Joint Police District
Feasibility Study Report
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VILLAGE OF GENOA TREE COMMISSION
(Spring 2009)
Properly managed trees are an essential asset to the Village of Genoa Community.
They provide us with shade in summer to reduce the cost of air conditioning, buffer
us from wind and noise, provide habitat for wildlife, increase property values,
absorb harmful air pollutants, and add aesthetic beauty with colors, shapes
and texture.
The following information will explain your part, as a resident, and the Tree Commission’s part in helping to manage the trees located on the Village’s Right-of-Way. Many of the same principals can apply to the trees on your property as well. Answers provided courtesy of the Village of Genoa Tree Commission.
Definition: Tree Lawn Area. (also know as right-of-way)
- This is the area located between the edge of pavement and the street side of the sidewalk.
- May also be the area located between the back of the curb and the street side of the sidewalk.
- If there is no sidewalk present, the property line or right-of-way line for the road fronting your property would be used.
Who do I call to report damaged or problem trees?
If a tree seems to be impacting the sidewalk, driveway, roadway, building structure or appears to be unsafe to pedestrians, please contact the Village of Genoa Tree Commission Chairman (John Niefer at 419-855-3641) or the Village Administrator (Garth Reynolds at 419-855-7791) for assistance.
When I see dead branches in my tree does that mean that the tree is dying?
All trees naturally produce and release dead branches. This natural pruning is only a sign of dying if it is widespread along with other conditions such as disease, root or trunk damage, ageing, or storm impact. Usually the dead wood can be properly removed and the tree remains healthy.
Am I permitted to prune and trim trees in front of my house (the tree lawn)?
The Tree Commission encourages the pruning and trimming of trees, provided the resident understands the process as it relates to the following:
Sidewalk vertical clearance for pedestrians: This would include pruning of branches on the side of the tree facing your home or business.
- Sidewalk clearance is at least 7 feet and preferably above 10 feet.
- Branches below the height noted in #1 are to be removed at the trunk if possible.
- If you are uncomfortable with this and wish to have the tree pruned contact the Tree Commission.
- If you would like instructions as to how this should be done, please contact the Tree Commission.
Branches hanging over the street or alley:
- Branches hanging over the street should be trimmed by the Village of Genoa or Tree Commission due to the involvement with publically traveled areas and safety issues.
Mulching trees in the tree lawn area. Is this permitted?
Landscaping and mulching around Village trees is permitted. It usually prevents mower damage, can provide protection from drying out for newly planted trees, and provides organic material for the roots as the mulch decomposes. Here are some tips on proper mulching:
- Keep mulch away from the trunk where the roots meet the trunk. Mulch on the bark encourages rot and insect entry.
- The mulch forms a donut shape around the trunk when properly placed.
- Mulch should be no more than 3 inches deep to prevent weeds but also allow moisture in and out. Mounding landscaping around tree bases causes excessive surface roots and can prevent proper ventilation of established roots.
My tree looked dry this summer. May I water it?
Yes, feel free to water your street tree in the summer. However, light watering at the surface does little for the tree. Watering in morning and evening is best and allowing water to soak deeply into the ground allows young roots to grow deeper rather than shallower (toward the surface).
Does the tree bark protect the tree from my Weed whacker?
No. Weed whacking a tree is the most serious problem we have with juvenile trees in our Village. The thin one-cell cambium layer is very sensitive to high-speed nylon impact and the girdling is deadly. It is becoming a major problem and is actually a misdemeanor offense. Please, use a hand tool to trim, mulch or place a guard around the tree to protect the cambium, especially on trees less than 12 inches at the base.
How do I request a new street tree for the Tree Lawn Area?
Contact the Village of Genoa Tree Commission. The Tree Commission can assist you in selecting a suitable species, location, preparation and care of the tree that will be necessary. If the tree lawn area of your property has experienced the loss of Ash tree(s) due to the Emerald Ash borer invasion, contact the Village’s Tree Commission to assist you with selecting an appropriate replacement tree.
The Village has removed over 100 Ash trees, in the last two years, as a result of the Emerald Ash borer invasion. If you have a question concerning an Ash tree that appears to be distressed or diseased you may want to contact the Tree Commission for assistance. There are also many aging Silver Maples that are near the end of their lifespan and are requiring attention. If you have a question concerning an older Silver Maple, you may want to contact the Tree Commission for assistance.
There is a plan to reforest our Village. Residents are notified before the tree is planted so that the resident understands the species, location, and care of the tree. Sometimes residents have a preference of species. Tree commission is ready to accommodate requests from the permitted street tree list.
Intentional damage of a Village tree (tree lawn area) is a fineable offense and should be reported to the Police Department or Village Administrator. Please help protect the Village’s trees.
This document prepared by the Genoa Tree Commission, September 12, 2008. Questions can be directed to John Niefer, Chairman (419-855-3641).
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