Parks, Recreation & Leisure

Parks, Recreation & Leisure / Parks & Forestry

Tree Talk

Landscaping Tips | Plant of the Month | Tree Talk

Tree Planting
Spring break this year found son number three and myself in Toledo for fine art, hockey and Tony Packo's Hungarian hot dogs. While leaving Tony Packo's parking lot we noticed a large green ash being disassembled in the front yard of the home immediately next door. All of the ash trees in Toledo are now dead or dying from emerald ash borer infestation. Although the infestation at Easton in Columbus appears to have been eradicated for now I am not yet ready to advocate the planting of new ash trees in our community.

This is however the time to consider planting something to replace that elm, pear or maple that was destroyed or disfigured in the December 04 ice storm. The Upper Arlington Parks and Recreation department has an excellent web site with much helpful information at www.ua-ohio.net/parksrec/forestry . Of particular interest are the tree trek brochures which can be downloaded and printed. Each is a map of significant trees and their locations in Thompson, Fancyburg and Northam parks. It is helpful after reading about a tree to go and see one in the bark (and in the park) to see what you think of it and whether or not you like it.

Information is also posted on the Cost Share program for funding street trees in the public right of way. This program can result in significant cost savings for residents interested in street trees. Over the years we have had different neighborhoods get together to order street trees jointly, something which can really transform and beautify a neighborhood. Cost share and Commemorative trees can now be ordered for planting this coming fall.

I would also urge persons interested in trees to walk through the Lane Avenue Gardens of Ohio State's Chadwick Arboretum. The trees are all labeled and should do well in your yard if they like OSU. The Arboretum's Spring Plant Sale, Auction, and Gardening Fair will be Thursday May 5th for Arboretum Members and Friday May 6th and Saturday May 7th for the general public. It is well worth joining the Friends of the Chadwick Arboretum, call (614) 688 3479 for more information. Plant sale selections will be on the web at http://chadwickarboretum.osu.edu. Please attend one of the three tree auctions and bid against me on the trees. My wife will thank you for each one that you get that I do not.

Charles J. Hickey
Vice Chair, Upper Arlington Tree Commission

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