GREENHILLS’ URBAN FORESTRY PROGRAM UPDATES
PROGRAM UPDATE #2
Our Urban Forestry Program is really picking up speed! On August 27th, the Village submitted an Urban Grant Program application to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources requesting $100,000, focused mainly on tree planting. We should learn if we are going to be awarded a grant by October 15th.
During September, the Village had clearance pruning done on Hadley and Cromwell Roads. Clearance pruning is when trees are trimmed to a height of 14’ over the road, and 8’ over the sidewalks. A big thanks to our residents on Cromwell and Hadley who were so cooperative with the limitation of parking the day of the work!
A bid packet for the “H” block tree work to be completed yet this year is being finalized and will be released very soon. You will recall from Update #1, that the Arborist’s assessment identified 203 trees in the H block, 12 recommended for removal, 178 recommended for normal pruning, and the remainder no action necessary.
And with the help of our residents, the Village has finalized a list of stump removals. The number of stumps total 44. We are currently obtaining bids to do this work yet this year. We will also be seeking bids for the pruning or removal work identified in the initial assessment by the Arborist to be done by the end of this year.
UPDATE #1
Since May of this year, we have been working with UrbanCanopy Works to build a proactive care program for our trees over the coming years. Such a program will reduce risk, extend the life of our trees, and in the long term will increase canopy and allow our tree assessment funds to go further. The arborist from UrbanCanopy Works conducted an initial assessment of all village trees a few months ago. The assessment resulted in a number of dangerous trees being removed immediately, and numerous others were identified for pruning or removal before the end of 2025.
The next step was to divide the Village into zones, for which we used our “blocks.” Within those blocks, our arborist will perform an on-the-ground inspection of one or two zones each year, identifying any pruning or other care needed. Additionally, each year all public trees will be inspected to identify any obvious dead and dying trees. The arborist will also follow up on tree issue inquiries we receive at the Village.
An assessment for the “H” block has been completed. The assessment identified 203 trees in the H block, 12 recommended for removal, 178 recommended for normal pruning, and the remainder no action necessary. The “H” block tree work will take place over the next few months. More information to follow, so check back.
Heritage Tree Program
The Greenhills Tree Advisory Board has developed a program to recognize, appreciate and inspire awareness of the contribution trees make to Greenhills. Before its development, Greenhills was farmland that had to be cleared and replanted. We want to increase public awareness of the significance and importance of our trees.
Many of the trees you see today were planted during the community’s development in the 1930s. Trees are part of the Village’s heritage. There are many wonderful species thriving in the community – this is a wonderful way to recognize and nurture them for future generations.
To encourage public participation in the identification and perpetuation of heritage trees, the Tree Board invites residents to nominate trees that they believe are: of exceptional size, form or rarity, or horticultural value; or a tree of exceptional age, and/or associated with or contributing to a historic structure or district or with a noted person or historic event; or one which is a prominent identifying feature of the community. The Heritage Tree designation may be applied to a tree or grove of trees.
Anyone may nominate a tree or trees, but the person who owns the land on which the tree stands must consent to the nomination. To be considered for Heritage Tree status, a nomination for the tree must be submitted to the Greenhills Tree Advisory Board. If the nomination is favorably considered and the owner is in agreement, the tree will be designated as a Heritage Tree. Once approved, a certificate will be issued to the owner of the tree. It is hoped that by recognizing the tree, the owner will be encouraged to preserve the tree.
To view the application materials, click here.
To view the Heritage Tree Register, click here.
Memorial Tree Program
Greenhills offers a Memorial tree Program to honor or commemorate those who are special to us.
For details, click here.
To view a list of potential planting sites, click here.
To view a map of the potential planting sites, click here.
LAW REGARDING DEAD, DISEASED OR OTHERWISE DANGEROUS TREES ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
Greenhills now has in place a new law requiring property owners to remove trees that are dead, diseased or otherwise a danger to the public. The Village's certified arborist will evaluate trees and determine if remedial action is needed. If the Arborist determines the tree is, indeed, a danger to the public, the property owner will receive notice to remove the tree within a certain period of time. If the tree is not removed, the Village may take the tree down and charge the cost back to the property as a tax lien.
The requirement is aimed solely at public safety. If a tree is dead, but does not constitute a public hazard the Village will still inform the owner that they may want to take some action to avoid injury to themselves or to their property.
If you are concerned about a tree, for your convenience a publication prepared by the US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, can be viewed by clicking here.
Official tree of Greenhills - the Overcup Oak
The giant Overcup Oak is the official tree of the Village of Greenhills. Though located in various parts of the Village, an impressive stand of the Overcup can be seen along Bradnor. How will you know it is an Overcup? The top of the acorn comes down the sides of the acorn - almost to the bottom creating the "overcup." The Overcup is typically planted to improve wildlife habitat. Many animals eat the acorns including ducks, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, squirrels, and small rodents.
The Overcup is also planted as an ornamental. The trees can withstand a variety of soil conditions and are tolerant to droughts and the cold.
Official Greenhills Bird - The Pileated Woodpecker
You will find this large woodpecker in great numbers around Winton Woods and our Greenbelt. You will hear them drilling rectangular holes in trees to find carpenter ants. These excavations can be so broad and deep that they can cause small trees to break in half. These holes then create shelter for other birds, such as swifts, owls, and bats.
The Pileated will visit backyard feeders for suet. They will also eat wild fruits and nuts in the woods.
The Pileated Woodpecker prefers large trees for nesting. In young forests, it will use any large trees remaining from before the forest was cut. Because these trees are larger than the rest of the forest, they present a lightning hazard to the nesting birds.
The oldest known Pileated Woodpecker was 12 years 11 months old.
INVASIVE PLANTS
Did you know that honeysuckle is just one of the most invasive plants in our area? Now joining honeysuckle as a very invasive plant is the Tree of Heaven, also known a the Sumac. Click here for a picture and information about this plant.
