Tree Advisory Board 8.19.2022

Detailed briefing

Tree Advisory Board — August 19, 2022 • The board discussed why downtown trees have short lifespans: limited soil and root space, small tree pits, narrow sidewalks, required pedestrian clearance, signs, hydrants, parking, building doors and utility conflicts. Speakers said these conditions make large canopy trees difficult to establish on central Main Street. • Members did not reject downtown greenery, but discussed a “less is more” approach with fewer trees and other greenery, such as hanging plants, rather than trying to replicate the large-canopy streetscapes found in communities with more space. Speakers also emphasized that in-ground trees can offer more air-quality, temperature and stormwater benefits than planters. • The board said the DDA leads the existing downtown streetscape plan and that any current funding for changes would need to come from the DDA; one speaker did not advocate using the general fund. A joint Tree Board-DDA meeting was proposed, but members also said the Tree Board should focus on a broader citywide streetscape and tree-canopy vision. • A member will seek a city street map and prepare initial ideas for corridor-level tree treatments for the next meeting. The concept is a visual tree master plan identifying corridors for canopy, beautification, neighborhoods and open-space canopy growth. Members said parks planning would require coordination with the Parks Board. • The board revisited heritage or landmark trees. The prior recommendation against a private-property regulation was described, while members agreed to revisit educational and informational options on a future agenda. A suggestion was made to involve Indigenous people in discussions of tree designation and significance. • Staff reported a potential DTE Foundation donation of 20 trees, with ReLeaf support, for a possible October 8 planting. The preferred site is near Bay Bluffs and the skate park, where pines are planned for removal because of utility-line interference. Contractors have been difficult to secure due to the height of the trees, power-line safety requirements and possible traffic-control needs. Worth watching: • Whether the DDA has funding, grant plans or interest in revisiting the downtown streetscape/tree-grate project. • Whether the city can secure a contractor to remove the pines near Bay Bluffs and the skate park. • Whether DTE will allow the donated-tree planting to be delayed if removal cannot be completed in time. Upcoming: The next meeting is September 16, subject to confirmation of a quorum. Why it matters: The discussion frames how Harbor Springs can expand tree canopy and downtown greenery while accounting for safety, infrastructure, cost and limited planting space.

No open public follow-ups are linked to this meeting yet.