07-18-22-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Page 2 of 2 Attachment A. The plan included 173 boulevard trees, it does not show the 40 trees that were existing just east of the project limits that staff identified through aerial photos from 2006. That brings the total trees in 2006 to 213, today there exists 139 trees. Therefore, over the last 16 years, there has been a loss of 74 trees or about 35%. Recently, Public Works staff inspected the existing condition of the remaining trees along TH- 96. Attachment B shows the trees that were identified to either monitor (7) or remove (26), the second sheet is a spreadsheet that correlates to each point on the map. A good portion of the trees have been identified with Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) disease, and most of the trees identified with EAB are at the early stages of disease. These Ash trees were measured at less than 8 inches so they were not included in the chemical injection treatment group performed in 2021. This is due to the mechanical wounding to the tree caused by the drilling. As the trees get larger, they tolerate the drilling every other year with no problem but, the smaller they are, the more invasive the treatment is. There is however the option to apply an annual ground treatment for existing Ash trees along TH-96 performed in the Fall. After speaking with Rainbow Tree Care, the cost would be about $35 per tree. There are currently about 50 Ash trees (including EAB identified trees) along TH-96 that would qualify for this treatment (total cost for this treatment would be $1,750). The other approach Council could choose would be to remove all trees identified with EAB and begin growing a new tree in its place. Other locations considered for planting new trees is Perry Dog Park (possibly 4 trees), Thom Court median turnaround (1 tree), Oak Avenue median turnaround (2 trees). With direction from tonight’s discussion, staff will pursue executing a project this year as long as there is tree inventory available. In a future project, staff would look at locations to apply our “buddy tree” program where we would plant trees near other trees that are declining in health. Discussion • Council’s vision for the tree plan. • Species of trees that would be chosen are identified as resistant to disease and performs well in boulevard environments and deicing operations. Staff is still researching the specific species, but the planting strategy would be to choose a variety of species to avoid any certain disease from affecting a large number of trees in the future. Budget Impact A 3-inch caliper tree ranges from $500-$800 to install. Council could choose to order larger trees but the cost increases with increased size. Tree bags cost about $25 per bag and could be ordered for each new tree. All the bags the City currently owns are being utilized on existing trees. Attachments Attachment A – 2006 TH-96 Landscaping Plan Attachment B – Public Works Tree Inspection