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

Street Tree Planting in Upper Arlington
Under the guidance of the Upper Arlington City Tree Commission, the City of Upper Arlington maintains over 15,000 trees within the public right-of-way. These trees enhance our quality of life by shading pavement, slowing traffic, increasing property values, and generally improving the local environment in numerous ways.

The City encourages residents to plant trees within the public right-of-way, in accordance with the guidelines outlined in this brochure. Residents can purchase street trees or have them planted through the Cost Share Street Tree Program. More information about this program is available by calling 583-5340 for a brochure and order form.

Street trees should be chosen, planted and maintained in such a way that they can thrive in spite of exhaust fumes, a narrow planting bed, road salt, pedestrians, utilities and other challenges.

Planning Your Streetscape
Residents must contact the City before planting, pruning, or removing any tree on a public street right-of-way. The right-of-way includes the tree lawn between the curb and sidewalk, and on most streets extends beyond the sidewalk. Public right-of-way available for tree planting is also present on streets without sidewalks or curbs.

Trees should be planted at least 10 feet from fire hydrants and street lights, seven feet from driveways and street signs, six feet from underground utility line valves, and 35 feet from the corner curb of street intersections. In addition, the following spacing guidelines generally apply:

• Small species: at least 24 inches from the edge of curb or walk and 10 feet from the nearest tree
• Medium species: at least 30 inches from the edge of curb or walk and 20 feet from the nearest tree
• Large species: at least 30 inches from the edge of curb or walk and 30 feet from the nearest tree

If trees are purchased through the Cost Share Street Tree Program, the City will plant the trees for an additional charge, taking responsibility for proper tree placement and identifying the location of underground utilities. Neighborhoods are encouraged to work together on group planting projects.

Care of Street Trees
Residents are encouraged to provide routine care for street trees. New trees should be watered regularly. Once per week (one inch of water) for at least the first two summers and falls is recommended. Keeping a two-three foot wide circle of mulch, no more than three inches deep, over the root zone is also important. Most other tree maintenance, including pruning on a six-year cycle, is provided by the City. The City will also remove dying or unsafe trees and plant replacements.

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