Property owners are reminded that certain specifications exist that must be followed when planting trees in the right-of-way or “parking” area. This area is from the property line to the paved portion of the street. The right-of-way area is generally from 1 foot behind a sidewalk to the street or 33 feet from the center of the paved portion back to the property. Only when planting trees in this area must these regulations be followed.

It is anticipated that after October 15, 2011, a permit will be needed to plant trees in the right-of-way area. The purpose of this permit is two-fold: to inform the city of where trees are planted and also to give the property owner peace of mind knowing that the tree is being planted according to city code.

The spacing for the planting of a tree is generally in the middle of the right-of-way area. No planting can take place in a right-of-way that is less than 9 feet across.

The city does not mandate certain trees be planted in this area, however, there are specific trees that are prohibited. These trees included any fruit-bearing trees, or any trees commonly known as cottonwood, poplar, box elder, Chinese elm, evergreen, willow, black walnut or austrees.

Again, no specific trees are being mandated for this area. We know that windstorms will likely occur again, but we can all work towards preventing the type of damage caused by very large trees on houses and power lines. To this end, the city would like to recommend that property owners consider the following trees to plant in the right-of way areas. None of these are fruit bearing and only the maples will have seeds in the summer.

Small Trees: These trees will be 15 to 25 feet in height when mature. The smaller trees will do better when there are overhead power lines in the right-of-way area. These smaller trees are:

* Korean Maple

* Amur Maple

* State Street Maple

* Ivory Silk Lilac Tree

* Golden Eclipse Lilac Tree

* Chanticlear Pear

* Jack Pear

* Kwanzan Cherry

* Red Point Maple

* Frontier Elm

Medium Trees: These trees will grow to 30 to 40 feet in height when mature. These trees will do better when there are no overhead power lines in the right-of-way area. The medium trees are:

* Blue Beech

* Northern Acclaim Honeylocust

* Sunburst Honeylocust

* Spring Snow Crab

* Aristocrat Pear

* Red Rocket Maple

* American Sentry Linden

* Harvest Gold Linden

* Discovery Elm

* Royal Red Maple

If you have any questions concerning the planting of trees in the right-of-way, please contact the city arborist, Jeff Schadle at 472-2768.