City of Perrysburg

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Street Trees

Tree City USA Community

Since the spring of 1985, Perrysburg, Ohio has officially been designated a Tree City USA, confirming what residents have long known - that our tree-lined streets are a valuable aspect of Perrysburg’s well-known quality of life. The Tree City USA program, administered by the National Arbor Day Foundation with support from the USDA Forest Service and state forestry programs, recognizes communities that implement four basic standards necessary to a comprehensive community tree care program. Perrysburg has met these standards each year since 1985. Click here for the City of Perrysburg Street Tree Informational Guide (updated 11/2022).

Tree City USA Standards

  • Observe Arbor Day locally with a program in the spring of each year and declare an official proclamation. Click here to see this year's Arbor Day celebration
  • Adoption of a Street Tree Ordinance in 1973, legally protecting trees in the public rights-of-way
  • Spend $2 annually for every citizen of Perrysburg on our Community Forestry Program
  • Establishment of the Perrysburg Street Tree Commission in 1973 to develop and administer the forestry program

Street Tree Commission

The Street Tree Commission was established in conjunction with the Ordinance 1024 of the City of Perrysburg Codified Ordinances for the purpose of advising City Council and the Mayor on any program or legislation regarding plants in public ways. The eight members of the Commission include the Director of Public Service, the Operations Manager of Public Service, the Planning and Zoning Administrator, and five citizen members, one of which is a certified/licensed arborist appointed by the Mayor. The Commission is charged with the education of the public regarding the selection, planting, and care of trees.

In 2020, the comprehensive inventory of Perrysburg’s existing street trees was updated, including species, size, and maintenance requirements. The Operations Manager of Public Service uses this inventory to care for existing trees. The total value of the Perrysburg street tree population is estimated at over $8 million.

Street Tree Ordinance

Perrysburg’s Street Tree Ordinance established the authority of the Operations Manager of the Department of Public Service, who is under the supervision of the Director of Public Service, to plant, trim, spray, and remove trees in public places. The Operations Manager’s authority also extends to the pruning of any limbs overhanging public property. The ordinance requires a written permit to plant a tree in the public right-of-way.

The ordinance further protects trees in public places by prohibiting the pouring of deleterious substances upon the soil surrounding trees, prohibiting the stacking of materials around the base of trees, and protecting trees during any construction occurring nearby. Approval for City street tree removal must be obtained from the Street Tree Commission.

The final provision of the Street Tree Ordinance requires that all construction include the planting of street trees. Prior to a zoning permit being granted, all tree permit funds are collected, and then the Street Tree Commission develops the street tree plans.

Permits for Planting Trees in the Public Right-of-Way

A permit is required for planting trees in the public right-of-way. Planting permits can be found here or by calling the Planning and Zoning Office at 419-872-8060. A list of prohibited trees and approved trees can be found here.

Caring for your Street Trees
The City of Perrysburg is responsible for the trees that are planted in the street lawn. That is the area between the sidewalk and street. The Street Tree Commission approves the design of the street tree planting in all new residential and commercial projects within the city. Residents have a shared interest and responsibility in the maintenance and care of their street tree in terms of watering and proper mulching. If the street tree is not watered or volcano mulched and dies, it will not be replaced by the City. The City has the responsibility of planting, pruning, trimming and removal of street trees when necessary. More information on caring for your street tree can be found here.