Parks, Recreation & Leisure

Parks, Recreation & Leisure / Parks & Forestry

Tree Talk

Landscaping Tips | Plant of the Month | Tree Talk

Public Trees
Most properties in Upper Arlington front on a public right of way which varies in depth but averages twelve feet on the typical lot. All structures on this right of way are public property. This includes sidewalks, streetlights, fire hydrants and yes, street trees. All publicly owned street trees are pruned regularly as the city budget allows, and the city is responsible for the costs of removal and replacement, if necessary. It is city policy to encourage the planting of public trees and this happens in a variety of ways.

The city budgets limited funds and sometimes receives grant money from various sources earmarked for the planting of public trees. Since these funds are quite limited, the city Tree Commission has long prioritized the placement of these new trees on arterial and collector streets where they can be seen and enjoyed by the greatest numbers of people. Northwest Boulevard, North Star Road, Redding Road, McCoy Road, Arlington and Lane Avenues have all received such trees recently.

Budgetary constraints make the funding of street trees on purely residential streets highly unlikely. Residents of these streets have the option of contacting the city at 614 583 5340 to participate in the Cost Share Tree Program. This program allows residents to acquire trees at the city wholesale cost which averages about 50% or less of average retail price. Current Cost Share price for a 1 1/2 inch caliper tree is $75, a 2 inch caliper tree is $100. Planting service can be added for an additional $50 which is also a substantial savings over retail landscaping prices. Having personally wrestled a total of nine cost share trees into their various homes in U.A I would now gladly pay the $50 and spend the extra time at my health club. Cost Share tree varieties are determined by the size of the planting site and whether or not any obstructions such as overhead power lines are nearby.

Specific varieties are determined by the City Forester in consultation with the individual homeowner. The City is currently taking orders for Cost Share trees to be planted in Spring 2005, the deadline for ordering being January 1, 2005.

Another option is for residents to entirely fund the retail purchase price of a tree, check with the Forester for permission on variety and placement, and arrange for planting. I would only recommend this for varieties the city is unable to find on the local market and I would strongly urge checking with the City before purchase.

Varieties with weak limbs, aggressive roots and huge size are excluded, and the City also excludes trees such as Black Walnuts which can drop nuts that can damage cars. Pines and Spruces are also excluded as their width blocks traffic views and obstructs sidewalks.

Anyone planting any tree in Upper Arlington should call 1 800 362 2764, the Ohio Utility Protection Service before digging. This free to the homeowner service will come out and mark the location of all underground utilities such as power lines and gas lines.

Arlington also has a Commemorative Tree Program which funds the placement of specific trees in public parks in commemoration of persons or events. While no public plaque is placed, a record of the commemorative intent and tree location is kept at the Municipal Center. These trees do not have the specific order deadline of the Cost Share Trees and further information on ordering them can be obtained by calling 614-583-5340.

Cost Share Trees have done much to add beauty to Arlington streets. We have had several neighborhoods which have coordinated efforts to arrange for trees. These efforts add significantly to the impact and these neighborhoods ultimately benefit from improved property values. Elderberry Court has been the most recent street to coordinate efforts. Your street should be the next one.

Parks & Forestry Division
Parks & Recreation Department
City of Upper Arlington
3600 Tremont Road
Upper Arlington, OH 43221
Phone: 614-583-5340