, and trees were planted in the appropriate sites. Some landowners chose not to have any trees planted on the adjacent city property. About 2,000 trees have been planted in the city rights-of way since 1995 in my estimation. Perhaps another 200 were planted in city parks and in business places, such as North Star. Most of these have come from our city nursery located at the Water Pollution Control Center on North Water Street. An estimate for the cost of the 2,000 trees is $200,000.
In conclusion, most of the recommendations in the ACRT report are completed, and, in addition, the stresses caused by the new sidewalks have been reduced. We see many new sidewalks throughout the city and new exciting species and plantings along their way. Several of the older trees in the downtown streetscape that were mature and beginning to fade away were replaced by columnar oaks, columnar maples, and male ginkgos. These trees are quite expensive and need our care and help to protect them. 2For 2004, to get a tree on Tiffin street property, the adjacent land owner should submit a request to Public Works at 419 448-5430
In 2003, Tiffin received the Tree City USA Award for its 21st consecutive year. Only two cities in northwest Ohio have received the award for more years. Bowling Green and Toledo have been awarded for 22 years. Tiffin, with Fostoria, plan to be the hosts for 2006 Tree City, USA for all of northwest Ohio.
The Tiffin Shade Tree and Beautification Commission hosted the only bicentennial celebration in the Tiffin Area. The formal program was associated with our Arbor Day celebration. Awards for paintings and poetry about trees were received by the winners in the afternoon part of the program. Most of the awards went to school children of all ages.
The morning program included the dedication of a bicentennial plaque, and the planting of the last one of 78 bicentennial trees along the river. These select flowering trees, columnar cherry, centurion crab, eastern redbud, and autumn brilliance service berry, along with a plaque, were part of a matching bicentennial grant received from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. A majority of the trees were planted along Riverside Drive from South Washington Street to Hunter Street. Others were planted from North Washington Street to the railroad viaduct along Water Street.
In early November, 1,000 bulbs, including 200 red and yellow tulips, 100 crocus and 700 daffodils and narcissus were planted next to the river wall along Riverside Drive from the Rock Creek bridge to the railroad viaduct. Another 300 bulbs were planted along the Benner Street Walk-way. We owe thanks to the Tiffin Garden Club for their monetary assistance for purchasing the bulbs. 2Two areas that need additional attention are (1) the area from S. Washington Street to the Rock Creek Bridge along Riverside Drive and (2) the area behind the Ritz Theatre along the river wall on the cut-through from S. Washington to East Perry Street. Flowering trees were planted this year in both areas. We should enjoy the area between East Perry Street to Hunter Street by the scenic Sandusky River next April and May.
The ultimate act of kindness is to plant a tree under which you know you will never sit. Robert Kennedy.
Percy