To help keep the tree canopy along Town streets healthy and vibrant, many factors must be considered before planting. To help residents, the Town has identified appropriate trees for planting, depending on needs and conditions.

Planting a tree in the Town right-of-way

If you would like to plant in the Town right-of-way, which generally extends 10-12 feet from the street on residential properties, you must contact the Town Arborist to discuss what type of tree is appropriate to plant. A number of factors go into deciding what type of tree to plant, including:

• size of the planting area
• location of power lines, underground utilities
• location of surrounding trees
• location of sidewalks
• shade or sun.

Construction guidelines

The Urban Arborist reviews all residential and commercial construction plans to determine the number and types of street trees that should be used. All planting must be in accordance with guidelines established in the ANSI A300 Standards for Tree Care Operations. A tree bond is required for any construction project that results in removal or disturbance of trees on Town property.

• Trees should be a minimum of 2-inch caliper.
• Trees should be planted 20 feet apart, 15 feet at a minimum.
• Trees should be planted at a minimum of 5 feet from any underground utilities.
• Trees may be planted on utility strips that are at least 4-feet wide.
• When planting street trees, follow guidelines set by the Tree Care Industry Association.

Street tree list

The following list was prepared by the parks and recreation department for the convenience of plan filers and Town residents.

Approved street trees when overhead wires are present (botanical name, common name):

• Amelanchier arborea, Downy Serviceberry, single-stem only
• Amelanchier x grandiflora, Hybrid Serviceberry, single-stem only
• Cercis canadensis, Eastern Redbud
• Cornus florida, Flowering Dogwood
• Cotinus obavatus, American Smoketree, single-stem only
• Craetagus spp., Hawthorn

Approved street trees when no overhead wires are present (botanical name, common name):

• Acer rubrum, Red Maple
• Acer saccharum, Sugar Maple
• Betula nigra, River Birch
• Carpinus caroliniana, American Hornbeam
• Carya spp., Hickory species
• Castanea dentata, American Chestnut
• Castanea pumila, Alleghany Chinkapin
• Celtis occidentalis, Hackberry
• Cladastrus kentukea, American Yellowood
• Fagus grandifolia, American Beech
• Nyssa sylvatica, Black Gum
• Ostrya virginiana, Ironwood
• Oxydendrum arboreum, Sourwood
• Quercus alba, White Oak
• Q. rubra, Northern Red Oak
• Q. coccinea, Scarlet Oak
• Q. phellos, Willow Oak
• Tilia americana, American Linden