years ago. Part of our work in Forestry is to review
all commercial landscape plans on new projects,
so we have also been able to work with our plan-
ning staff to improve the landscapes within all
the commercial redevelopment now underway.
How do you procure your
trees and who plants them?
SC: We buy our mostly B&B trees from nurs-
eries in the Midwest (zone 5 or colder). We rarely
have problems getting what we need, or with
tree quality. We then hire contractors to plant the
trees we have purchased. That way we don't have
inappropriate substitutions or other tree quality
issues. The downside is we get no warranty. The
exception is on major capital projects where sub-
contractors provide the trees and plant them,
and a warranty is provided. We do it that way
because our Forestry section is too small to manage
such large projects in our preferred manner.
What are some ways the
public is involved?
SC: We hear from the public through both tradi-
tional means (email, phone calls, hand-decorated
greeting cards etc.) and more modern technology
(website, social media, etc.). We try to notify resi-
dents in advance of any significant work adjacent
to their home by postcard, letter, email, phone, or
door hanger. Most public involvement is specific to a
particular tree problem or question. We are a small
enough community that we still schedule home visits
regularly. And of course we have a talented Tree
Commission of seven residents who offer guidance,
ideas, and feedback throughout the year. In addi-
tion, our volunteer group, Friends of Upper Arlington
Parks, spends time every month removing invasive
honeysuckle, buckthorn, pear, and other troublesome
plants from our natural areas, and they plant natives
to fill the voids in spring and fall. Their work has been
remarkably effective, but it's a never-ending battle. >>
www.urban-forestry.com 29
As in many communities, roadways and traffic patterns have been
evolving, and roundabouts have been added at key locations. Some
offer opportunities for center island landscapes while others do not, but
new street trees are included in many capital improvement projects.
