Parks, Recreation & Leisure

Parks, Recreation & Leisure / Parks & Forestry

Street Trees

Introduction | Street Tree Brochure (pdf file) | Cost Share Program | Large Species Recommendations | Medium Species | Small Species | Undesirable Street Trees

Cost Share Street Tree Program
Street trees are a valuable public resource in our City. Public street trees enhance our quality of life in many ways beautifying neighborhoods, improving our environment, slowing traffic and increasing local property values. Both individuals and entire neighborhoods enjoy the benefits of street trees when they are properly selected, planted, and maintained.

For these reasons, the Upper Arlington Tree Commission and the City of Upper Arlington offer to all residents the opportunity to purchase and plant street trees through the Cost Share Street Tree Program.

The City provides species and location recommendations. Trees are available in two sizes: 1.5" or 2" caliper (approximately six-10 feet tall depending on caliper and species). Prices vary depending on size selected.

The City delivers the tree(s) to your home if you wish to do the planting, per instructions provided by the City. If you do not wish to plant your own tree(s), the City will plant for you, at an additional cost.

All prices are listed on the Cost Share Street Tree order form, which is available upon request.

Neighbors are encouraged to organize block, street, or neighborhood planting projects. The City guarantees all trees and will replace them if necessary at no further cost to you. All trees must be planted on the public right-of-way along a dedicated public street.

The right-of-way includes the tree lawn (also known as the curb strip, parkway, devil strip, etc.) between the curb and sidewalk. In addition, on most streets the right-of-way extends beyond the sidewalk some distance. Even on streets without sidewalks or curbs, a public right-of-way is present, and street trees can be planted.

Cost share trees may be ordered at anytime for spring or fall planting. Fall orders must be placed by late August. Spring orders must be placed by early January (see the order form for specific deadlines). Payment is due upon receipt of the order.

Residents should water new trees regularly. Watering once per week the first two summers is suggested. Annual mulching is also recommended. The City is responsible for pruning and most other street tree maintenance. Residents must contact the City before planting, pruning, or removing any tree on a street right-of-way.

The life of a street tree is not simple. Street trees must coexist with vehicles, exhaust fumes, pedestrians, utilities, sidewalks, curbs, etc. Proper planning and planting is essential to prevent future problems, and to maximize the life and performance of each new tree. Planting instructions are provided with each order. The following general planning guidelines also apply in most cases.

Minimum Tree Spacing Guidelines
Small Species (15-30' tall at maturity)
Plant at least 24" from the edge of curb or sidewalk and 10' from the nearest tree.

Medium Species (30-45' tall)
Plant at least 30" from the edge of curb or sidewalk and 20' from the nearest tree.

Large Species (exceed 45' in height)
Plant at least 30" from the edge of curb or sidewalk and 30' from the nearest tree.

All trees should be planted at least 10' from fire hydrants and street lights; 7' from driveways and street signs; 5' from underground utility line valves, and 35' from the corner curb of street intersections.

Upper Arlington Tree Commission
The goal of the Upper Arlington Tree Commission is to guide and facilitate the operation of a comprehensive municipal forestry program which enhances the quality of life for all Upper Arlington residents. Programs include:

• Cost Share Street Tree Program
• Commemorative Tree Program
• Tree Trek Brochures
• Arbor Day Celebration
• Volunteer planting projects
• Street tree maintenance and replacement
• Park tree maintenance and replacement

Upper Arlington has received the National Tree City USA award each year since 1990. Thank you for your interest in a greener Upper Arlington.

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