City of Jefferson, Georgia SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY FOREST MASTER … · 2019-01-30 · City of Jefferson, Georgia SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY FOREST MASTER PLAN Version 1.0 August 31, 2010

City of Jefferson, Georgia SUSTAINABLE

COMMUNITY FOREST MASTER PLAN

Version 1.0 August 31, 2010

Prepared byConstance P. Head

Consulting Urban Forester Technical Forestry Services 1046 White Hill School Road Commerce, Georgia 30529

706.202.5279 / [email protected]

City of Jefferson, Georgia SUSTAINABLE

COMMUNITY FOREST MASTER PLAN

Version 1.0 August 31, 2010

Prepared by Constance P. Head

Consulting Urban Forester Technical Forestry Services 1046 White Hill School Road Commerce, Georgia 30529

706.202.5279 / [email protected]

City of Jefferson, Georgia Sustainable Community Forest Master Plan

Table of Contents FOREWORD ...................................................................................................... i

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ..................................................................................... i

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................... iii

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION .................................................... 1

THE CONCEPT OF SUSTAINABILITY ................................................................... 2

SCOPE OF MASTER PLAN ................................................................................. 2

Content ............................................................................................................................ 2

Time Frame ...................................................................................................................... 2

Trees Addressed .............................................................................................................. 3

SECTION 2: JEFFERSON’S COMMUNITY FOREST TODAY .......... 4

OVERVIEW ....................................................................................................... 5

THE TREE RESOURCE ........................................................................................ 6

Tree Canopy Cover ........................................................................................................... 6

The City Tree Resource ..................................................................................................... 8 Locations of City Trees ......................................................................................................... 8

City Tree Inventory ............................................................................................................... 9

ADMINISTRATION .......................................................................................... 11

Roles and Responsibilities .............................................................................................. 11 City Arborist ....................................................................................................................... 11

Public Works and Street Department ................................................................................ 12

Parks and Recreation Department ..................................................................................... 12

Jefferson City Schools ......................................................................................................... 12

Jefferson Heritage Tree Council ......................................................................................... 12

Recordkeeping and Reporting ........................................................................................ 13

Policies ........................................................................................................................... 13


City Code of Ordinances ..................................................................................................... 13

Development Assessments ................................................................................................. 14

Recommended Revisions to the Land Use Management Code ......................................... 15

Recommended Revisions to Other Sections of the City Code ............................................ 17

PROGRAMS ................................................................................................... 18

City Tree Establishment ................................................................................................. 18

City Tree Maintenance ................................................................................................... 18 City Tree Maintenance ....................................................................................................... 19

Park Tree Maintenance ...................................................................................................... 19

City Schools Tree Maintenance .......................................................................................... 19

Tree Maintenance Equipment ............................................................................................ 19

Private Tree Management ............................................................................................. 20

Education and Outreach ................................................................................................ 20 Gift Tree Program .............................................................................................................. 20

Heritage Tree Program ...................................................................................................... 20

Staff Training ...................................................................................................................... 21

Tree City USA ................................................................................................................. 24

Georgia Urban Forest Council ........................................................................................ 24

FUNDING ....................................................................................................... 25

City Budget .................................................................................................................... 25

Grants ............................................................................................................................ 25

Donations ...................................................................................................................... 27

SECTION 3: JEFFERSON’S COMMUNITY FOREST VISION AND GOALS .................................................................................. 28

JEFFERSON’S COMMUNITY FOREST VISION .................................................... 29

JEFFERSON’S COMMUNITY FOREST GOALS .................................................... 31

Long‐term Goals ............................................................................................................. 31

Short‐term Goals ........................................................................................................... 32


2008‐2038 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SUPPORT ................................................. 34

SECTION 4: PROGRAMS ........................................................ 36

INTRODUCTION TO THE PROGRAMS .............................................................. 37

ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM ........................................................................ 37

Responsibility for City Trees ........................................................................................... 37 City Arborist ....................................................................................................................... 37

The Jefferson Heritage Tree Council .................................................................................. 39

Street Department ............................................................................................................. 40

Parks and Recreation Department ..................................................................................... 40

Jefferson City Schools ......................................................................................................... 41

Jefferson Tree Stewards ..................................................................................................... 41

City Planner ........................................................................................................................ 41

Responsibility for Private Trees ...................................................................................... 42

Program Planning .......................................................................................................... 42

Tree Work Order System ................................................................................................ 42

Recordkeeping ............................................................................................................... 43

Reporting ....................................................................................................................... 44

FUNDING PROGRAM ..................................................................................... 45

City Budget .................................................................................................................... 45 Environmental Fee ............................................................................................................. 46

Tree Bank ........................................................................................................................... 46

Grants ............................................................................................................................ 47

Donations ...................................................................................................................... 48

ARBORICULTURAL STANDARDS PROGRAM .................................................... 48

Arboricultural Terminology ............................................................................................ 49

Safety Requirements ...................................................................................................... 49

Tree Protection Standards ............................................................................................. 50

Site and Species Selection Standards ............................................................................. 51


Site Preparation Standards ............................................................................................ 52

Nursery Stock Selection Standards ................................................................................. 53

Tree Planting Standards ................................................................................................. 53

Mulching Standards ....................................................................................................... 55

Irrigation Standards ....................................................................................................... 57

Fertilization Standards ................................................................................................... 57

Pruning Standards .......................................................................................................... 58

Electric Utility Right‐of‐way Vegetation Management ................................................... 59

Tree Support Systems Standards .................................................................................... 60

Lightning Protection Systems Standards ........................................................................ 60

Standards for Determining Tree Value ........................................................................... 61

Tree Removal Standards ................................................................................................ 61

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES .................................................................................... 62

COMMUNITY FOREST INFORMATION PROGRAM ........................................... 63

Tree Canopy Cover ......................................................................................................... 63

City Tree Inventory ........................................................................................................ 64

CITY TREE ESTABLISHMENT PROGRAM .......................................................... 64

Number of Trees ............................................................................................................ 64

Matching Tree Planting Program .................................................................................... 65

Tree Planting Objectives ................................................................................................ 65

Tree Planting Work Plan ................................................................................................ 66

City of Jefferson Official Tree Species List....................................................................... 66

CITY TREE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM ............................................................ 70

Introduction to the Work Plans ...................................................................................... 70

New Tree Maintenance Work Plan ................................................................................. 71

Established Tree Maintenance Work Plan ...................................................................... 71

Tree Pruning Work Plan ................................................................................................. 72

Tree Mulching Work Plan ............................................................................................... 74


Tree Fertilization Work Plan ........................................................................................... 75

Cabling and Bracing Work Plan ...................................................................................... 75

Pest Management Plan .................................................................................................. 76 Insects and Diseases ........................................................................................................... 76

Mistletoe ............................................................................................................................ 76

General Maintenance Work Plan ................................................................................... 77

Tree Inspection Work Plan ............................................................................................. 77

Tree Removal Work Plan ................................................................................................ 77

PRIVATE PROPERTY TREE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM .................................... 78

Development Assessments ............................................................................................ 78

Revisions of the Land Use Management Code ................................................................ 78

Site Plan and Variance Request Review ......................................................................... 79

Trees on Existing Developments .................................................................................... 79

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH PROGRAM ....................................................... 79

Educational Programs .................................................................................................... 79

Educational Opportunities ............................................................................................. 80

Target Audiences ........................................................................................................... 81

Media ............................................................................................................................ 81 Brochures and Bulletins ..................................................................................................... 81

Websites ............................................................................................................................. 82

Reference Library ........................................................................................................... 82

City Tree Festival ............................................................................................................ 83

Educational Opportunities (Non‐City Sponsored) ........................................................... 83

IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM ....................................................................... 84

APPENDICES ......................................................................... 85

CONTENT OF APPENDICES ............................................................................. 86

Appendix A: Tree Canopy Cover Study Results Appendix B: 2008‐2010 Tree Inventory Data Summaries and Results .......................................................................................... 87


Appendix B: 2008‐2010 Tree Inventory Data Summaries and Results ............................. 88

Appendix C: 2009‐2010 Tree Planting Results ................................................................ 89

Appendix D. Homeowner Tree Assessment Form .......................................................... 90

Appendix E: Master Work PlanAppendix F: Glossary of Arboricultural Terms ............... 91

Appendix F: Glossary of Arboricultural Terms ................................................................ 92



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DD).

Foreword This Sustainable Community Forest Master Plan was written specifically for the city of Jefferson to meet the community’s unique needs, goals, and vision. Throughout the course of a year, the consultant worked with city officials, staff, volunteers, local agencies and citizens-at-large to define the current state of Jefferson’s community trees, to create a vision and set goals for the community forest and its management, and to develop a master plan that puts into place, in a progressive manner, a framework for quality and efficient management of the city’s community trees. The official adoption and timely implementation of this plan is vital to the long-term success of the city’s community forest management program.

Acknowledgements The author would like to acknowledge the ongoing support provided by Mayor Jim Joiner and members of the Jefferson City Council and the valuable guidance provided by City Manager John Ward during the process of developing this master plan, and would also like to thank city staff, especially employees of the Public Works and Street Department and the Parks and Recreation Department, and Jefferson City Schools staff as well.

The author would also like to acknowledge the outstanding assistance of the members of the Jefferson Heritage Tree Council, who donated hundreds of hours of their time toward the completion of this project and toward the continuing success of the city’s community forest management program. The Jefferson Heritage Tree Council and the City of Jefferson would like to gratefully acknowledge the funding assistance provided by the Georgia Forestry Commission and their ongoing and vital support of the city’s community forest program.

Funds for this project were provided by the Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program administered by the Georgia Forestry Commission.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and T

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-A, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.


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About this document…

This document was formatted according to the Associated Press Style Book. It was produced in MS Word and converted to an Adobe PDF document. The plan may be downloaded from the city’s website as a PDF file and is also available from City Hall at a cost of $25 for a hard copy and $10 for a CD.

The acronyms listed below with their meanings are used repeatedly throughout this document, and are reproduced here for quick reference:

@ ANSI = American National Standards Institute

@ BMP = Best Management Practice

@ DBH = Diameter at Breast Height (trunk diameter at 4.5 feet above the ground) @ GUFC = Georgia Urban Forest Council

@ ISA = International Society of Arboriculture


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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Jefferson’s current community forest management program is young, active and administered by a dedicated and passionate group of staff and volunteers. Since the program’s inception just 4 years ago an impressive array of programs has been successfully implemented. In the last 2 years alone, with the leadership and support of city staff, Tree Council volunteers, consulting urban foresters and arborists, the Mayor and City Council, and the community as a whole, the city has completed a city tree inventory (more than 2,500 trees); completed measurements of tree canopy (56 percent) and impervious surface cover (11 percent) across the city; conducted four (4) staff tree maintenance training sessions, three (3) Tree Council development sessions, two (2) park clean-up events, an Arbor Day celebration, and a strategic planning session; completed an assessment of trees on development sites and reviewed provisions of the Land Use Management Code to find ways to improve its effectiveness; planted 177 trees on city property for a cost of only $1,400; and received $90,240 in grant funding and completed three (3) grant projects. These activities and many more supporting activities have been completed at an expense to the city of less than $5000!

With a desire to sustain the momentum of the program and to approach management in a more comprehensive and sustainable manner, the city and the Tree Council commissioned the development of this Sustainable Community Forest Master Plan. The plan includes both short- and long-term programs and activities. It contains 4 main sections and appendices. After an introduction to the plan in Section 1, a not-so-brief summary of the current state of the community forest and its management is provided in Section 2. Substantial detail has been included so that the new management program described later in the plan can be considered with sufficient context. To guide the city in transitioning from the current state to the vision of a healthy, expansive, and beautiful community forest presented along with long- and short-term goals in Section 3, programs and work plans are outlined in Section 4 which will establish the foundation for the city’s program as it moves forward. These programs and work plans address administration, funding, arboricultural standards, community forest information, city tree establishment, new tree maintenance, established tree maintenance, private tree management, and education and outreach.

The Mayor, City Council, City Manager, City Arborist, Jefferson Heritage Tree Council, Main Street Jefferson, Public Works and Parks and Recreation departments, and Jefferson City Schools all have prominent roles to play and responsibilities to meet in community forest management. The city will continue to hire consulting urban foresters and arborists to provide technical expertise and program coordination, and eventually the city will hire a full-time employee to serve as the City Arborist, budgets permitting. Additional recommendations for administration include an annual planning meeting, regular bi-monthly meetings of the Jefferson


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Heritage Tree Council, and expanding the council’s voting membership to 11. The council’s regular meetings will be attended by city staff and others that work around community trees and will serve as information sharing sessions between community forest management partners.

Improvements in recordkeeping are part of the new administration program so that outcomes can be evaluated against goals and plans to facilitate future planning and budgeting. Regular reporting of tree program activities to the City Manager, Mayor and City Council will continue and eventually be expanded to include an annual state of the trees report.

Funding of the program is addressed in the plan, however, no annual budget requests are proposed as it is difficult to know what constraints will be in place or what opportunities will be available for outside funding when budget requests need to be made. Regardless of these unknown constraints and opportunities the program will rely on three (3) main sources of funding which include the city budget, grants, and donations of cash and in-kind services.

Arboricultural standards and best management practices will be adopted and implemented for all city trees and for trees regulated by the Land Use Management Code. The adoption, implementation, and enforcement of these standards are essential to increase tree health and longevity, maintain tree canopy cover, and reduce tree establishment and maintenance costs.

Management will also rely heavily on information gathered about the tree resource during the city’s tree inventories and tree canopy cover measurement. Central to the new program is a goal of no net loss of tree canopy cover and the arborist will track tree canopy cover change on city property and attempt to do the same on private property by asking individuals and businesses to voluntarily provide information about changes in their tree canopy online on the city’s website.

The city will continue its robust tree planting program, planting a minimum of 125 trees each year along city streets (80), in parks (20), and on school campuses (25). In addition to a goal of maintaining the current level of tree canopy cover, increasing species diversity and 100 percent stocking of street tree sites are long-term goals of the tree establishment program. To double the results of the city’s efforts, residential, commercial, and industrial property owners will be asked to match the planting of these trees by planting a tree on their property. If this match program is successful, a minimum of 250 trees will be planted in the city each year.

The implementation of routine tree protection, inspection, mulching, pruning, watering, fertilization, and removal programs, as well as addressing the more immediate maintenance needs identified in the tree inventory, represents a huge increase the workload for city staff. It will take 5 years or more for these programs to become routine and for the workload to stabilize. Getting even the most essential maintenance done will require the involvement of many community partners. City tree maintenance responsibilities are divided between staff from the Public Works and Parks and Recreation departments, Jefferson City Schools, the Jefferson Heritage Tree Council, and a new group of volunteers to be known as “Jefferson Tree Stewards.” The tree stewards will be trained to provide specialized training pruning, mulching, and


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inspection for newly planted trees. Eventually 30 tree stewards will be trained and certified to prune and mulch 250 to 400 trees per year to reduce the workload on staff. Residents and businesses will also be asked to help the city in caring for the trees on the right-of-way adjacent to their property by properly mulching them and watering them in times of low rainfall.

In the next 5 years the city will begin to address the maintenance recommendations made during the tree inventory. Each year 30 medium to large street and park trees will be pruned, five (5) will be removed, and one (1) will be cabled and braced. The work will be done by city staff or experienced contractors. Each year 16 medium to large school trees will be pruned, five (5) will be removed, and one (1) will be cabled and braced. The work will be done by city schools staff or experienced contractors. Numerous other maintenance activities will also be scheduled and completed to address tree inventory recommendations, including fertilization, removal of vines and wires from tree branches and trunks, and root collar excavation to remove girdling roots and straps and wire baskets left on root balls at the time of planting.

In the long-term the city will inspect, prune, cable and brace, fertilize, and remove trees as needs are identified. A routine pruning program with a 10-year cycle will be developed. All city trees will be re-inventoried every 10 years, and every 5 years a new tree canopy cover measurement will be completed to determine trends in tree canopy and impervious surface cover change.

The management of trees on new development sites through the Land Use Management Code will continue. The recommendations made after the development assessments and Land Use Management Code review to improve the effectiveness of the code in achieving the community’s vision and goals will be discussed with a stakeholder group after they provide their input a final set of recommendations will be submitted for adoption to the Mayor and City Council. The plan includes the establishment of an environmental fee to pay for the cost of site plan and variance reviews and site inspections by the City Arborist, and the establishment of a tree bank that will accept monies in lieu of trees when reductions in tree density or increases in impervious surfaces are approved. Forfeited landscape bonds will also be deposited in the tree bank.

Finally, the master plan continues the city’s ambitious education and outreach program, providing over the years tree care education and information through a variety of media and events to city and city schools staff, landscape, tree service, and construction contractors, Tree Council members, neighborhood associations, commercial and industrial property owners, and the community at large. Of utmost importance will be educating staff and the development community on standards and best management practices for tree care. The city’s annual Arbor Day celebration will continue with an expanded multi-event tree festival. A Heritage Tree Calendar will be developed as an educational tool and fundraiser for the Tree Council.

The community forest management program described in this Master Plan is ambitious. It cannot be implemented all at once. If implemented progressively, and diligently, the city will build a sustainable community forest management program and see their community forest vision realized.


SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION


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y.

Jefferson is an attractive, healthy, and enjoyable place to live, work, and visit. One of the reasons for our high quality of life is the city’s green infrastructure—our canopy of trees. Our beautiful trees provide a major and irreplaceable contribution to maintaining the city’s economic and environmental health and sustaining the character of our communit

Trees provide us with clean air, clean water, energy savings, higher property values, quality wildlife habitat, ample recreational opportunities, and an overall sense of well-being. Because we all value the functions and benefits trees provide, the city has commissioned the development of this Sustainable Community Forest Master Plan to provide guidance and a framework for managing our trees for the benefit of the community.

The management of trees, like the management of roads, utilities, and public safety facilities, involves planning, regulation, and maintenance. If properly managed trees are valuable assets. If neglected or not properly managed they can become a liability, threaten public health and safety, and detract from our community’s charm.

Unlike other infrastructure components, however, trees are living entities. They have unique biological requirements and constraints. They grow larger over time. They require adequate growing space above and below ground and quality soils to remain healthy and have a chance of reaching their size potential. If protected from encroachment and damage they will have a long service life, their benefits will be maximized, and tree management costs will be minimized.

Establishing trees, allocating enough space to them so that they remain healthy, protecting them and the soil resource, and providing basic and routine maintenance cost money. For this money to be wisely spent, it is essential to establish, protect, and maintain trees according to professional standards and best management practices. The community forest management policies and programs described in this plan are designed to sustain the health and extent of the city’s trees in a cost-effective manner.

Research has shown that trees are beneficial to businesses and increase revenues. They increase property values and a city’s tax base. They producing the oxygen we need to breathe, provide cooling shade, improving our water quality, and making our community healthier, more livable, and more attractive to businesses and visitors. Our trees pay us back every day and if kept healthy they will do so for generations to come.


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The Concept of Sustainability The concept of sustainability has been variously defined by governmental agencies and organizations, but a key concept is that development, to be successful over the long term, must proceed in a way that protects the natural resource base. Sustainability has both a public and private sector component. For the purposes of developing public policy, sustainability is often defined as the satisfaction of basic economic, social, and security needs for citizens now and in the future without undermining the natural resource base and environmental quality on which life, and quality of life, depends. From a private, business perspective the goal of sustainability is to increase long-term shareholder and social value, while decreasing industry’s use of materials and reducing negative impacts on the environment.

Sustainability recognizes a need to support a growing economy while reducing the social and economic costs of economic growth and development. Sustainable development fosters policies that integrate environmental, economic, and social values in decision making.

In the master plan development process, the model the city has followed was to first determine what we have, then decide on what we want, and finally develop and implement a plan that will guide us from what we are to where we want to be, with the concept of sustainability in mind. The plan attempts to work integrate not only the sustainability of the health, expanse, and beauty of the tree resource, but also the expenditures the entire program will require in time, energy, and money.

Scope of Master Plan

Content

This master plan contains a fairly detailed description of the current state of our community forest and its management (Section 2), sets forth a vision and goals for the community forest (Section 3), and then defines the administration, policies, programs, and plans that define the community’s community forest management plan going forward (Section 4). The appendices (Section 5) provide considerable supplemental information on the current and future program.

Time Frame

The master plan outlines many more activities than what could reasonably be implemented all at one time or within a year. Therefore, implementation of program activities are scheduled throughout the next 5 years—defined as the short-term in this plan. The recommended short-term program elements and activities that will continue or be added are directed at making progress


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toward the city’s short-term goals. The short-term period covers calendar years 2011 through 2016 if the city adopts this master plan by December 2010.

By the end of the next 5 years many of the recommended programs will be well underway and part of the city’s routine management program. Most programs are expected to continue beyond 2016 and well into the long-term future, and some additional activities will implemented beyond the short-term to meet the city’s long-term community forest management goals.

Trees Addressed

The Master Plan specifically addresses all trees on city property, including city school sites, and also directly addresses trees on new private property developments through the Land Use Management Code. Trees on other private property, such as existing commercial and industrial sites, and trees growing on residential properties, are indirectly addressed through the city’s education and outreach program.

Section 2 includes a detailed description of the current state of Jefferson’s community forest and the city’s management program as it stands today.


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SECTION 2: JEFFERSON’S COMMUNITY FOREST

TODAY


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Overview Passion, interest, and support are not lacking in the community forestry program that has been developing in Jefferson over the past 4 years. Although the program is young, much has been accomplished as the result of excellent cooperation between dedicated city staff and volunteers.

The city of Jefferson’s community forest management program is administered through the office of the City Manager and the city employs a consultant to fill the role of City Arborist. The program is funded in part through the city budget, but the majority of the current program funding comes from grant awards.

The city also employs a consultant to fill the role of the City Planner, who is responsible for the administration of the Land Use Management Code adopted by the city. Important in maintaining tree canopy cover, the Land Use Management Code regulates tree protection, planting, and landscaping on new private property developments.

The Street Department within the Public Works Division is responsible for maintaining city trees, including their establishment, watering, mulching, pruning, and removal. The Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for the maintenance of trees in city parks and administers the contract for landscape maintenance within the parks. The Jefferson City Schools Facilities Maintenance Department is responsible for tree planting and maintenance on city school campuses.

The Jefferson Heritage Tree Council, operating under the umbrella of Main Street Jefferson, is an integral part of the city’s program and a primary partner in developing, implementing, and supporting city tree management initiatives. The Council conducts an active community tree education and outreach program. They have also been extremely successful in securing and administering grants for community forest program activities.

The city has recently completed a tree canopy cover measurement and close to a 100 percent inventory of all city trees, and they now know much about

Jefferson Heritage Tree Council members Lesa Campbell, Barbara Johnson, and Harry Bryan confer during the tree canopy cover measurement project.


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the tree resource they are managing. City staff and volunteers are beginning to use this information for program planning and budgeting purposes.

While the city currently has a very active program, it lacks sufficient staffing, routine and timely maintenance, standards for tree establishment and care, rigorous enforcement of regulations, and adequate funding to sustain a comprehensive program.

The current state of the city’s major tree management program elements—the tree resource, administration, policies, programs, and funding—are described in more detail in the following pages.

THE TREE RESOURCE The trees that make up the community forest—the city’s “green infrastructure”—grow on city, county, state, and private property. The city has direct control over trees on city property and on most new development sites. They have no direct control over trees on county property. The city exercises some control of trees on state road rights-of-way, primarily through periodic maintenance of these trees.

City-owned trees are an important part of the whole, although they may represent only 5 percent or less of all community trees. But, they are for the most part strategically located to provide substantial benefits. Trees growing along street rights-of-way shade the pavement and keep surface temperatures 30 to 40 degrees cooler in the summer. In parks and on school campuses they provide shade and cooling for our children, and a restful, green landscape where we all can play, exercise, relax, and unwind.

The majority of the community’s tree resource is privately owned—located on agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial, office and institutional property. Little information is known about these trees and their management. Certainly it can be assumed that the number, diversity, health and maintenance of these trees vary widely from property to property. Recently the Tree Council has begun to offer free tree assessments upon request from city residents and over time a body of information will be developed regarding the condition and management of trees on residential property.

In the last 2 years, the city has started gathering information about community trees overall and city trees specifically through a tree canopy cover measurement project and a complete city tree inventory.

Tree Canopy Cover

Tree canopy and other types of land cover within the city limits of Jefferson were measured in November 2009 using aerial photography flown in February 2009. The main objective of the


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measurement was to develop a baseline measurement against which future measurements can be compared for monitoring trends in tree canopy cover and impervious surface change. A report summarizing the methodology and results of the measurement is located in Appendix A.

Five (5) categories of land cover were measured, and the results are:

@ Tree canopy = 56 percent

@ Other vegetation = 29 percent

@ Impervious surfaces = 11 percent

@ Bare soil and gravel = 3 percent @ Water = 1 percent

The actual amount of impervious surfaces across the city is actually higher than the 11.3 percent measured, since tree canopy covers a portion of the streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and rooftops.

Observations across all photographs showed that in general the greatest extent of tree canopy cover is located on undeveloped land, in rural areas, and in older residential neighborhoods. The least amount of tree canopy is generally found in commercial districts—especially in parking lots, on industrial sites, and in new residential subdivisions where significant amounts of trees are often removed and replaced with impervious surfaces, turf, and a minimum number of replacement trees.

This first tree canopy cover measurement by the city will serve as a reference point for developing community forest management policy, as well as providing a baseline for comparing future measurements and assessing land cover change over time.

Additional information on tree canopy cover in Georgia and Jackson County can be found on the website of the University of Georgia’s Natural Resources Spatial Analysis Laboratory at www.narsal.uga.edu. Dr. Liz Kramer has done extensive work on the evaluation of land cover

According to the Natural Resources Spatial Analysis Laboratory (NARSAL) at the University of Georgia, from 1991 to 2005 only 3 counties in Georgia recorded faster impervious growth than Jefferson.

From A. Saunders Tree Inventory Final Report Presentation, August 2009

An example of the aerial photography used for the tree canopy cover measurement (downtown Jefferson). Each yellow dot in the grid represents a measurement plot. The type of land cover beneath each dot was recorded. Over 26,990 dots were evaluated!


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in Georgia communities. An analysis of the lab’s by consultant Andrew Saunders data shows that tree canopy cover in Jefferson has gone from 52 percent in 1991 to 49 percent in 2001 and remained at 49 percent in 2005. Impervious surfaces increased from 2 percent in 1992 to more than 7 percent in 2005. NARSAL will soon publish the results of their latest update of land cover information per Dr. Kramer.

The city’s tree canopy is composed of both city-owned trees and privately-owned trees. As mentioned earlier, more information is known about the city’s tree resource. This information is summarized below.[

The City Tree Resource

Locations of City Trees

City-owned trees are growing on the following city-owned land and properties.

@ City street rights-of-way

@ City parks

o City Park o Curry Creek Park o Jefferson Recreation Complex o Marlowe Park o Midland Park o V. S. Hughey Park

@ City facilities

o City Hall o City Pool o Civic Center o Crawford W. Long Museum o Fire Hall No. 1 o Fire Hall No. 2 o Jefferson Water Treatment Facility o Jefferson Waterworks Department o Police Department o Public Library o Woodbine Cemetery

@ City schools

o Jefferson Academy


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o Jefferson Elementary School o Jefferson Middle School o Jefferson High School

In addition to these locations, the city also assists with the establishment and management of trees along state highways within the city limits, trees at the Historic Courthouse, trees at the Jackson County Government Complex, and those growing on the campus of Jackson County Comprehensive High School.

City Tree Inventory

An inventory of city trees was completed over a 2-year period from September 2008 through July 2010 by urban forestry consultant and ISA1 Certified Arborist Andrew Saunders. To date a total of 2,318 trees have been inventoried. This includes 1,081 street trees, 448 park trees, 130 trees around city offices and facilities, and 659 trees on city school campuses. The ARRA grant trees have also been mapped and inventoried, as have trees growing on property owned wholly or in part by the city, but in use by Jackson County. Summaries of the results of the inventories and summary charts of the data (except for County sites) are located in Appendix B.

The inventory along street rights-of-way also included collection of information on vacant tree planting sites. There were 1,491 vacant sites identified throughout the city, 485 of which are considered very high priority sites and another 485 that are considered high priority sites. Of the total number of sites, 1,058 are considered suitable for large trees, 233 are considered medium-sized spaces, and 200 are suitable only for small maturing trees that will not exceed 25 feet in height.

Since the time the inventories were completed, and at the time of the writing of this plan, an additional 177 trees have been planted on city property, resulting in a total of 2,495 city trees. These newly planted trees include 11 at V. S. Hughey Park, four (4) in Curry Creek Park, 12 on school campuses, and 150 along city street rights of way and around city facilities. The data for these 177 new trees has not yet been incorporated into the main tree inventory database, but the trees are addressed along with others in this plan in the tree maintenance work plans.

The tree and planting site inventory data were one of the main sources of input for the development of the tree maintenance work plans outlined later in this master plan.

Some of the significant findings of the street tree inventory are:

@ 1,081 street trees inventoried

@ 32.6 percent were crapemyrtles

1 International Society of Arboriculture


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@ 14 percent of the crapemyrtles have been topped

@ The trees are generally healthy, with 92 percent in good or excellent condition @ 15.2 percent exhibit signs of dieback or decline

@ 68 trees require hazard reduction pruning or removal @ 30.2 percent of all trees require some type of pruning

General recommendations, in addition to the individual tree maintenance recommendations, made by the consultant are:

@ Consider using alternative species to crapemyrtle, such as o Dogwood o Serviceberry o Redbud o Vitex o Crabapple o Yoshino Cherry o Chinese Flametree o Fringetree o Smoketree

@ Recently planted trees should be pruned, mulched, watered, and inspected as the early establishment years are a critical time for tree maintenance

Some significant findings of the inventory of vacant planting sites are:

@ 1,491 sites were inventoried

@ 1,058 are suitable for large canopy trees

@ 485 are considered very high priority sites, with the same number, 485, considered high priority sites

@ Approximately 12 percent of the sites have utility interactions making them suitable for small maturing trees only

Significant findings of the park tree inventory are:

@ 448 trees were inventoried

@ The most trees are located at City Park (182), the Jefferson Recreation Complex (172), and Curry Creek Park (90)

@ 42% of the trees are either loblolly or shortleaf pine @ The trees are generally healthy; 92 percent are in good or excellent condition


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@ There are 19 trees (20 percent) that need to be inspected annually, with most of these located in City Park

@ 15.8 percent of the trees have girdling roots

@ 32.2 percent require some type of pruning

The short-term recommendations of the consultant based on the inventory results are:

@ Implement all maintenance prescriptions generated by the inventory @ Set up a systematic annual planting program

@ Create and promote a crapemyrtle alternatives campaign @ Apply for the Tree City USA Growth Award

The long-term recommendations of the consultant are:

@ Commit to an annual maintenance program to promote a healthy community forest @ Review existing tree ordinance to ensure adequate planting during development

@ Partner with local and regional groups to promote a sustainable community forest

@ Apply for GATEway grant to plant GDOT corridors

ADMINISTRATION

Roles and Responsibilities

The Mayor and City Council and the City Manager have the primary responsibility for making tree management decisions that significantly affect city revenues and expenditures and the overall focus of the community forest management program. However, day-to-day city tree management activities are delegated to a contract City Arborist, Public Works and Street Department staff, Parks and Recreation staff, and members of the Jefferson Heritage Tree Council.

Jefferson City Schools Superintendent has the primary responsibility for making tree management decisions for trees on city school campuses, but delegates day-to-day management activities to the Facilities Maintenance Superintendent.

City Arborist

The City currently employs a contract urban forester who fills the role of City Arborist and assists city staff—including the City Manager, Public Works Director, Street Department Superintendent, Parks and Recreation Department—and Jefferson Heritage Tree Council in


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coordinating tree management activities. The arborist also provides technical expertise on an as needed basis. The City Arborist hires additional arborists as subcontractors to complete some program tasks. The City Arborist reports to the City Manager on program activities and receives input from on current priorities.

City tree evaluations are made by the City Arborist as requested by the City Manager, Main Street Jefferson, or the Jefferson Heritage Tree Council. The arborist also review development site plans, and after reviewing the plans and visiting the site, the arborist provides recommendations to the City Planner for consideration in evaluating development applications and plans.

Public Works and Street Department

The maintenance of city trees is primarily the responsibility of the Public Works Director and the Street Department for trees located on the street rights-of-way and around city offices and facilities. Occasionally the city hires a contractor is accomplish some maintenance tasks, such as pruning and removal. The city does not maintain trees on city property that is currently occupied by Jackson County.

Parks and Recreation Department

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department maintains trees in most of the city parks and at the Jefferson Recreation Complex. Staff prunes trees at the Recreation Complex, but generally not at other city parks. The Parks and Recreation Department employs a landscape contractor that is primarily responsible for mowing the turf areas and emptying trash receptacles. The city Street Department assists the Parks and Recreation Department in tree planting and maintenance.

Jefferson City Schools

The Facility Maintenance Supervisor at Jefferson City Schools is responsible for the maintenance of the trees on city school campuses. The Superintendent of Jefferson City Schools is responsible for making tree management decisions, including tree planting, tree removals, providing staff training. Schools staff is sometimes assisted by Street Department staff to complete critical tree maintenance upon request or as the need arises. The City Arborist also provides technical expertise to Jefferson City Schools upon request or as the need arises.

Jefferson Heritage Tree Council

The Jefferson Heritage Tree Council is a dynamic organization that promotes community trees through a variety of initiatives. They are an advisory body to the Mayor and City Council in tree-related issues.


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The Council is a relatively young organization, having been in existence for only 4 years. The Jefferson Heritage Tree Council was established by the Mayor and City Council by unanimous resolution in February of 2004 and operates under the organizational umbrella of the Main Street Jefferson program.

The Council provides information, education, and outreach to the community, and also seeks out sources of grant funding and assists the city in applying for grant funds. The Council provides substantial support to city’s tree management program and works with the city to accomplish much work through their strong partnership.

Recordkeeping and Reporting

There is no formal or comprehensive recordkeeping system that has been established for tree management program records. There is no work order system in place for keeping records on tree work to be done or completed. City employees and volunteers whose work contributes to grant projects as in-kind donations keep records on their contributions and submit those records to the Tree Council Vice-chairperson for grant record-keeping and reporting purposes.

Reports on tree program activities are provided by the City Arborist through a quarterly written report and quarterly presentation to the Mayor and City Council at their work session.

The Jefferson Heritage Tree Council maintains records on grant activities and provides copies of grant applications, quarterly reports, and reimbursement forms to the city. The city maintains the original copies of grant contracts in their system.

Policies

The only formal policies that the city has adopted that encourage or require the wise management of the community tree resource are the City of Jefferson Comprehensive Plan, city code sections that require tree protection, and the Land Use Management Code that requires tree conservation and planting on new development sites.

No formal policy exists for managing or funding the city’s tree program, although there does exist a strong commitment to the development and funding of a community forest management program at a sustainable level.

City Code of Ordinances

Several sections within the city’s code of ordinances address the protection of trees through prohibiting certain activities that are harmful to trees, such as affixing signs to trees or tying up animals to tree trunks. Otherwise, the only code section that directly addresses tree conservation, protection, and planting is the Land Use Management Code adopted by the city in 2004.


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The only private property trees that are regulated are those planted on new developments that fall within the scope of the Quad Cities Land Use Management Code adopted by the city. On new developments, trees must be conserved and established in accordance with specific requirements. These requirements include a density requirement of 20 tree density units per acre across the site, trees and landscaping planted along frontages and in parking lots, and buffers established between dissimilar land uses.

The city’s Code of Ordinances and Land Use Management Code are useful tools for defining what the character of the community forest will be, now and in the future. In the past year, the City Arborist and Tree Council member Susan Russell, visited several development completed in the last several years in compliance with Land Use Management Code regulations to begin to assess whether or not the current code is meeting its intent and purpose as stated in Article 16 of the Land Use Management Code, excerpts of which appear below.

“…it is the intent of this article to encourage the protection and provision of trees through sound, responsible land development practices.”

“It is the purpose of this article to provide trees, environmentally sound landscape amenities, and buffers which promote a positive community image by promoting quality development, enhancing property values, providing for landscape improvements, and promoting aesthetic quality. It is also the intent to promote a healthy, natural environment whenever possible by protecting and enhancing existing vegetation.”

It should be noted that the city’s comprehensive plan, the Land Use Management Code, and this master plan all have similar and complimentary purposes, intents, and goals.

Development Assessments

As mentioned previously, little detailed information is available on trees on private property. Recently however, as part of the city’s 2009 Urban and Community Forestry grant project, the City Arborist and arborist Susan Russell, a consultant and Tree Council member, visited several commercial developments throughout town that were completed in the last couple of years to assess the trees and the outcomes of the Land Use Management Code regulations. The development assessments showed that:

1. The numbers of trees required and listed on the approved site plans were generally present on the sites.

2. The species found on the site sometimes did not match the species listed on the approved plan.

3. Some of the plans did not show any tree unit requirement calculations or the landscape plan was missing altogether.


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4. The trees were generally of high quality with good structure, although several sites had trees with poor form, including forked stems, included bark, and poor scaffold limb architecture.

5. In most cases the trees had an adequate amount of soil volume for rooting; however soils were generally of poor quality and severely compacted, and aeration, a normal soil profile, and organic matter were lacking.

6. Most of the trees were planted too deep, with their first order roots from 2 to 6 inches lower than ground level (they should be no deeper than 2 inches).

7. Most of the trees are mulched, but in many cases the mulch is improperly applied and piled high around the trunk. No space is left between the mulch and the trunk as is universally recommended. In most cases the mulch is not spread out over the root system and only extends out from the trunk 3 feet or less.

8. Recently planted large canopy trees such as willow oaks, Nuttall oaks and red maples were, in some cases, found to be planted too close to overhead utility lines. Their growing space is already restricted and the need for line clearance was already apparent. Some trees had already been topped and as a result in were in decline.

9. On some sites opportunities to provide significant shade and cooling of parking areas through better canopy tree placement were missed.

10. There was a general lack of necessary and proper tree maintenance observed across the sites, including a lack of early training pruning and removal of staking and ties. In some cases staking and ties on trees had been left on to girdle tree trunks or had fallen off the tree and were lying on the ground.

11. On one (1) site the trees were planted in the wire baskets with the burlap and strapping left on, all of which were protruding from the ground around the trunk of the tree.

Recommended Revisions to the Land Use Management Code

The arborists conducting the assessments reviewed the Land Use Management Code to determine where changes might be warranted and then consulted with former contract City Planner Jerry Weitz on these suggestions. The changes to the Land Use Management Code and other sections of the city’s code recommended as a result of the assessment and review process are:

1. Require that all tree care operations, including tree establishment, that take place on property regulated by the Land Use Management Code be done in compliance with professionally accepted standards and best management practices.


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2. Revise the tree species list in the Land Use Management Code to include more diversity and more information on the site requirements and preferred planting locations for each species (street rights-of-way, parking lots, and so forth). Utilize this same list as the city’s official Tree Species List applicable also to the establishment of trees on city property.

3. Consider changing from a tree density unit requirement that applies the same density requirement of 20 or 30 tree density units to all land regardless of the land use, zoning district, or amount of impervious area allowed, to a tree canopy requirement that varies based on the zoning district and amount of lot coverage allowed by impervious surfaces.

4. Adopt tree canopy cover goals for city parks, city school campuses, and other city properties, along with tree canopy cover goals for existing single family residential properties.

5. Instead of requiring that applicants commit to planting trees in alternative locations on city property in lieu of establishing the required amount of tree density units on their sites, the city should instead establish a tree bank for the receipt of monies in lieu of meeting tree density requirements.

6. Require a contribution to the tree bank as a condition for granting a variance for any decrease in the number of trees required on a development site ($500 per .5 tree point decrease) and as a condition of any variance granted for an increase in impervious surfaces, including the building footprint, lot coverage, or parking spaces ($500 per 1,600 square feet of impervious surface increase or portion thereof).

7. Define the approved uses of tree bank monies to include the purchasing, planting, and maintenance of trees on city property, the purchase of trees to sell at the city’s annual Arbor Day celebration and tree festival, and the cost of hiring a contract City Arborist to coordinate the city’s tree planting program. Limit the expenditure of tree bank monies to those expenses associated with maintaining and expanding tree canopy cover in Jefferson.

8. Require a minimum of four (4) site visits by the City Arborist to a proposed development site prior to and during construction to include one visit prior to plan approval to verify site and plan information; a second visit to check that tree protection fencing and other structures have been properly installed and meet standards before any construction takes place; a third site visit will be required prior to the excavation of tree planting holes and the installation of trees on the site; and a final site visit will be required to check for compliance of all requirements prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

9. Include in the Land Use Management Code or in an administrative guidelines document requirements or recommendations that the City Arborist visit development sites within 9 to 12 months and again 20 to 24 months after the certificate of occupancy is issued to


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evaluate tree health, provide maintenance recommendations to the owner, occupant, tenant, and respective agent of each, and to che8ck for compliance and determine the appropriate dispensation of the landscape bond.

10. Change the option of a requirement for a 2-year landscape bond for tree installation to a requirement for each development, as described in the procedures and fees sections of the city’s Planning and Development website. Bonds that are forfeited due to non-compliance with tree density requirements as determined by the City Arborist should be deposited into the Jefferson Tree Bank to be used for tree planting on city property.

11. Encourage the incorporation of stormwater ponds, stormwater wetlands, and bioretention areas with canopy trees into stormwater management facilities on new developments and city construction projects as appropriate as described in the State of Georgia’s Stormwater Manual, Appendix F, Landscaping and Aesthetic Guidelines.

12. Standardize the terminology and definitions used in the Land Use Management Code and city code, using standard terms and definitions found in the professional standards discussed later in this master plan.

13. Review the city’s sign ordinance to ensure that it meets the needs of businesses without having the effect of reducing tree canopy cover.

Enforcement of the established requirements is an extremely important element that must be in place for the regulations to be effective. Enforcement must be fair and consistent, but must be complete to ensure that the city’s goals will be achieved.

The City Arborist should also plan to visit each site with 5 years after the certificate of occupancy was issued to evaluate tree health, measure number of tree points still existing on the site, and evaluate the outcome of Land Use Management Code requirements and their enforcement. At this point, the city will have no legal authority to require the replanting of trees on a property, unless the city desires to include in the Land Use Management Code a requirement that tree density points be present on a site in perpetuity.

Recommended Revisions to Other Sections of the City Code

The current city code does not include the establishment of the Jefferson Heritage Tree Council as an official board or commission of the city. The consultant recommends that this change be made as soon as practical, or along with revisions made to the Land Use Management Code as those occur.

1. Establish the Jefferson Heritage Tree Council as an official commission of the city in the code under Article 15 (currently reserved) of Appendix A: Land Use Management Code.


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2. Move the section on the protection of city street trees from Appendix A: Land Use Management Code, Sec. 16.3.14, to a new section under Chapter 18: Environmental and Natural Resources that describes requirements for the protection of city trees and prohibits the planting, spraying fertilizing, pruning, soil or root disturbance, or removal of trees on city street rights-of-way or any city property without a ROW encroachment permit. The language in Sec. 16.3.14 describing the city’s right to plant, prune, maintain, or remove trees, plants and shrubs on city property, should also be included here.

3. Require that all tree care operations, including tree establishment, that take place on city property and city trees are done in compliance with professionally accepted standards and best management practices.

4. There is language throughout the code of ordinances that prohibits certain activities from taking place around city trees, such as affixing signs or tethering cats and dogs to tree trunks. These sections should remain as they are.

5. There is language throughout the code of ordinances that encourages the conservation of existing trees and other natural features, and these sections should remain as they are.

PROGRAMS

City Tree Establishment

Prior to the 2009-2010 tree planting season, tree planting on city property was primarily done under the Tree Council’s Gift Tree program. A total of 56 trees have been planted in the last 4 years under this program, with most of them established in Curry Creek Park.

In the 2009-2010 tree planting season, a total of 177 trees were planted on city property under a variety of initiatives for a total cost to the city of $1,400, or less than $8 per tree! A summary of these initiatives is included in Appendix C. The majority of these trees (111) were planted in early 2010 as the result of a $50,000 grant award from the Georgia Forestry Commission of American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funds. Another significant initiative was the transplanting of 47 trees that were donated from a private tree nursery that is no longer operational by the landowner. The trees were transplanted with the help of the Georgia Forestry Commission and their 48 inch tree spade, for a cost of $1,400.

City Tree Maintenance

City tree management currently consists of tree establishment, new tree maintenance, tree pruning as needs are identified and tree removal as necessary to maintain public safety. Tree evaluations and inspections by the City Arborist take place as needed.


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Other than tree establishment and new tree maintenance, no annual or routine tree maintenance programs are in place at this time.

City Tree Maintenance

The maintenance of city trees is primarily the responsibility of the Public Works Director and the Street Department for trees located on the street rights-of-way and around city offices and facilities.

The maintenance of trees on city property that is currently occupied by Jackson County are not included in the maintenance work plans, but their management through partnerships, education and outreach are included as part of this master plan.

Park Tree Maintenance

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department assists as necessary the Street Department in planting and maintaining trees in city parks and at the Jefferson Recreation Complex. Staff prunes trees at the Recreation Complex, but not at other city parks. The Parks and Recreation Department employs a landscape contractor that is primarily responsible for mowing the turf areas and emptying trash receptacles. The city Street Department has the primary responsibility for tree planting and maintenance in city parks.

City and park tree maintenance consists primarily of tree planting, tree removal, and pruning as necessary for public safety. City staff completes the majority of this work, but occasionally a contractor is hired to accomplish these tasks.

City Schools Tree Maintenance

The Facilities Maintenance staff of Jefferson City Schools is responsible for the maintenance of trees on city school campuses. Schools staff is sometimes assisted by Street Department staff to complete critical tree maintenance upon request or as the need arises.

Tree Maintenance Equipment

The city currently has both the large and small equipment necessary to perform basic tree maintenance tasks. For tree transplanting they have access to the Georgia Forestry Commission tree spade and operator for the cost of $200 per day plus fuel. They also do not have a full complement of hand pruning equipment that includes folding saws, bypass pruning shears, and bypass loppers.


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Private Tree Management

Trees on private property are managed through the Land Use Development Code, but only on new development sites. The city does not attempt nor has authority by code to manage trees on existing developments and residential properties, except when those trees threaten public safety.

There is little information available as to how trees are maintained on private property. Obviously, through, they are either maintained by the property owner, as would be the case for many residential properties or by landscape contractors as would be the case for most commercial, office, institutional, and industrial properties, and some residential properties. Or, they are not maintained at all. While the land use management code does require the planting of trees on new development sites and in buffers, there is no requirement that these trees be maintained, or if maintained, no standards are in place.

While the city has little control over trees on private property outside of new developments, they do have some influence on the health, extent, and value of these trees through education and outreach programs focused on maintaining an expansive and healthy tree canopy and implementation of best management practices for tree care.

Education and Outreach

The City Arborist and Jefferson Heritage Tree Council members work together to provide tree education and outreach to a wide variety of audiences throughout the city. The public is invited, through information provided in press releases and on the city’s website, to participate in program events, educational workshops, and informational presentations. The Tree Council also has several ongoing programs that heighten community awareness of the need to plant and conserve trees in Jefferson.

Gift Tree Program

Since their inception in 2004 the Jefferson Heritage Tree Council has been very active in tree planting through their Gift Tree program. As of August 2010, 56 trees have been planted in honor or memory of individuals and organizations under this program, many of them in Curry Creek Park.

While the Tree Council is planning for the future through tree planting, they are also committed to the conservation of the city’s oldest, largest, and most vulnerable “tree citizens” through their Heritage Tree Program.

Heritage Tree Program


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ty Hall.

The Council’s Heritage Tree program recognizes old, large, and unusual trees within the city by bestowing upon these trees the designation as a Heritage Tree. Anyone can nominate a Heritage Tree with the approval of the tree owner. There are currently 19 designated Heritage Trees throughout town. A Heritage Tree Map and Brochure were developed in August 2010 and is available from Main Street Jefferson, the Jefferson Heritage Tree Council, the Crawford W. Long Museum, and Ci

The Council’s Heritage Tree program recognizes old, large, and unusual trees within the city by bestowing upon these trees the designation as a Heritage Tree. Anyone can nominate a Heritage Tree with the approval of the tree owner. There are currently 19 designated Heritage Trees throughout town. A Heritage Tree Map and Brochure were developed in August 2010 and is available from Main Street Jefferson, the Jefferson Heritage Tree Council, the Crawford W. Long Museum, and City Hall.

Staff Training

The city and the Jefferson Heritage Tree Council have been active over the last several years in conducting educational programs for key audiences within the city. Just in the last year, from September 2009 through August 2010, the information sessions and educational opportunities provided or attended by the City, Jefferson Heritage Tree Council, City Arborist and other consulting arborists include:

@ Four (4) 3-hour staff tree maintenance training sessions

@ Tree canopy cover measurement project

@ Tree inventory and canopy cover updates at public forums

A specimen Southern red oak tree in Woodbine Cemetery that was designated a Heritage Tree in 2007 by the Jefferson Heritage Tree Council.


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@ Periodic activity reports to the City Manager by the City Arborist

@ Quarterly presentations on tree program activities to the Mayor and Council

@ Two (2) 3-hour park clean-up events with educational demonstrations and free tree care information

@ Tree Council members attended the Georgia Urban Forest Council (GUFC) annual conference and quarterly meetings, as well as the Community Forestry Roundtable in Oxford, Georgia hosted by the Oxford Trees, Parks, and Recreation Board

@ Evaluation of trees on private property by Tree Council members upon request, with distribution of written information on Tree Council programs and tree care practices (see consultation form in Appendix D)

@ Strategic planning session with community forest information provided to participants

@ Arbor Day Celebration and tree planting with presentations on the importance of trees by community leaders

@ Three (3) 2-hour Jefferson Heritage Tree Council development sessions facilitated by the City Arborist

@ Tree Council tabletop display exhibits and informational brochures distributed at public meetings and community events

ISA Certified Arborist Susan Russell teaches a tree care workshop for staff from the Street Department, Parks and Recreation Department, City Schools Facilities Management Department, and Legacy Landscape Management in the Jefferson Civic Center Wilkins Room in February of 2010.

Volunteer Dave Roselle relaxes after cleaning up Curry Creek during the Earth Day Celebration and Clean-Up sponsored by the Tree Council on April 22, 2010.


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@ Regional Community Forestry Roundtable on Stormwater Management Basics sponsored by the city and the Tree Council

@ Presentations by Tree Council members to community groups on tree program activities and tree-related topics

@ City of Jefferson website

@ Jefferson Heritage Tree Council website

There are ample meeting facilities available to the city at no cost for events such as those listed above. These facilities include:

@ Jefferson Civic Center (Wilkins Room, Ballroom)

@ Jefferson Public Library Conference Room

@ City Clubhouse at City Park

@ Jackson EMC Public Meeting Room

Dr. Liz Kramer from the University of Georgia’s Natural Resource Spatial Analysis Laboratory speaks on the effects trees have on water quality and quantity at the City’s Community Forestry Roundtable on Stormwater Management Basics held in July 2010 at the Jackson EMC’s public meeting room. The half-day session was attended by 45 people from the northeast Georgia region.


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Tree City USA

Jefferson has been designated a Tree City USA through the National Arbor Day Foundation2 for the last 5 years, and also received the organization’s Tree City Growth Award for 2009. The four (4) Tree City USA standards that must be met to receive Tree City USA designation are:

1. A tree board or department

2. A tree care ordinance

3. A community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita

4. An Arbor Day observance and proclamation

The city must reapply for this status each year. The recertification application is due to the Georgia Forestry Commission by December 31 each year but can be submitted as early as December 1 (preferred by the Commission). Tree Council volunteers and the city staff have jointly prepared and submitted the recertification application in years past.

Georgia Urban Forest Council

Jefferson is a member of the Georgia Urban Forest Council (GUFC) and pays $50 in dues each year to maintain that membership. The GUFC’s mission is “to sustain Georgia’s green legacy by helping communities grown healthy trees.” Their primary focus is to provide educational programs and networking events across the state.

Membership benefits include discounts for all city staff and Tree Council members at GUFC sponsored educational programs and events, a copy of the GUFC’s membership directory, and access to information on urban trees and their management. For more information on the mission and programs of the GUFC, visit www.gufc.org. Tree Council members regularly attend the

2 National Arbor Day Foundation, Lincoln, Nebraska; www.arborday.org

The City’s 2010 Arbor Day Celebration was held at V. S. Hughey park and included the dedication of 10 trees recently planted on the site with funding from the Georgia Forestry Commission’s Making the Shade grant program. Members of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Jefferson look on during presentations by (l to r) Jefferson Heritage Tree Council Chair Mary Dugan, City Manager John Ward, and Mayor Jim Joiner.


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GUFC’s annual conference and awards program, quarterly meetings, and special topic workshops.

FUNDING

City Budget

Currently there are two (2) line items in the city’s budget for tree program activities. The Jefferson Heritage Tree Council has a budget of $1,000 for their use in implementing their programs. Another allocation of $500 is set aside to pay for costs associated with the City’s annual Arbor Day celebration. The Arbor Day funds are included in the Main Street Jefferson departmental budget.

The city has also expended city funds for several grant projects; these expenses are reimbursed by the Georgia Forestry Commission according to grant contracts.

In 2010 the city also paid $1,000 above the $1,500 tree program budget for the use of the Georgia Forestry Commission tree spade with an operator for 5 days to transplant nursery trees to city property. Jefferson City Schools paid the Commission $400 for 2 days of the same service for the transplanting of 11 trees to the Jefferson Elementary School campus.

Grants

The Mayor and City Council have been supportive of the Tree Council’s efforts to secure and administer tree grant funds for the city. Since August 2007 the city has been awarded $90,240 in grant funds, of which $38,240 originates from three (3) Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Program grants for tree inventories, professional staffing, and various management and educational activities. Another $2,000 came from the Making the Shade program for the planting of trees on playgrounds, and $50,000 was

The planting of the 111th ARRA grant tree in V. S. Hughey Park during the dedication of the trees on May 25, 2010 with (l to r) City Manager John Ward, Mayor Jim Joiner, Project Arborist Susan Russell, Legacy Landscape Management staff and owner Shawn Watson, and Public Works Director Jeff Killip.


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awarded for an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant for the planting of 121 canopy trees throughout the city. All of these grant programs are administered by the Georgia Forestry Commission using federal funds from the USDA Forest Service and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The Urban and Community Forestry grant just awarded to the city, that will be completed between September 1, 2010 and August 31, 2011, and will include completion of the following activities:

@ Expand membership in the Jefferson Heritage Tree Council to 11 voting members and hold 2-hour bi-monthly meetings

@ Conduct two (2) tree conservation and planting workshops in two (2) different neighborhoods in partnership with neighborhood associations or groups

@ Conduct a tree planting and/or tree benefits demonstration on one (1) commercial site in partnership with a commercial property owner

@ Develop a Heritage Tree calendar for sale by the Tree Council as an educational tool and fundraiser

@ Conduct a multi-event tree festival for the city’s 2011 Arbor Day celebration to include a tree sale and tree care demonstrations

@ Partner with New Urban Forestry, an arboricultural services company, to conduct a tree climbing and arboricultural techniques demonstration at the tree festival

@ Partner with a local landscape architect, Eric Taylor of Morgan-Taylor, to develop a comprehensive landscape design plan for Curry Creek Park to meet the goals of the community forest master plan

@ Conduct a park clean-up/tree work day as the city’s Earth Day Celebration and Education Event

@ Develop a voluntary tree removal and planting tracking system to determine net change in tree canopy cover on city and private property

@ Revise the city’s code to include tree board establishment procedures and requirements for the protection of city trees and revise the tree provisions of the Land Use Management Code to increase its effectiveness in producing desired outcomes, including increasing tree canopy cover

@ Provide ongoing field training for city and city schools tree maintenance crews

@ Retain urban forestry consultant Connie Head of Technical Forestry Services (TFS) to assist the city in community forest management and coordination of all grant activities, with additional project support from certified arborist Susan Russell


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The city is committed to completing these activities and legally bound to do so by contract with the Georgia Forestry Commission. These activities have been incorporated into the master plan program work plans.

Donations

The city accepts donations for tree planting through the Tree Council’s Gift Tree program. In addition, throughout the last few years, the city has received donated services from the consultants conducting the city’s tree inventory, staff tree maintenance training, educational demonstrations, and program management. Tree Council members have also made cash donations for program activities and for refreshments for information and education events. Local businesses have also provided donations of refreshments for these events. Other volunteers have provided many hours of their time during park clean-up events.

In the upcoming year the city will be receiving a donation of professional services from Eric Taylor of Morgan-Taylor Design in the amount of $5,000 for a comprehensive landscape plan for Curry Creek Park, in addition to a $900 cash donation.

In the following section the city’s vision and goals for the community forest and its management are set forth to provide a context to the programs work plans that follow in the final section.


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SECTION 3: JEFFERSON’S COMMUNITY FOREST VISION AND GOALS


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from this input is:

cludes several key goals and concepts on which this master plan is based. The

t of the city infrastructure, planning and budgeting for the establishment, maintenance,

and outreach, the adoption and

generations to enjoy the beauty and benefits of the community’s tree legacy.

JEFFERSON’S COMMUNITY FOREST VISION When community leaders met for a strategic planning session in February 2010, they each described their vision of Jefferson’s future community forest. The common vision developed

The city’s vision infuture forest will be healthy, which is the result of active tree protection, appropriate species to site matches, routine and proper maintenance according to standards, and regular inspections. The forest will be expansive as the result of implementing a policy of no net loss of tree canopy, vigorous tree conservation and planting efforts, and contributions by all community forest management partners to the program. And the city’s trees will be beautiful with a diverse mix of tree sizes, bark characteristics, leaf textures and colors, flower colors, branching habits, and form.

As parrepair, and replacement of trees will result in the sustainability of the community forest system. Making sure that trees are established in the best locations to maximize their functions, benefits and value will result in economic and environmental health.

Well-maintained trees will result from continuing educationimplementation of standards for tree care operations, and the protection of existing trees. Timely and proper maintenance will lead to an increase in tree service life and the opportunity for future

Jefferson’s Community Forest Vision

Jefferson’s community forest is healthy, diverse, expansive, and beautiful.

We value and care for our trees as an equal and vital part of our city’s infrastructure.

We take pride in our beautiful, tree-lined streets, our serene, shady parks and our forested neighborhoods that provide us with seasonal color and create a sense of place.

Our well-maintained trees provide valuable services and make an irreplaceable contribution to our community’s economic and environmental health.


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Three different views of downtown Jefferson are shown on the left. Above is a post card of downtown and Washington Street, looking north in the early 1900s. On the left is an aerial view of the downtown area looking south along Athens Street taken in the 1950s. The photo below shows downtown Jefferson as it existed in May 2010. The downtown area is currently undergoing a streetscape renovation that will include the installation of sidewalks, street lights, and new trees.


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he community forest vision is in harmony with the General Vision Statement for the City of Jefferson, Georgia adopted in the 2008-2028 Comprehensive Plan Update3 adopted February 23, 2009, which includes “a sheltering tree canopy” as an integral part of the city’s quality of life and as something to be preserved and enhanced.

JEFFERSON’S COMMUNITY FOREST GOALS Community partners provided input during the strategic planning meeting on issues and constraints the city faces in tree management, the needs of community trees, and the changes and improvements they would like to see in the management program. Long- and short-term goals were developed from this input and are focused on achieving the community forest vision.

Long‐term Goals

The primary, long-term goals of the city’s community forest management program are general in nature and broad in scope. They relate directly to the city’s community forest vision. These long term goals are to:

1. Maintain no net loss of tree canopy cover.

2. Develop a stable and sustainable community forest man

3. Gain broad-based community support for the city’s pro

4. Maximize the functions and benefits of trees and minim

5. Create a wide-spread understanding of the function and value of trees as green infrastructure.

6. Develop a shared sense of responsibility in the commuand planting, and tree protection and maintenance.

7. Implement best management practices for all communit

8. Become a model community for sustainable community forest management.

A goal of no net loss of tree canopy cover is a unifying one in that many of the programs and activities described later in this plan, if implemented, will contribute to the conservation and expansion of tree canopy cover. Adopting a goal of no net loss of tree canopy cover will require a commitment by all members of the Jefferson community—residents, businesses, government staff, elected officials, and non-governmental organizations—to maintain as much tree canopy as practical on their respective properties. For every tree removed in the city, another of a similar

T

agement program.

gram.

ize tree maintenance costs.

nity for tree canopy conservation

y trees.

3 The 2008-2028 Comprehensive Plan Update can be viewed at www.cityofjeffersonga.com/


32

uality trees, and in learning how to maintain these trees so their contribution to tree canopy cover is maximized.

goals which will either likely not be reached until the long-term because of the ambitious, short-term program or

the number of trees in the city, but also the quality, health, distribution, city’s tree population

e diversity of city trees with no more than 10 percent of the population of city

following goals will be the focus of community forest management

an by December 31, 2010

the Mayor

with grants, donations, and public/private partnerships

mature size will need to be planted and maintained in a quality manner to ensure canopy replacement. The City Arborist will be available to assist individuals and groups in making tree conservation and removal decisions, in identifying suitable tree planting sites and appropriate species for the site, in locating sources of q

Secondary and more specific long-term goals are listed below. These are

because they are naturally long-term results. However, these goals may be reached earlier if staff and volunteer time can be committed during the short-term to these initiatives, or extra funds becomes available that can be allocated to these initiatives.

9. Achieve 100 percent stocking of street tree planting sites 10. Increase not only

and diversity of the

11. Pay for all city tree planting with tree bank contributions

12. Increase thtrees composed of any single species

13. Establish tree canopy cover standards for each zoning district

14. Increase the amount of conservation that occurs on development sites

15. Establish a full-time City Arborist position

Short‐term Goals

In the short-term theactivities and of the programs and work plans described in Section 4.

1. Adopt the Sustainable Community Forest Master Pl

2. Continue professional management of the community forest

3. Establish the Jefferson Heritage Tree Council as the official advisory board toand City Council in the city’s code of ordinances

4. Expand the effectiveness of the Tree Council by increasing membership, scheduling regular meetings, and expanding volunteer and sponsor resources

5. Establish a community forest management program budget with diverse funding sources

6. Continue to leverage city funds to expand program potential, effectiveness, and results


33

trees during the planning

in a consistent manner

ermit applicants

specific tree groups or themes

ogram by asking citizens to plant one (1) tree for

nditions, including all newly planted city trees and trees on new

development sites, to maximize tree benefits and reduce long-term costs

es so that they do not interfere with or compete for space with overhead

for gateways into the city

utine and as-needed tree

rams for all city trees and trees on development sites

expense and workload for pruning and mulching city trees

22. Implement an efficient, cost-effective, and professional community forest management

trees

7. Strengthen existing and create additional partnerships with citizens, businesses, community organizations, regional agencies, and statewide organizations

8. Maintain a current inventory of public trees

9. Address the conservation, protection, and establishment ofprocess of all public construction and renovation projects

10. Revise the Land Use Management Code for greater effectiveness in providing desired outcomes

11. Require compliance with standards for all tree care operations for city trees and trees conserved and planted on new development sites

12. Enforce all provisions of the Land Use Management Code

13. Pay for the cost of site plan review and development site inspections by the City Arborist through an environmental fee charged to p

14. Develop a comprehensive tree planting plan that describesfor each zoning district or character area within Jefferson

15. Establish a matching tree planting preach tree the city plants

16. Establish trees in a quality manner, providing favorable growing coquality soil and adequate growing space, for

17. Properly place treand underground utility lines, buildings, roadways, and other infrastructure

18. Develop and implement landscape and tree establishment plansand major corridors

19. Maintain public health, safety, and welfare through roinspections, evaluations, maintenance, and removals

20. Implement routine mulching and pruning prog

21. Establish a Jefferson Tree Steward program to reduce the city’s

program that sustains a healthy population of city trees and engages the community in properly and routinely caring for their privately owned


34

for all tree establishment and maintenance

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SUPPORT

r Area Quality Community Objectives, olicies

@

t inventory and baseline of information on the amount of tree canopy cover across the city

@

ing areas to be heavily landscaped to reduce surface temperatures and

aces and a desire to cover impervious surfaces with

23. Keep citizens informed of community forest management plans, activities, and results, and provide regular tree care information through a variety of media

This will require setting and achieving standards activities. Standards will be mandatory for city trees and trees receiving tree density credits on development sites, but voluntary for established residential lots and commercial properties.

2008‐2038The Master Plan supports and incorporates many of the tree-related elements of the Issues and Opportunities, Quality Community Objectives, CharacteCommunity Issues and Opportunities, Short Term Work Program Projects, and Pdescribed in the city’s 2008-2028 Comprehensive Plan Update adopted by the city in February 2009. The primary areas of mutual interest between the Comprehensive Plan and the Sustainable Community Forest Master Plan are listed below:

@ Trees as an integral part of community and neighborhood character

Trees as part of community history and heritage @ Desire to have a curren

@ The desire to create a pedestrian friendly community

@ The importance of buffers, landscaping, and trees

@ The importance of conserving existing trees and open space @ Desire to reduce tree loss and protect trees and maintain tree canopy cover

@ Desire to reduce the amount of speculative industrial development which has led to significant tree loss

@ A focus on parks, trails, greenways, and open space and the trees that occupy these spaces

Focus on protecting the watershed and maintaining water quality @ The desire for park

stormwater runoff

@ The desire to limit impervious surftree canopy

@ Goal of providing dedicated spaces for trees along new and reconstructed roadways @ Requirements for street trees in corridor overlay districts


35

the

evitalization Plan

@ Gateway and corridor tree plantings to enhance community character and maintain a sense of place

@ Use of ordinances to direct growth and protect natural, cultural, and historic resources

@ Maintenance of air and water quality through sensitive and compatible development @ Desire to retain a consulting urban forester or certified arborist to coordinate

community forest management program @ Planting of trees as part of the Downtown Streetscape and Downtown R

@ Share services and information with other public entities within Jackson County @ Utilize city school campuses as neighborhood resources and greenspace

Through these mutual areas of interest, the Sustainable Community Forest Master Plan and the City of Jefferson’s 2008-2028 Comprehensive Plan support one another’s vision, goals, and objectives.

The programs and plans outlined in the following section are focused on achieving the city’s community forest goals and achieving and sustaining the community forest vision.


36


36

SECTION 4: PROGRAMS


37

INTRODUCTION TO THE PROGRAMS The programs described in the remainder of this master plan provide the structural framework on which the city will build a new, comprehensive community forest management program. The program descriptions serve as general policy de arations and as well include specific program activities that are recommended to organize and lead each program into the future.

A Master Work Plan in spreadsheet form located in Appendix E is a companion to these descriptions. The spreadsheet summarizes the main programs and activities described in the master plan and show the recommended timing for progressively integrating them into the city’s new program. The Master Work Plan has been provided to the city in a digital format as an Excel file to facilitate the regular revision and updating of the work plan as activities are added, changed, rescheduled, or completed. It is intended as a tool to be used for short-term planning.

ADMINISTRATIONThe administration of the City of Jefferson’s Sustainable Community Forest Management Program will be assigned to the contract City Arborist, city staff, city schools staff, and Tree Council volunteers. These individuals will administer the program using the Master Plan as a guide. Responsibilities for program implementation are described below along with systems for program planning, work orders, recordkeeping, reporting, and regulating trees and the activities affecting them.

Responsibility for City Trees

While the city of Jefferson is ultimately responsible for the management of all trees on its property, the responsibility for city tree maintenance will be distributed between different governmental entities, departments, contractors, and volunteers, depending on the location of the tree, the size of the tree, the type of maintenance activity, the amount of staff time available, and the availability of funding.

City Arborist

A City Arborist will coordinate the city’s community forest management program. The City Arborist position will be filled by either a part- or full-time city employee or a consulting urban forester or ISA Certified Arborist in the short-term, and by a full-time employee in the long-term. The City Arborist will report directly to the City Manager.

cl

PROGRAM


38

The City Arborist’s primary role is to coordinate the overall community forest management ram activities with the assistance

erson Heritage Tree Council, and

ools, and the

@ ulching, watering, pruning, and

@

site plans and monitor compliance with the tree protection and landscaping agement Code

@ Coordinate a review and revisions of the tree protection and landscaping provisions of the

asurement of tree canopy cover across on a 5 year frequency

@ Develop a tree work order system and form

The possibility of the City Arborist working on or completing all of the above tasks depends on

program. The City Arborist will coordinate and implement progof city and city schools staff, Jefferson Tree Stewards, the Jeffadditional community partners.

The responsibilities and tasks of the City Arborist are:

@ Serve as a technical resource for staff and volunteers of the City, City SchTree Council

@ Coordinate the city’s sustainable community forest management program

@ Provide assistance to the Jefferson Heritage Tree Council as authorized by the City Manager

@ Coordinate the city’s annual tree establishment program

@ Monitor tree survival and species performance Coordinate routine city tree maintenance, including m

removals Complete city tree evaluations as necessary or as requested

@ Manage tree inventory data and provide city staff, boards, and commission with information on the city’s trees as requested

@ Produce maps of tree locations and lists of trees as requested or needed

@ Develop a tree canopy cover change tracking system and implement @ Review

provisions of the Land Use Man

Land Use Management Code @ Coordinate the re-inventory of city trees 10 year frequency and coordinate the inventory

of street trees in newly annexed areas of the city

@ Coordinate the re-me

the city’s budget for these services and the arborist’s available time. The City Arborist may hire a subcontractor to complete some of this work if budgets allow. Only qualified and experienced subcontractors who are ISA Certified Arborists will be approved to work with city trees.


39

er for the City Arborist’s office at City Hall. The computer will GIS software, as well as internet access

ge Tree Council

the Mayor and

unity forest education and outreach program. The inating program activities.

education and outreach program, will

ate records of their program activities and

’s code. The city code will also be revised to e management of in Section 2.

chools employees can attend. The City

ent should be invited to attend as ex-officio

sentatives from Main Street Jefferson, orestry

The council will continue its successful Gift Tree and Heritage Tree programs, continue to sponsor, along with Main Street Jefferson, the city’s annual Arbor Day program, conduct

The task list will be prioritized and work scheduled throughout the year and throughout the short-term. The City Arborist and City Manager will meet periodically to discuss priorities and make adjustments as necessary.

The city will purchase a computinclude Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and ArcMapand access to a fax and printer.

The Jefferson Herita

The Jefferson Heritage Tree Council will be responsible for providing advice to Council on issues related to the management of the community forest resource. They will also be responsible for conducting the city’s commCity Arborist will provide assistance to the Tree Council in coord

The Tree Council, in addition to coordinating thecontribute activity reports to the City Arborist for inclusion in quarterly and annual reports to the Mayor and City Council. They will keep up-to-daccomplishments, including volunteer hours donated for each.

The establishment of the Jefferson Heritage Tree Council as an official advisory board to the Mayor and City Council will be included in the cityincorporate the requirements for city tree management and protection and for thr on private property through the Land Use Management Code as described t ees

The council will review and revise its by-laws. It will expand its membership to include 11 voting members and as many as ex-officio members. The Tree Council will hold bi-monthly meetings during the work day when city and city sArborist and representatives from the Street Department, Parks and Recreation Department, Jefferson City Schools, and Planning and Developmmembers of the council, and asked to provide a brief progress report on the their tree-related activities. Additional ex-officio members will be repreKeep Jackson Beautiful, Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce, the Georgia F

Jackson EMC, and other local organizations Commission, the Cooperative Extension Service, that are involved in community trees.

With both voting and ex-officio members in attendance, the meetings will serve as information sharing sessions among the primary community forest management partners. During the meetings the various committees of the council will also provide brief reports on the activities that have taken place between the meetings.


40

rough the development, purchase, production, printing, and

The Street Department will have the primary responsibility for trees located along street rights-city parks. The Street Department will take care of

tree

nagement practices for tree care

and

s.

homeowner tree assessments as volunteer time allows, and also develop a Heritage Tree Calendar. They will continue to provide ongoing community forest education, information, and outreach to the community thdistribution of brochures on their programs, the value of trees, and tree care techniques.

Street Department

of-way, around city facilities, and in emergency tree work and the pruning and removal of city trees on an as-needed and as-identified basis.

The Street Department will also be responsible for the routine pruning of large trees, whether done by department staff or by contractors, as well as general tree protection and new planting. As workloads permit, the Parks and Recreation staff or their landscape contractor will provide assistance in routine pruning, mulching, or watering trees in city parks.

The Street Department will also be responsible for contributing to planning and budgeting for tree management, for complying with standards and best maoperations, and for maintaining a basic level of knowledge in tree identification, biology, and signs and symptoms of tree health and structure problems.

A representative of the Street Department will attend Tree Council bi-monthly meetings as an ex-officio member and provide a brief report on the department’s tree-related activities plans.

Parks and Recreation Department

The Parks and Recreation Department will be responsible for the maintenance of city trees located at the Jefferson Recreation Complex. As workloads permit, the Street Department staff will provide assistance in maintaining these trees.

The Parks and Recreation Department will also be responsible for contributing to planning and budgeting for tree management, for complying with standards and best management practices for tree care operations, and for maintaining a basic level of knowledge in tree identification, biology, and signs and symptoms of tree health and structure problem

A representative of the Parks and Recreation Department will attend Tree Council bi-monthly meetings as an ex-officio member and provide a brief report on the department’s tree-related activities and plans.


41

city personnel are not responsible for maintaining the trees on school campuses, they will provide assistance as their workloads permit.

ptoms of tree health and structure problems.

ce city maintenance costs and ensure

g devices from trees.

rogram will be the arborist’s time in developing and conducting an annual training program for tree stewards and monitoring their activities in the

nefit long-term through improvements in tree

evelopment community,

ner will contact the City Arborist upon receipt of an application and plans for review and upon receipt of variance requests that involved trees or increases in impervious surfaces.

Jefferson City Schools

The management of trees located on the campuses of Jefferson’s city schools will be the responsibility of the Board of Education and Dr. John Jackson, Superintendent of Jefferson City Schools. Maintenance of these trees will be the responsibility of the Facilities Maintenance Department. Although

The Facilities Maintenance Department will also be responsible for contributing to planning and budgeting for tree management, for complying with standards and best management practices for tree care operations, and for maintaining a basic level of knowledge in tree identification, biology, and signs and sym

A representative of Jefferson City Schools will attend Tree Council bi-monthly meetings as an ex-officio member and provide a brief report on the department’s tree-related activities and plans.

Jefferson Tree Stewards

The City Arborist will develop over the next 3 years a program to train and maintain a minimum of 30 active, qualified volunteers who will be responsible for pruning small and newly planted trees on city property. This citizen service project will reduthat the city’s trees develop a well-trained structure. The volunteers, in addition to annually pruning the trees, will assist in the mulching and inspection of the trees and the removal of waterin

The only costs to the city for this p

field, and providing hand pruning and personal protection equipment for the stewards (gloves, safety glasses, first aid kits). The city will benefit immediately by avoiding the cost of labor to prune and mulch the city’s new trees and will behealth, benefits, safety, and longevity.

City Planner

The city of Jefferson hires a contract planner to work with the city, the dand the Quad Cities Planning Commission to implement the Land Use Management Code. The City Arborist will assist the City Planner in plans review and site inspections and compliance issues. The City Plan


42

y Arborist will work together to develop recommendations for changes

th of trees on private property

Construction contractors and their subcontractors

rs

for tree maintenance.

The City Arborist will organize and facilitate an annual planning meeting to discuss current mmunity forest management and to develop a work plan and proposed budget for

Department, Jefferson City Schools and City Arborist of tree maintenance or inspection needs and will use the system to track the time requirements and expense of tree care.

The City Planner and Citto improve the effectiveness of the Land Use Management Code and submit these recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council.

Responsibility for Private Trees

There are a variety of groups and individuals that affect the healand hold some level of responsibility for their protection and maintenance. The groups and individuals responsible for the maintenance of trees on private property are:

@ Private property owners

@ Residential and business lessees

@ Utility companies

@ Developers @

@ Landscape contracto@ Arboricultural service contractors

Some of these individuals have responsibility for trees in Jefferson on only on a short-term basis, such as is the case with developers and construction contractors. Some may have responsibility on a periodic basis, such as landscape contractors or utility companies. All people who live, work and visit Jefferson have an ongoing responsibility for tree protection, and residents and business have an ongoing responsibility

The city will provide information and education on the importance of trees and tree care to private property owners, developers, contractors, and resident as part of the city’s and the Tree Council’s education and outreach program.

Program Planning

priorities in cothe upcoming year. All staff and volunteers that have responsibility for community tree care will be invited to attend the meeting and provide their input.

Tree Work Order System

The city will establish a work order system for notifying the Street Department, Parks and Recreation


43

iate person for action.

ted, evaluated, or appraised will be sent to the City emoval of trees on city street rights-of-way, around

val of trees on city the Facilities Maintenance supervisor. These individuals may

rtments or for the City Arborist.

on the amount of time required, number of people, and task will be filled in on the form and the form will be filed. Each

esponsible for maintaining copies of the work orders they complete.

justments made as necessary to insure en to staff.

utreach activities

ry

ed, by species, location and DBH; total number of trees removed; time

ude the nursery of origin of the trees, the species, the cultivar or variety name, tree caliper, and cost for the tree and separately the transportation costs

Work orders will be filled out by staff as a need is identified, and the work order will be submitted to the appropriate person or group. Requests for tree maintenance coming in to City Hall will be written up as a tree work order and sent to the appropr

Work orders for trees that need to be inspecArborist. Work orders for maintenance or rcity facilities, and in Curry Creek Park will be sent to the Street Department supervisor. Work orders for the maintenance or removal of trees in other city parks will be sent to the Parks and Recreation Assistant Director. Work orders for the maintenance or remoschool property will be sent togenerate work orders for other depa

Aft rany expense related to the

e the work is completed, information

department will be r

This system will be implemented on a trial basis and adthat the paperwork is not a burd

Recordkeeping

Gathering, analyzing, and disseminating tree program data is essential to achieving program efficiency and maintaining program support. It is important in planning, budgeting, and scheduling work. The following data should be collected and maintained.

@ Staff hours spent on tree care, education, and o

@ Volunteer hours spent on tree care, education, and outreach activities

@ Program cash expenditures, by catego

@ List of trees remov(staff hours only) and cost of removals (contract services only)

@ List of trees planted, by species and location; total number of trees planted; time (staff hours only) and cost (contract services only) of planting (track tree costs, installation costs, maintenance costs)

@ Planting records should incl

@ List of trees pruned, by location and size; total number of trees pruned; time (staff and volunteer hours) and cost (contract services only)


44

any member out-of-pocket

The City Arborist will be responsible for completing and submitting the city’s Tree City USA tion. Therefore, the City Arborist will also be responsible for keeping

ty Arborist will also be responsible for submitting to the National Arbor Day Foundation a

and project reports to the Tree Council, City

o the Mayor and Council.

ed at the end of the year into an annual state of the

In addition to setting up the systems for gathering the above data, the city and the Tree Council will engage in the following record-keeping activities:

@ The Tree Council will record and publish minutes of all regular and called meetings

@ City arborist will manage and keep current the tree inventory database, and provide reports as necessary to the city

@ City arborist will set up a spreadsheet for tracking expenditures from the city budget

@ The Tree Council will set up an accounting system to include spending categories and budget limits and the use of an expense reimbursement forexpenses

@ The Tree Council will streamline the reporting of in-kind volunteer and staff time dedicated to the tree program and grant projects

@ Streamline grant administration and reporting procedures

recertification applicaaccurate records of all expenditures on tree care, a current list of Tree Council members, minutes of Tree Council meetings, a copy of the city’s Arbor Day proclamation and a current copy of the city’s Land Use Management Code to submit with the application.

The Cinomination for a Tree City Growth Award if the city is eligible.

Reporting

The City arborist will provide regular activityManager, and the Mayor and City Council. The Tree Council, in turn, will provide regular activity and project reports to the City Arborist for inclusion in reports t

The Tree Council will be updated on project activities on a bi-monthly basis at their regular meetings, and will at the same time provide an update to the City Arborist on their activities. The Mayor and City Council will be updated quarterly. Tree Council bi-monthly reports and the City Arborist’s quarterly reports will be consolidattrees report that will be made available to the Mayor and City Council and to the community at large on the city’s website.


45

the

request estimates made now would certainly be completely revised. Based upon experience from this last year’s budgeting process,

er a

and in-kind services.

funds, and supplement those funds with nd donations. Even though the

bmit their budget request to the r inclusion in the overall program budget request by June 30 each year.

butions and donated funds for tree planting projects

@ Utilize partnership programs, such as the Jefferson Tree Stewards, to reduce the cost of program activities

FUNDING PROGRAM The city will fund a basic community forest management program by allocating funds tocity’s annual expense budget. Annual budgets have not been developed as part of this plan as the constraints and priorities in place at budgeting time and the opportunities that might be available for outside funding cannot be predicted. Budget have tohowever, an amount between $25,000 and $75,000 is required to fund this program at eithvery basic or a fully-funded level. Regardless of the specific amount of funding required, the program will rely on three (3) main sources of funding which include the city budget, grants, and donations of cash

City Budget

The city will fund a basic program with general revenueenvironmental fees, contributions to the city’s tree bank, grants, acity budget will eventually become the main source of funding for the sustainable community forest management program, grants will remain an important source of supplemental funding. The establishment of both an environmental fee and a tree bank will provide further relief to the demands on tax revenues. The city will also continue to rely heavily on the donation of volunteer and professional services and cash donations for tree planting, maintenance, education and outreach programs.

The Jefferson Heritage Tree Council’s budget will be included in the overall community forest management budget. The Jefferson Heritage Tree Council will suCity Arborist fo

By July 15 of each year the City Arborist, in prior consultation with the City Manager and the Jefferson Heritage Tree Council, will submit a community forest management budget request to the City Manager. The following strategies will be employed in the development of the budget requests:

@ Use city budget funds for the essential components of the program, those that reduce risk, protect public health, safety and welfare and that protect the city’s investment in its trees

@ Use grant funds for special projects that increase the effectiveness of the program and contribute to long-term, quality management

@ Use tree bank contri


46

rotection, and maintenance activities in a quality manner and according to standards to increase tree health and longevity and reduce maintenance

l fee or tree protection plan fee as part of the permit application process is recommended. This fee is intended to cover the cost of tree protection and

review, recommendations and site inspection and monitoring by the City

d a cost of $5,000 at a minimum. An estimated average of six (6) variance

Tree Bank

y unit that is required but will not be planted on a site as the result of an approved ce. A payment into the tree bank of the same amount, $500, should be required for each

the tree bank in the following cases:

@ Conduct tree establishment, p

and funding needs in the long-term @ Complete maintenance in a timely manner to create a stable tree population and eliminate

crisis management and unexpected costs

Employing these strategies to should help to further reduce the strain on the city budget in both the short- and long-term.

Environmental Fee

The establishment of an environmenta

landscape plan Arborist, estimated to be a minimum of $500 per site over the life of the project. Variance requests are estimated to cost a minimum of $150 per request for review and the development of recommendations by the City Arborist.

A basic environmental fee of $500 or $20 per acre, whichever is greater, is recommended. A fee of $150 is also recommended in addition to the $375 basic fee for any variance of the tree protection or landscaping requirements in the Land Use Management Code.

It is estimated that 10 tree protection plan reviews will take place per year, representing an income of $5,000 anrequests will be made for tree-related regulations each year, representing an income of $900 and cost of $900.

The city will establish a tree bank as a tool to use in the implementation of the Land Use Management Code. The recommended level of contribution to the tree bank is $500 for each .5 tree densitvarian1,600 square feet (the size of a large tree’s canopy at maturity) or portion thereof of additional pavement, building footprint, or other impervious surface approved in a variance request. Treebank monies must be received by the city prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

Landscape bonds will be forfeited and deposited into

@ At 24 months after the issuance of the certificate of occupancy insufficient tree density units exist due to the death or removal of trees without replacement


47

t sites between 18 and 21 months after the certificate

replace trees, and at 24 months will make a

in the Land Use Management Code, currently 100% of the cost of the installed landscape, or require $3,000 per acre as listed on the Cities of Jefferson and Talmo,

d Development Department Fee Schedule (effective January 1, 2008),

activities that are currently unfunded due to budget

g the Shade

n and Community Forestry Assistance Program @

@ Required trees are no longer healthy and do not have a good chance for survival and growth to maturity as determined by the City Arborist.

The City Arborist will inspect developmenof occupancy is issued to determine the health of the trees, notify the owner, occupant, tenant, and respective agent of each of the need to determination on the dispensation of the landscape bond. The required amount of the landscape bond will be as described

Georgia Planning anwhichever is greater.

Grants

The city will apply for at least one (1) but no more than three (3) grants to fund the community forestry activities described in this master plan. Grants are welcome sources of supplemental funding for community forestry programconstraints or are program enhancements that are not strictly necessary. Grant applications, administration, and reporting are, however, very time consuming. The responsibility for grant administration, including the development of the grant application, record keeping, and reporting should be assigned to an experienced volunteer, city staff, or the City Arborist.

The annual grant programs that directly fund community forestry projects in Georgia are administered by the Georgia Forestry Commission. These grant programs include:

@ Makin

@ UrbaAmerican Recover and Reinvestment Act

Information on these programs is available on the Georgia Forestry Commission’s website at www.gfc.state.ga.us. The city will apply for an Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Program grant each year. The Jefferson Heritage Tree Council will lead the effort on the development and submittal of the U&CF grant application.

Another annual grant program related to trees is the Georgia Department of Transportation’s GATEway Grant Program, which provides funding for roadside enhancement and beautification

ion in Jefferson will be submitted to the DOT in October of 2011 for the following year. The Public projects along Georgia’s roadsides. An application for funding of gateway beautificat

Works Director will lead the effort to submit this grant with assistance from the City Arborist. See http://www.dot.state.ga.us/localgovernment/fundingprograms/gateway for more information.


48

The garden tools company Fiskars® distributes Project Orange Thumb grants, which provide the following:

@ Up to $1,000 in Fiskars® Garden Tools

@ Project Orange Thumb® t-shirts

@ Up to $1,000 for other materials such as plants, seeds, mulch, etc.

An application for a Project Orange Thumb grant to equip the Jefferson Tree Stewards with pruning equipment will be submitted to Fiskars in 2011 by the City Arborist. See www.fiskarsfoundation.org for more information.

Donations

The Jefferson Heritage Tree Council and the City Arborist will solicit donations from local

ards for tree care operations and arboricultural best management regulated by the Land Use Development Code. All

erty owners and their tenants or Land Use Management Code

Industry Association. The ISA has

Facilities Maintenance superintendent. Many of these standards and best management practices

individuals and businesses for their volunteer time, materials and supplies, professional services, or cash for tree program activities and events that are otherwise unfunded or could be enhanced through donations. The groups or person (Tree Council or the City Arborist) soliciting the funds will send a letter of acknowledgement and thanks to donors to the program.

Donations of professional services will be solicited from local landscape architects for the development of tree and landscape plans for city gateways and for school campuses.

ARBORICULTURAL STANDARDS PROGRAM The city will adopt stand

r c ices for city trees and any and all trees p a ttree care operations conducted by city staff and by proprespective agents for trees conserved or planted to satisfy requirements will be done in accordance with these standards and best management practices.

Standards for safety and most tree care operations have been developed by committees of professionals, adopted by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and published by the International Society of Arboriculture or the Tree Carealso developed best management practices to accompany the standards for many of the tree care operations addressed by the standards.

Four (4) sets of the standards and best management practices will be purchased and kept on file in the city: one (1) set will be located in the office of the city clerk; one (1) set will be located in the office of the City Arborist; one (1) set will be located in the office of the Street Department superintendent; and one (1) set will be located in the office of the Jefferson City Schools


49

rborist’s office. In addition to the copies that will be available from the city, copies of can be ordered through the ISA’s website at

are also available in Spanish and one (1) set of the Spanish versions will be ordered and kept on file in the athe standards and best management practices www.isa-arbor.com.

Th afor compliance with the standards will be communicated to the appropriate

e vailability of the standards, the adoption of the standards by the city, and the requirement target audiences on a

nal standards adopted and required by the city al terminology and the most common tree care practices follow.

ns developed by the

g of each of the standards discussed below. The terms and definitions used in the Land Use Management

will be compared and ses. The consolidated

r

quirements, electrical hazards, safe use of vehicles and

regular basis. Education in the standards and BMPs and their application will be part of the city’s education and outreach program.

Descriptions of the published standards and additiofor arboricultur

Arboricultural Terminology

Standardizing the basic arboricultural terminology used throughout this master plan and in the implementation of the community forest management program are necessary to promote clarity and improve understanding among the various individuals and partner groups involved in management. A list of standard terms and their widely accepted definitioconsultant using, in part, the ISA’s Glossary of Arboricultural Terms, is located in Appendix F. Terms and their definitions are also included in a definitions section at the beginnin

Code, the terms found in the standards, and those listed in Appendix F consolidated so that there is agreement between all documents and uglossary of arboricultural terms and their definitions will be incorporated into the Land Use Management Code as the standard.

Safety Requirements

The American National Standards Institute has adopted an American National Standard foArboricultural Operations – Safety Requirements as standard ANSI Z133.1 – 2006, which is a revision of ANSI Z133.1 – 2000. The safety requirements are published by ISA who holds the secretariat of the Z133 committee known as the Accredited Standards Committee on Safety in Tree Trimming Operations.

The standards address general safety remobile equipment, portable power hand tools, hand tools and ladders, and work procedures. The documents Appendices include a glossary of terms, recommended guidelines for standard performance and safety training for qualified arborists, line-clearance arborist their respective qualified trainees, general safety procedures that apply to all tree work, additional resources, a


50

ons on an annual basis, and with the Jefferson Tree Stewards in their

health for as long as possible, the city will passively protect on

property owners,

ent, particularly the soil in which

finitions related to management and standard practices to be used in the planning phase, the tree resource evaluation phase, the design phase, as well as the

struction, and post-construction phases. The annex includes information used for management reports, including factors to consider when evaluating the

lso require compliance with the following tree management and Land Use Management

table of the weight of green logs, an aerial rescue flowchart, and a hand signal chart for crane operators.

These safety standards will be reviewed with all city and school personnel performing arboricultural operatitraining program as appropriate.

Tree Protection Standards

In order to conserve trees in goodan ongoing basis, and actively protect when necessary, all city trees throughout their lives, or require the protection of these trees by utility companies, contractors, private business owners, tenants, and their respective agents.

The ongoing protection of the trees and their growing environmthey grow, is essential for tree survival and long-term tree health. It takes only moments to irreparably damage a tree and reduce its health and safety, even though it may takes years for the tree to show signs of decline.

Tree protection is particularly critical during site development when the threats to a tree’s health intensify. Compliance with ANSI A300 (Part 5) – 2005 American National Standard for Tree Care Operations – Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Maintenance – Standard Practices (Management of Trees and Shrubs During Site Planning, Site Development, and Construction) is required for any activity that will take place with the critical root zone of a city tree or a tree regulated by the Land Use Management Code.

This standard contains terms and de

pre-construction, on-site con

suitability of trees for conservation, examples of suitability ratings, and a list of items that should be included in the management report. The annex also contains a management planning flow chart, a statement of purpose of the standards and suggestions for implementation.

The city of Jefferson will aprotection standards for trees on city property and those regulated by the Code, as an addition to or reiteration of, or superseding the ANSI standards:

1. Active tree protection is required of anyone engaged in soil disturbance or construction activities within the critical root zone of a city tree.


51

struction activity within the critical root zone of a protected tree on a new

tection will consist of the erection of fencing at least 4 feet zone, with sturdy stakes (preferably metal

or vehicle traffic, storage of materials or

pproval by the City Arborist.

oil contamination, trenching, soil excavation, soil

at its mature

nts should first be

The city of Jefferson will require compliance with the following tree placement standards for trees on city property and those regulated by the Land Use Management Code.

2. Active tree protection is required of anyone engaged in any soil disturbance or condevelopment site for which a tree protection plan has been submitted and approved.

3. A tree protection plan must be submitted to the city by anyone working within the critical root zone of a city tree.

4. At a minimum, active tree prohigh around the perimeter of the critical rootfence posts) with signs a minimum of 24 by 36 inches in size identifying the area as a tree protection zone affixed to the fencing every 15 feet along the perimeter. The location of the fencing may be adjusted with approval of the City Arborist.

5. No entry or construction activity, equipment temporary offices, trenching, soil excavation, soil backfill, grade changes, equipment washout, soil contamination, fires, or other activities damaging to a tree’s roots, trunk, or crown as determined by the City Arborist is permitted within the critical root zone of a city tree without prior a

6. Tree protection fencing must be erected prior to any soil disturbance or construction activity taking place, and will remain in good condition throughout the construction period, until its removal is approved by the City Arborist.

7. Passive tree protection will be required throughout the tree’s life to include avoidance of compaction within the CRZ through pedestrian or vehicular traffic, and avoidance of materials storage, equipment washout, sbackfill, grade changes, fires, or other activities damaging to a tree’s roots, trunk, or crown.

Site and Species Selection Standards

Trees will only be planted in appropriate sites with plenty of growing space for that tree to reach maturity without conflict with infrastructure or clearance. Each potential tree planting will be assessed to determine the amount of growing space available to the tree now, andsize, and to determine the soil moisture and light conditions that dominate the site. Then a species with the requirements that match the conditions will be selected.

If the planting of a certain species is desired, the species site requiremedetermined, and then a site selected with the size, moisture, and light conditions that meet those requirements.


52

small

anting locations must be a minimum of 6’ wide. All small and

the City of Jefferson’s Official Tree Species List.

ees and trees planted to satisfy the Land

ak—Quercus phellos).

ferson will require compliance with standards for preparing a site prior to planting

1. All canopy tree planting locations will be a minimum of 30 feet from street intersections, 15 feet from driveways, and 30 feet from other trees or planting locations. All medium trees will be planted at least 25 feet from other trees or planting locations, and all trees will be planted at least 15 feet from other trees or planting locations.

2. All large canopy tree plmedium tree locations must be a minimum of 3’ wide. Large trees should have a minimum of 400 square feet of rooting area

3. Medium and large canopy trees will not be planted within 30’ of overhead electric lines. Only small maturing trees can be planted beneath overhead utility lines. All trees will be planted at least 5 feet from underground utility lines.

4. Preference will be given to the planting of large canopy sites on urban streets (curb and gutter system present) where sidewalks are present.

5. Species will be chosen from

6. Species diversity will be maintained for city trUse Management Code requirements.

7. Tree planting plans for a single site, neighborhood, or character area will include no more than 30 percent of trees from a single family (e.g., the beech and oak family—Fagaceae), no more than 20 percent of all trees from a single genus (e.g., oak—Quercus), and no more than 10 percent of all trees of a single species (e.g., willow o

Site Preparation Standards

The city of Jeffor any city tree or tree regulated by the Land Use Management Code. These standards are:

American sycamore trees (shown against a blue winter sky) atJefferson Elementary School are a good addition to the city’s diversity.


53

will not be amended.

ill be tilled prior to planting so that it is un-compacted mes the width of the root ball and to a depth of at least 18 e aeration will depend upon the severity of the ed by the City Arborist.

ndards

property and in new developments will conform to the ANSI Nursery Stock developed and published by the American d adopted by the American National Standards Institute.

compliance with the following nursery stock standards for ose regulated by the Land Use Management Code, as an

eding the ANSI standards:

ior experience with the nursery in supplying trees standards.

ded back, or otherwise pruned in conflict with

– 2005 American National Standard for Tree Care Operations – Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody

1. Soil in tree planting islands and other constructed planting areas will be good quality top soil to a depth of 30 inches that is well-aerated (50 percent pore space is ideal), composed of at least 3 percent organic matter (5 percent is ideal), and not consisting solely of clay subsoil.

2. Where amended soil is added to a planting hole, it will be mixed in with the surrounding soil at the interface between the two to discourage pooling of water or restriction of roots at the interface.

3. Soil in frontage and yard areas

4. Soil in frontage and yard areas wfor a distance of up to five (5) tiinches. The required width of thcompaction and will be determin

Nursery Stock Selection Sta

All nursery stock planted on city Z60.1 - 2004 American Standard forNursery & Landscape Association, an

The city of Jefferson will also requiretrees planted on city property and thaddition to or reiteration of, or supers

1. Trees to be planted on city proCity Arborist, unless the arborithat meet Jefferson’s quality

perty will be individually selected at the nursery by the st has pr

2. Trees with insect or disease signs or symptoms will not be purchased or accepted.

3. Trees that have been topped, tipped, heatree pruning standards will not be purchased or accepted.

4. Trees with trunk wounds, co-dominant (forked) stems, included bark, and otherwise poor form will not be purchased or accepted.

5. Trees with loose, dry, loose, cracked, or otherwise damaged root balls or containers will not be purchased or accepted.

Tree Planting Standards

Tree planting (also known as transplanting) will be done in accordance with ANSI A300 (Part 6)


54

d e hole, installing a support system (stakes and guy wires), and

llowing planting standards for trees , as an addition to or

2. Trees will only be lifted or transported by e

l

letely removed from the root ball by first cutting off the very bottom of the wire basket before the tree is placed in the planting hole, and then by

Plant Maintenance – Standard Practices (Transplanting). This standard includes definitions anddescriptions of transplanting objectives, plant and site inspection, tools and equipment, timing of transplanting, transplanting practices, protection, digging the tree or shrub, lifting antransporting the tree, digging thpost-planting care practices. The annex includes additional transplanting information and aninitial assessment checklist, as well as information on lifting chain and sling inspection and record-keeping protocol.

The city of Jefferson will also require compliance with the foon city property and those regulated by the Land Use Management Codereiteration of, or superseding the ANSI standards:

1. Trees may be balled and burlapped, containerized, or bare root.

the root ball or the strapping around throot ball and will not be lifted or transported by the trunk.

3. Trees will be stored upright on site prior to planting and will not be stored on their sides.

4. Planting holes will be at least two (2) times the width of the root ball, except that in compacted soils the width of the planting hole will be up to five (5) times the width of the root ball.

From: A Guide to Preserving Trees on Constru Penn State

ction SitesUniversit5. The root ball will be placed on firm

ground that has not been tilled, dug up, or otherwise disturbed.

6. The trunk flare will be exposed on all trees after installation and final soil backfill, and the first order roots will be covered with soil but will be no more than 2 inches beneath the surrounding grade.

7. All straps, twine, ties, labels, flagging, tags, and wire will be removed from the root baland the tree.

8. Wire baskets will be comp

cutting off the remainder of the wire basket once the planting hole is filled half-way with soil.

y


55

ring irrigation.

n that the tree may shift in the planting hole; ccordance with one of the recommended methods described

of Georgia or Dr. Edward F. Gilman of the bsites.4

1 year after planting.

the first 3 years after planting, after which lished.

ee maintenance will consist of, at a minimum, mulching (at least once per year), e growing season), and regular inspections

the forest floor conditions preferred by trees. Often trees are turf g

peratures. It

Proper Mulching Techniques brochure and on the organization’s

9. At a minimum the upper two-thirds of the burlap will be removed from around the root ball before the hole is back-filled; if possible all burlap will be removed from the planting hole. Any burlap remaining in the planting hole must be pushed to the bottom of the hole and in no case is it acceptable for the burlap to be exposed above the soil.

10. Soil rings to hold water will not be established around trees unless the trees are planted on a slope in which case a soil ring may be established on the lower side of the slope to retain moisture du

11. Trees will not be staked unless they are planted bare root; balled and burlapped trees and containerized trees that cannot stand upright on their own are considered unacceptable quality for planting in Jefferson.

12. Root balls may be staked if there is a concerroot ball staking will be in aby Dr. Kim D. Coder of the University University of Florida on their respective we

13. All staking materials will be removed within

14. New tree maintenance will take place duringtime the trees will be considered to be estab

15. New trsupplemental watering (as necessary during th(at least once per year).

Mulching Standards

Mulching is an attempt to recreateplanted in a rather sterile environment that includesimproves soil texture and fertility, conserves soil moisture, and moderates soil temalso creates a neat and attractive appearance to trees in the landscape.

rowing right up to the tree trunk. Mulch

There are no ANSI standards for mulching although there is general agreement among arborists as to the proper mulching methods. The following tree mulching standards are adapted from information found in the ISA’s website, and will be required for all city trees and trees regulated by the Land Use Management Code.

4 www.warnell.uga.edu, www.ifas.ufl.edu


56

-textile

ay be used

nd out to

the trunk. Ifmust be pulled back several inches so that

decomposed to half of its original volume or is less than 2 inches in depth, and no less often than once per year.

1. Only organic mulches such as wood chips, pine needles, shredded hardwood and softwood bark, cocoa hulls, leaves, compost mixes, and other products derived wholly from plants will be used as mulch for trees.

2. Inorganic materials such as stone, lava rock, shredded or pulverized rubber, geofabrics, or other inorganic materials will not be used.

3. Composted or fresh wood chips maround established trees but avoid using non-composted wood chips that have been piled deeply without exposure to oxygen.

4. Mulch will be applied in an even layer, 3-4 inches deep, in an area that extends a minimum of 6 inches from the trunk out to the tree’s dripline, or a minimum radius of 3 feet, whichever is larger, for trees 6 inches DBH

From: ISA Proper Mulching Techniques

and smaller.

5. For trees 6 inches DBH and larger, mulch will extend out a minimum radius of 6 feet beyond the trunk flare, a the dripline if practical.

mulch is found piled against the stems or tree trunks, it the base of the trunk and trunk flare are

6. Mulch will not touch

exposed.

7. If mulch is present and at least 2 inches in depth, then no additional mulch will be required. Old mulch

Remember: If the tree had a say

From: ISA Proper Mulching Techniques

will, however, be raked to break up any matted layers and refresh its appearance.

8. Mulch will be replenished once it has

in the matter, its entire root system (which usually extends well beyond the drip line) would

be mulched.


57

round trees planted in areas with poor

planted trees, trees damaged by construction ntal water during dry periods or times of

ter use restrictions must be taken into account

an average of 1 inch of rain per week during the growing season. Trees d trees on higher, drier sites and slopes may hich a tree is growing should remain moist,

oots.

with the following irrigation standards for trees on

k with 1 inch of water in the absence of

other similar slow-release watering devices d on newly planted trees and left on through the first growing season only.

s at

have been damaged by construction activities will be watered once per week nfall.

ateri

for tree ment se stan heir

ANSI A300 (Part 2) – 2004 American Plant

. This standard includes definitions, and

9. Do not apply mulch more than 1 inch deep adrainage.

Irrigation Standards

No ANSI standards exist for irrigating trees. Newlyactivities, and high value trees all need supplemedrought. Of course, current local and state-wide wawhen watering trees.

Most trees benefit fromon soils with poor drainage will require less water, anneed more water, more often. In general, the soil in wbut should also be well-drained to promote healthy r

The city of Jefferson will require compliancecity property.

1. New city trees will be watered once per weerainfall.

2. At the time of planting, TreeGator bags orwill be installe

3. Watering devices will be removed and cleaned for reuse by Jefferson Tree Stewardthe time they visit new trees for their initial pruning.

4. Deep watering less frequently is preferred over shallow watering more frequently. Watermust penetrate the soil to a depth of 8 inches.

5. Trees that with 1 inch of water in the absence of rai

6. The tree trunk will not be wetted when w

Adherence with these standards is not requiredCode, however the voluntary adoption of theowners by increasing tree survival, health, and benefits, and reducing tree m

ng.

s regulated by the Land Use Managedards will benefit both the trees and t

anagement and replacement costs.

Fertilization Standards

Fertilization of trees will be done in accordance withNational Standard for Tree Care Operations – Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Maintenance – Standard Practices (Fertilization)


58

ractices and fertilization applications, including when, where, and how to fertilize, and what type and rate of fertilizer to use.

ing fertilization standards for trees on

and

the ground three (3)

ndard includes definitions, descriptions of pruning practices including tree inspection, tools and equipment, pruning cuts, pruning objectives, pruning methods, and utility

guidelines for pruning cuts, guidelines for writing tree pruning

descriptions of fertilization p

The standard rate for fertilizing with a slow-release fertilizer is between 2 and 4 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, and should not exceed 6 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet within a 12 month period.

The standard rate for fertilizing with a quick-release fertilizer is between 1 and 2 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per application and should not exceed 4 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet within a 12 month period.

The city of Jefferson requires compliance with the followcity property and those regulated by the Land Use Management Code, as an addition to or reiteration of, or superseding the ANSI standards:

1. Fertilization will not be done as a routine practice for city trees. Mulch and the decomposition of leaves and other natural materials will be the primary source of nutrients for the trees.

2. Fertilization prescriptions and applications will be based on the results and recommendations of a soil sample test.

3. Soil within the critical root zone will be sampled and sent to the Cooperative Extension Services soils lab for testing to determine the amount of phosphorus, potassiumorganic will be necessary if a specific micronutrient deficiency is suspected.

4. Newly planted trees will not be fertilized until they have been ingrowing seasons, unless a soil or foliar sample test reveals a nutrient deficiency.

Pruning Standards

The pruning of city trees and trees planted to meet Land Use Management Code requirements will be done in accordance with ANSI A300 (Part 1) – 2008 American National Standard for Tree Care Operations – Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Maintenance – Standard Practices (Pruning). This sta

pruning. The annex includes a specifications and applicable ANSI A300 interpretations for should versus shall.

The city of Jefferson will also require compliance with the following pruning standards for trees on city property and those regulated by the Land Use Management Code, as an addition or reiteration of, or superseding the ANSI standards:

1. Topping of any tree for any reason is prohibited.


59

between the road surface and the lowermost

s or this work.

tors who ired to prune city trees. All tree pruning work

nce ations –

Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Maintenance – Standard Practices (Integrated Vegetation Utility Rights-of-way). This standard includes definitions and

n management

vegetation management operations including

h year that describes the type, location,

2. Any tree planted to satisfy Land Use Management Code requirements that is topped will be replaced with a similar tree in a time frame to be determined by the City Arborist.

3. Stub cuts are not allowed.

4. Flush cuts are not allowed.

5. Pruning paint or wound dressing is not allowed.

6. A minimum clearance of 8 feet is required over sidewalks and walkways and in plazas between the pavement and the lowermost tree limbs.

7. A minimum clearance of 16 feet is requiredtree limbs projecting over roadways.

8. Pruning within 10 feet of overhead electric utility lines will only be done by personqualified and certified f

9. In cases where the city will hire a contractor to prune city trees, only contracemploy ISA Certified Arborists will be hmust be supervised on-site by an ISA Certified Arborist.

Electric Utility Right‐of‐way Vegetation Management

The pruning of trees to maintain clearance around electric utility lines will be done in accordawith ANSI A300 (Part 7) – 2006 IVM American National Standard for Tree Care Oper

Management a. Electricdescriptions of integrated vegetation management practices for electric utility rights-of-way including objectives, site evaluations, selection of management control methods, communication, and implementation and application of integrated vegetation control methods. The annexes include a discussion of the wire zone – border zone concept, an integrated vegetation management flowchart, and an interpretation of the terms should and shall as they relate to the integrated vegetation management standard.

The city of Jefferson will require compliance with the following vegetatiostandards for trees on city property as an addition to or reiteration of, or superseding the ANSI standards:

1. Utility companies that anticipate conductingline clearance pruning of city trees are required to submit to the city a vegetation management plan on or before December 31 eacand schedule of vegetation management activities that will take place.


60

o submit the name and contact information of the company he vegetation management operations. The company must

ast two (2) weeks prior to beginning vegetation

ed rtified Arborist or Certified Utility

lines will be assessed prior to the commencement

ne clearance pruning to determine compliance with

he

nt Code:

Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Maintenance – Standard Practices (Lightning Protection

2. Utility companies must alsemployee responsible for tcontact the City Arborist at lemanagement operations.

3. Utility line clearance pruning and other vegetation management activities conductaround city trees must be supervised by an ISA CeTree Worker.

4. Trees in conflict with overhead utilityof clearance pruning to determine whether the tree should be pruned or removed.

5. The City Arborist will monitor all liANSI standards.

6. Line clearance pruning that does not meet ANSI or city standards will be stopped by tcity code enforcement officer.

Tree Support Systems Standards

Any installation of supplemental tree support systems that are used to provide additional support or limit movement of a tree or tree part will be done in accordance with ANSI A300 (Part 3) – 2006 American National Standard for Tree Care Operations – Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Maintenance – Standard Practices (Supplemental Support Systems). This standard includes definitions and supplemental support systems practices, including tree inspection, tools and equipment, general information, installation practices, cabling installation, bracing installation, prop installation, the guying of established trees, and the inspection and maintenance of supplemental support systems. The annexes include additional hardware information and a supplemental support systems specification flowchart, as well as interpretations of terms used in this standard.

The city of Jefferson will requires compliance with the following additional standard for tree support systems installed in trees on city property and those regulated by the Land Use Manageme

1. Tree support systems will only be installed by qualified and experienced ISA Certified Arborists.

Lightning Protection Systems Standards

The installation of lightning protection systems in city trees will be done in accordance with ANSI A300 (Part 4) – 2002 American National Standard for Tree Care Operations – Tree,


61

tree and site inspection,

easurement techniques, and

tems will only be ienced ISA

ethodologies described in this book for appraising the value of trees take

e accompanied by photographs of the appraised trees and information on

Tree Removal Standards

The City Arborist will evaluate tree health and risk for failure before any medium or large

Systems). This standard includes definitions, lightning protection practices including tools and equipment, materials, and installation practices for the above- and below-ground components of the system. The annexes included are tree lightning protection systems information, ground minterpretations of terms.

The city of Jefferson requires compliance with the following additional standard for lightning protection systems installed in trees on city property and those regulated by the Land Use Management Code:

1. Tree lightning protection sysinstalled by qualified and experCertified Arborists.

Standards for Determining Tree Value

There will be times when the city must determine the dollar value of a tree, such as in the case of a city tree being damaged, destroyed, or removed without city approval. Tree values may also have to be determined to find the lowest cost option for installing utilities and infrastructure through areas with existing trees.

Tree values will be determined by the City Arborist or another qualified and experienced arborist using the latest edition of the Guide for Plant Appraisal (currently the 9th Edition), developed by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers, and published by the International Society of Arboriculture. The minto account the tree species, trunk diameter, condition, location, and the cost of replacement trees and landscaping.

All tree appraisals will bthe factors considered in the calculation of their values.

canopy tree is removed from city property. The removal of city trees will be done according to the standards listed below:

1. The need for tree removals will be reduced through proper tree selection, placement, protection, and maintenance.

A large oak tree struck by lightning thatwill likely not survive the event.


62

fore trees are evaluated or

using methods described in the Guide to h rates the probability of failure, e at an overall hazard rating.

ed unless targets can be moved.

uit will be removed.

or form that are unsightly and no longer an asset to the city will be removed.

infrastructure or traffic sight visibility will

2. The ownership of trees will be positively identified berecommended for removal.

3. Trees will be evaluated for their risk of failurethe Evaluation of Hazard Trees in Urban Areas whicsize of part, and frequency of targets in the area to arriv

4. Trees at a high risk for whole tree failure will be remov

5. Trees in irreversible and advanced decline will be removed.

6. Trees with messy, hazardous, or noxious flowers or fr

7. Trees in po

8. Trees involved in an irresolvable conflict withbe removed.

9. Trees will not be removed for sign visibility.

10. Only experienced personnel or contractors will remove city trees.

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

The city will also adopt the best management practices that accompany the standards for tree care operations and those that stand alone. These best management practices are available from the International Society of Arboriculture website at www.isa-arbor.com. One set each of the standards will be kept in the office of the city clerk, in the City Arborist’s office, in the Street Department shop, and at the Facilities Maintenance Office of Jefferson City Schools.

The following best management practices booklets are available:

Integrated Pest Management ling, Bracing, Guying, and Propping (Revised)

ection Systems, 2nd Edition

@ Tree Pruning (Revised 2008)

@

@ Tree Support Systems: Cab

@ Managing Trees During Construction

@ Tree and Shrub Fertilization

@ Tree Lightning Prot

@ Integrated Vegetation Management

@ Utility Pruning of Trees

@ Tree Planting @ Tree Inventories


63

ent, they have a baseline over change trends over the

nt tree canopy r

change on a tree-by-tree basis. This tracking will involve the following activities.

of the number of city trees removed by city staff and contract crews; e canopy cover lost

ert the number of trees ill provide at maturity, using 1,600 square feet of

uare feet for medium canopy trees, 400

d will be ill provide at maturity

in providing information about the changes in tree canopy orting system on the city’s website which will include an bmitted, or printed and mailed, when individuals and

ncentives and rting of these changes

will calculate the net change in tree canopy cover on city sites

kely have to be made once the arborist assesses the willingness of individuals and businesses to track their tree

is very little response from individuals and businesses to this e possible to track and determine the net change in tree canopy cover on

maintaining no net loss for city tree canopy cover, the city will be setting an example for the rest of the community.

COMMUNITY FOREST INFORMATION PROGRAM

Tree Canopy Cover

Now that the city has completed their first tree canopy cover measuremfor comparing future measurements and developing tree canopy clong-term. In the short-term, however, to be pro-active in maintaining the 56 percecover that the city enjoys, the City Arborist will track to the extent possible, tree canopy cove

@ Keep recordsconvert the number of trees to approximate tre

@ Keep records of the number of city trees planted on city property by city staff, the Tree Council, and other community forest management partners; convto the approximate tree canopy they wfuture canopy for large canopy trees, 900 sqsquare feet for small canopy trees, and 150 square feet for very small canopy trees

@ Determine the square footage of tree canopy cover existing on development sites prior to plan approval and development

@ Determine the square footage of tree canopy that is planted back on development sites at the time the certificate of occupancy is issued; the number of trees planteconverted to the approximate amount of tree canopy they w

@ Engage citizens and business by developing a voluntary reponline form that can be subusinesses remove or replace trees on their properties; develop some irecognition tools to encourage the repo

@ Each year the City Arborist property, on development sites, and on all other

Adjustments to this tracking system will liavailability of information and

. If there canopy cover changeprogram, it will still bcity property and on new development sites. By


64

The city tree inventory contains a wealth of useful information on the city’s tree population as a planning and budgeting purposes, and on individual trees that can be

ing the information to

e and

ory summaries when needed.

City Tree Inventory

whole that can be used for used for work scheduling. So that this information remains useful, the inventory will be kept current and the entire inventory updated on a regular basis. In addition, the City will periodically re-inventory all city trees to assess current maintenance needs and to determine if the programs and policies the city has in place are moving the community forward toward their vision and goals.

The City Arborist will be responsible for editing the inventory as trees are added, removed, or their status changes. The City Arborist will also be responsible for providing information from the inventory to city staff and Tree Council volunteers upon request, ussupport funding requests, and disseminating information of interest about the city tree population to the community.

Since the inventory information exists as a GIS shapefile, the information is best viewed, edited, and summarized using GIS software such as ArcMap from ESRI. This software will be

sed by the city and placed on the city’s computer network to facilitate the uspurchaupdating of inventory information. In the meantime the city will rely on the contract City Arborist to provide maps and tree invent

If kept updated the city’s trees should not have to be re-inventoried for another 10 years or so. During this period, however, tree size, health, structure, and safety can change dramatically, so a re-inventory cycle of no more than 10 years is recommended.

The City Arborist will coordinate and schedule future city tree inventories, and may gather the date by him or herself or hire an ISA Certified Arborist to gather the complete the field work for the city.

CITY TREE ESTABLISHMENT PROGRAM

Number of Trees

In the upcoming years, a minimum of 125 new trees will be planted each year on city property. While the planting of 177 trees in 2009 and 2010 as previously described has been an excellent start to a city-wide tree establishment program, and an unprecedented level of tree planting in Jefferson’s recent history, it would difficult to sustain this level of planting on an annual and ongoing basis, especially without supplemental funding.


65

will plant at least 80 new trees along city street rights-of-way to fill vacant street tree planting sites; the Street Department will also plant, with the help of the Parks

lantings of their own so that each year a total of 250 new trees are planted across

planting sites can be seen throughout the city parks and school campuses.

eplace city trees with the largest-sized tree if possible (mature size) and within the same general area if possible, or otherwise in a nearby location.

ear

@ Improve and maintain species diversity by planting a variety of species

ol campuses into neighborhood parks, arboretums, and outdoor learning

wth habits

@ Utilize tree bank monies as the primary source of funding for city tree establishment

The city Street Department

and Recreation Department, at least 20 new trees in city parks each year; and, Jefferson City Schools will plant at least 25 new trees on city school campuses each year.

Matching Tree Planting Program

The city will establish a matching tree planting program. Citizens, local businesses, and corporations with operations in Jefferson will be asked to match the city’s tree planting efforts with tree ppublic and private property. The voluntary planting of trees on private property will be tracked through an online reporting system and will be highlighted on the city’s website.

If over time the City Arborist discovers that more trees need to be planted to achieve no net loss of tree canopy cover, the number of trees planted annually will be increased to achieve this goal.

Tree Planting Objectives

As of August 2009, the city had 1,491 vacant street tree planting sites based on the 2008/2009 tree inventory. The number of vacant planting sites actually surpasses the number of existing street trees found—1,081. While they were not inventoried, vacant

The objectives of tree planting over the next 5 years will be to:

@ Replace city trees removed on a one-for-one basis @ Add as much canopy to the community forest as possible through the planting of large-

maturing, canopy trees @ R

@ Improve and maintain age diversity by planting trees every y

@ Develop city schocenters; ask local professionals to donate services to develop plans for these sites

@ Develop a virtual arboretum on the Tree Council website to provide information about recommended tree species, their preferred locations, and their characteristics; photograph specimens and place on the website with information about their culture, preferred locations, and their physical characteristics and gro


66

n with the Jefferson Heritage Tree Council, Main Street Jefferson, the City Manager, the Public Works Director, the

ent of Jefferson City Schools, and the Mayor and

ad that was the

ree Species List

at are not represented in the existing population . Tree species selections will be

cies List

Tree Planting Work Plan

Each year prior to November, the City Arborist compile a list of sites to be planted in the upcoming winter and the species chosen to fill those sites, after consultatio

Parks and Recreation Director, the SuperintendCity Council. After approval of the planting plan, the arborist will send out a request for bids for the trees, review the bids, visit the nurseries to check tree quality, and then submit the recommendations for the purchase of nursery stock to the City Manager and the Mayor and City Council.

Additional trees may be transplanted from the private nursery on Lyle Field Rosource of 47 of last year’s new trees. The landowner will be approached to provide similar donations annually as long as the trees remain small enough to transplant (4 inch caliper maximum).

City of Jefferson Official T

The city will establish an official tree species list that includes a wide variety of native and non-invasive, urban tolerant exotic species that will guide tree conservation and planting selections in Jefferson. One of the city’s goals is to expand the variety of trees growing in Jefferson. This can be done by planting trees the trees on this list thor that exist in very low numbers as shown in the inventorypurposefully made to increase diversity.

The tree species recommended for inclusion on a City of Jefferson Official Tree Species List are shown in Table 1. The species shaded in the list are those currently included in the Approved

ape Planting List. Landsc

Table 1. City of Jefferson Official Tree SpeCommon Name Latin Name Alder, Hazel (Tag) Alnus serrulata Ash, Green Fraxinus pennsylvanica Ash, White Fraxinus americana Baldcypress Taxodium distichum Basswood, American (Linden) Tilia americana Beech, American Fagus grandifolia Birch, River Betula nigra Birch, River 'Heritage' Betula nigra 'Heritage' Blackgum (Tupelo) Nyssa sylvatica Catalpa, Southern Catalpa bignonioides Cedar, Deodar Cedrus deodara


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of Jefferson Official Tree Species List Table 1. CityCommon Name Latin Name Cedar, Japanese Cryptomeria japonica Chastetree (Vitex) Vitex agnus-castus Cherry, Black Prunus serotina Cherrylaurel, Carolina Prunus caroliniana Cherry, Japanese Flowering Prunus serrulata Cherry, Yoshino Prunes x yedoensis Cottonwood, Eastern Populus deltoides Crabapple, Japanese Flowering Malus floribunda Crabapple, Southern Malus angustifolia Crapemyrtle, Common Lagerstroemia indica Devilwood Osmanthus americanus Dogwood, Flowering Cornus florida Dogwood, Flowering Pink Cornus florida var. rubra Dogwood, Kousa Cornus kousa Dogwood, Swamp Cornus stricta Elm, American (Princeton) Ulmus Americana ‘Princeton’ Elm, Chinese (Lace Bark) Ulmus parvifolia Elm, Slippery Ulmus rubra Elm, Winged Ulmus alata Flametree, Chinese (Bougainvillea) Koelreuteria bipinnata Fringetree (Grancy Gray Beard) Chionanthus virginicus Fringetree, Chinese Chionanthus retusus Ginkgo (male only) Ginkgo biloba Goldenraintree Koelreuteria paniculata Hackberry, Common Celtis occidentalis Hackberry, Georgia Celtis tenuifolia Hawthorne, Washington Crataegus phaenopyrum Hickory, Bitternut Carya cordiformis Hickory, Mockernut sa Carya tomentoHickory, Pignut Carya glabra Hickory, Sand Carya pallida Hickory, Shagbark Carya ovata Hickory, Southern Shagbark ralis Carya ovata var. austHolly, American Ilex opaca Holly, Deciduous (Possumhaw) Ilex decidua Holly, Fosters ta 'Fosteri' Ilex x attenuaHolly, Savannah Ilex x attenuata `Savannah' Holly, Yaupon Ilex vomitoria Honeylocust Gleditsia triacanthos Hophornbeam, American Ostrya virginiana


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Table 1. City of Jefferson Official Tree Species List Common Name Latin Name Hornbeam, American (Ironwood, Blue Beech) Carpinus caroliniana Hornbeam, European Carpinus betulus Hornbeam, Japanese a Carpinus japonicKatsuratree Cercidiphyllym japonicum Magnolia, Cucumber Magnolia acuminata Magnolia, Southern Magnolia grandiflora Magnolia, Southern 'Little Gem' ra 'Little Gem' Magnolia grandifloMagnolia, Star Magnolia stellata Magnolia, Sweetbay Magnolia virginiana Maple, Amur Acer ginnala Maple, Chalk Acer leucoderme Maple, Freeman Acer x freemanii Maple, Hedge Acer campestre Maple, Japanese Acer palmatum Maple, Red Acer rubrum Maple, Southern Sugar (Florida Sugar) Acer barbatum Maple, Sugar Acer saccharum Maple, Trident num Acer buergeraMulberry, Red Morus rubra Oak, Black Quercus velutina Oak, Cherrybark Quercus falcata var. pagodifolia Oak, Chestnut Quercus prinus Oak, Georgia Quercus georgiana Oak, Laurel Quercus hemisphaerica Oak, Northern Red Quercus rubra Oak, Nuttall Quercus nuttalli Oak, Overcup Quercus lyrata Oak, Post Quercus stellata Oak, Scarlet Quercus coccinea Oak, Shumard Quercus shumardii Oak, Southern Red Quercus falcata Oak, Swamp Chestnut auxii Quercus michOak, Swamp White Quercus bicolor Oak, Water Quercus nigra Oak, White Quercus alba Oak, Willow Quercus phellos Parrotia, Persian Parrotia persica Pecan Carya illinoensis Persimmon, Common Diospyros virginiana Pine, Loblolly Pinus taeda


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Table 1. City of Jefferson Official Tree Species List Common Name Latin Name Pine, Longleaf Pinus palustris Pine, Shortleaf Pinus echinata Pine, Virginia Pinus virginiana Pistache, Chinese Pistacia chinensis Planetree, London Platanus x acerifolia Plum, Purpleleaf Prunus cerasifera Redbud, Eastern Cercis canadensis Redbud, Eastern White var. alba Cercis canadensis Redbud, 'Forest Pansy' rest Pansy' Cercis canadensis 'FoRedbud, 'Oklahoma' mis 'Oklahoma' Cercis reniforRedbud, 'Texas White' Texas White' Cercis reniformis 'Redcedar, Eastern Juniperus virginiana Redwood, Dawn tostroboides Metasequoia glypSassafras Sassafras albidum Serviceberry, Downy Amelanchier arborea Silverbell, Carolina Halesia carolina Smoketree, American Cotinus obovatusSmoketree, Common Cotinus coggygria Sourwood Oxydendrum arboreum Sparkleberry, Tree a Vaccinium arboreSweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum, Fruitless raciflua 'Rotundiloba'Liquidambar stySycamore Platanus occidentalis Walnut, Black Juglans nigra Whitecedar, Atlantic Chamaecyparis thyoides Willow, Black Salix nigra Witchhazel, Common iniana Hamamelis virgYellowwood, American ea Cladrastis kentukYellowpoplar (Tulip Poplar) Liriodendron tulipifera Zelkova, Japanese Zelkova serrata

This list includes quite a few species that are current ity tree population. The trees added are considered good candidates for grow wever any new species will bers until their suitability nting is evaluated.

Quite a few species on the list are also additions to th ndscape Planting List in the Land Use Management Code. And, conversely, several species on the Land Use Management Code e not been added to the new list. Canadian hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) will ist as it is not considere in Jefferson and the species is currently being decimated by the hemlock woolly adelgid in the southeastern United

ly not found in the choing in Jefferson;

plabe planted in small num for wide-scale

e Approved La

planting list havbe removed from the l d suitable for planting


70

States. Several species on the list of deciduous and evergreen shrubs in the planting list have been moved to the tree species list as they will technically reach tree size, defined to be a mini in DBH and 15 feet tall. These

@ smanthus americanus)

@ Ilex vomitoria)

@ ree (Vaccinium arborea)

@ (Myrica cerifera)

@ (Hamamelis virginiana

Som n the new species list m stock for plan be found in natural, woodetrees that should be conserved whenever possible. In nce of trees as a species to construction damage will be added to the list for those species for which infor This suggested tree species will also be expanded to include the follo each tree:

@ , or large)

@ small, small, medium, or la

@ locations for each species

As a ade of tree species performanc onstruction tolerance or ge ardiness in the Jefferson la ist will be revised to reflect the new information and recommendations.

CIT ANCE PROG

City

mum of 3 inches species are:

Devilwood (O

Holly, Yaupon (

Sparkleberry, T

Waxmyrtle, Southern

Witchhazel, Common )

e of the native trees o ay not be available as nurseryting and might only d areas. In this case, they are on the list as

lative toleraformation on the re

mation is available. wing characteristics for

Mature height (small, medium

Canopy size (very rge)

Approved planting

ssessments are m e to either relative to cneral suitability and h ndscape, the tree species l

Y TREE MAINTEN RAM

Introduction to the Work Plans

The city will further develop its community forest management program, which has been revitalized through a tree inventory, large-scale tree planting projects, the hiring of a Arborist, and an increase in educational programs and outreach efforts, through the implementation of a comprehensive and routine city tree maintenance program.

Most of Jefferson’s existing trees simply need basic, routine maintenance to improve their health and form, which includes protection, mulching, and pruning, but might also include irrigation and fertilization as necessary. A minority of the city’s trees need more specialized maintenance,


71

cal for newly planted trees and

Work plans for the maintenance of city trees have been developed from tree inventory data and tant over the past year. These work plans are described in

tivities they include are listed and scheduled in

New Tree Maintenance Work Plan

For new trees during their first three (3) growing seasons, the city will provide annual mulching,

ferson Tree Stewards.

rune new trees planted on city rights-of-way, in ond and third years in the ground.

@ oving TreeGator® bags from newly preferably prior to the end of January.

nd in subsequent growing seasons will be made by the Street Department in consultation with the City Arborist.

ble for watering newly planted trees in city parks throughout their first growing season, from time of planting until the

er after October and in subsequent growing seasons will be made by the Street Department in consultant with the City Arborist.

rigate specimen

such as cabling and bracing, root collar excavation, or pest management to improve their structural integrity or chances of survival. A small percentage need to be removed and replaced. All trees should be inspected regularly, but inspection is most crititrees in marginal condition.

from other input gathered by the consulthe following pages and the tree maintenance acthe Master Work Plan in Appendix E.

weekly watering, and periodic inspections to assess tree health and determine current maintenance needs. The city will planting up to 125 trees per year on a regular basis and over any 3 year period there will be as many as 375 trees that need new tree maintenance. This represents a tremendous increase in the work load for city staff. Therefore, this work load will be distributed among Street Department staff, Parks and Recreation Department staff, Jefferson City Schools staff, the City Arborist, and Jef

@ Jefferson Tree Stewards will mulch and pcity parks, and on city school properties in their sec

Jefferson Tree Stewards will be responsible for remplanted trees during their initial pruning visit,

@ The Street Department will be responsible for watering newly planted trees on city street rights-of-way throughout the first growing season, from time of planting until the end of October. The decision to water after October a

@ The Parks and Recreation Department will be responsi

end of October. The decision to wat

Established Tree Maintenance Work Plan

The city will routinely prune all city trees on a regular cycle, mulch all city trees in high pedestrian traffic areas as time is available and where site conditions permit, irtrees and canopy trees damaged during times of drought, and fertilize trees showing signs of nutrient deficiency. Information on the current maintenance needs of the city’s trees was


72

ary of Maintenance Recommendations for City Trees

gathered during the tree inventory completed in from September 2008 through August 2010. A summary of these maintenance recommendations for is located in Table 2.

Table 2. SummMaintenance Activity Streets Parks Facilities Schools All Total Number of Trees 1,081 448 130 659 2,318 Number of Vacant Planting Sites* 1,490 n/a n/a n/a 1,490 Cable and Brace 2 3 2 10 17 Cut Girdling Roots 10 4 7 38 59 Cut Vines 41 31 16 11 99 Cut Wire or Metal 18 49 2 23 92 Fertilize 11 213 0 1 225 Inspect 13 19 3 10 45 Mulch 132 90 50 361 633 Pest Management 17 6 0 0 23 Prune for Traffic and Pedestrian Clearance 19 75 4 19 117 Prune to Correct Form 19 3 3 4 29 Prune to Remove Deadwood 60 59 10 71 200 Prune to Improve Structure 128 8 9 38 183 Prune to Train Structure 103 117 13 167 400 Remove Dead Tree 7 2 1 11 21 Remove Live Tree 1 11 3 12 27

*Although there are tree planting opportunities in the parks, around city facilities, and on school campuses, they weronly specifically identified on street rights-of-way. Tree planting plans will be developed for the parks, facilities, and schools in the future.

e

The tree maintenance activities listed above represent a huge workload for the already over-tasked city and city schools maintenance crews. For this reason, the approach to accomplishing recommended maintenance will be to spread the work out among as many willing partners as possible and use contractors when funding permits. This will be particularly important for

The city will begin the routine pruning of trees to improve their form, provide pedestrian and

mulching and tree pruning, which represent the bulk of the tree maintenance recommended.

Work plans for each of the maintenance activities recommended in the tree inventory and for those maintenance needs identified by the City Arborist over the last year follow.

Tree Pruning Work Plan

vehicular clearance and increasing sight distance, remove deadwood, correct structural defects and reduce the failure potential of large limbs. Routine pruning will reduce future pruning needs, storm damage, and tree removal costs, increase public safety, improve tree health, and lengthen a tree’s useful service life. After the initial pruning to take care of needs identified in the inventory,


73

While we kno s, not all established trees need pruning at the sam s tn e of the inventory for each type of nd las

n of Trees Relass

Street Park cility chools Total

the city will establish a 10-year pruning cycle that include one-tenth of the city’s trees or cover one-tenth of the city’s geographic area each year.

w that all newly planted trees need training pruning early on in their livee tim 3 th be. Table shows e total num

by cer of treese

hat eed pruning as of the tim site, a DBH s.

Table 3. Distributio quiring Pruning by DBH Class DBH CIn Inches Fa S

1 to 4 237 155 20 220 632 5 to 8 41 12 5 34 92 9 to 12 6 1 4 13 24 13 to 16 10 6 7 22 45 17 to 20 3 5 1 6 15 21 to 24 3 7 1 4 15 25 to 28 6 10 0 0 16 29 to 32 2 1 0 0 3

32 and larger 8 5 0 1 14 All Trees 316 202 38 300 856

The total number of city trees that need pruning is 856. However, nearl ree-quar of thett

ighest priority. uning in the first few years will be on large trees and the

years the focus will be on improving traffic and

y th ters se rees are 4 inches or small in trunk diameter. The majority of the tree pruning burden will fall to he Jefferson Tree Stewards.

The number of trees growing along city street rights-of-way and around public facilities that need some type of pruning is 354. There are 257 of these trees that are small, 4 inches DBH and smaller. Approximately 50 of these small trees will be pruned each year by Jefferson Tree Stewards. If additional volunteer time is available, additional trees will be pruned. Only 97 of these trees are 5 inches and larger and only 16 are greater than 24 inches.

Approximately 20 of the medium and large trees will be pruned each year, either by city crews, or by qualified contractors. The City Arborist will choose the trees to be pruned each year with the largest trees and the trees with the greatest hazard potential assigned the hWhile the focus of large tree prreduction of their risk of failure, in subsequentpedestrian clearance and visibility, removing deadwood (crown cleaning) and improving tree structure and form.

The number of trees in city parks that need pruning is 202. Of these 202, 155 are small trees 4 inches DBH and smaller. The remaining 47 are 5 inches DBH and larger. Approximately 30 small trees will be pruned each year by Jefferson Tree Stewards. Approximately 10 medium and


74

nd trees with the greatest hazard

at are in addition to these 670 trees will be included in the work plan after their first year in the ground when they are

The number ees ended for at least one type of pruning is 300, with 220 of those 4 inches a in diam While import to get to these young trees as soon as possible for trai ing (deadwood) pruning, only 50 of these ll trees will be pruned each ye e Jeffer Tree St ards. If itional nteer ti s available to prune more tre is extr e will b tilized fo dditional ning in the first 3 years of this plan. The 80 tree re 5 inch in DBH and larger. Jefferson City Schools will be responsible for pruning 16 medium and large trees each year, utilizing either city personnel or qualified contr e largest trees, the s with the greatest and the trees for which public safety w eased to the greatest degree will be pruned st.

The total nu g tre be ass d and pruned to train form and each year as n the invent 130. se trees in addition to the newly

um of 400 trees per year.

as many trees on an annual basis as workloads permit and where site

large trees will be pruned each year by city crews or by qualified contractors using the same strategy of assigning the highest priority to large trees apotential.

The number of trees on school campuses is approximately 670 (659 initially inventoried and 11 planted after the initial inventory). ARRA grant trees planted on school campuses th

no longer being maintained by a landscape contractor.

o rf campus t recommnd less eter. it is ant

ning and crown clean smaar by th son ew add volu me i

es, then th a tim e u r a pruremaining s a es

actors. Th tree need,ill be incr fir

mber of existin es to tree

eory is

sse remove deadwood identified i The are

planted trees that will need training pruning after their first growing season, expected to be between 125 and 175 trees per year. It is estimated that Jefferson Tree Stewards will prune a minimum of 250 and a maxim

The city and Jefferson City Schools may want to consolidate their medium and large tree pruning needs in order to secure a less expensive bid for pruning each year if this work is contracted out. The total number of medium and large trees that will be pruned across all city properties—streets, facilities, parks, and schools—in the short-term is 46. Long-term the city will prune an average of 50 medium and large trees each year on a routine basis.

Some large tree pruning will be required in addition to what was identified in the tree inventory on an as-needed basis after storm damage, when limbs split, break, a structural fault is identified, or when major dead limbs threaten public safety. This non-routine pruning will be done as soon as the need is identified so that public health, safety, and welfare are maintained.

Tree Mulching Work Plan

The city will mulchconditions are favorable, preferably between November and March each year. The highest priority will be given to newly planted trees, drought-sensitive trees, specimen trees, and other high value trees. In addition to Jefferson Tree Stewards mulching newly planted trees, to further


75

e standards adopted by the

ing trees on city school

e of each tree and submit the samples to

dgets allow. A total of seven (7) street, facility, and park trees are recommended for cabling and bracing in the

reduce the workload on city staff, residents and businesses will be asked to mulch the city-owned trees growing in the right-of-way adjacent to their properties. Free mulch will be provided by the city.

In many cases property owners have already adopted the city trees in front of their property and many are mulched, watered, and pruned. They are not always mulched or pruned properly, however. Property owners will be specifically asked to look at the city trees, evaluate the need for mulch, and then mulch or re-mulch them according to the tree carcity. This request will be made through an insert in each utility bill twice per year, once in March and again in September. Property owners will be directed to the city’s website to view proper mulching techniques, and the City Arborist will be available to discuss these techniques with them.

The Parks and Recreation Department will mulch existing trees in city parks where practical, and especially in areas of heavy foot traffic, around play equipment, and around recreational facilities. The department may choose to delegate this task to their landscape contractor. The Street Department will continue to mulch the trees in Curry Creek Park. The Facilities Maintenance Department of Jefferson City Schools will mulch the existcampuses.

Tree Fertilization Work Plan

The City Arborist will coordinate the fertilization of trees as recommended in the inventory. The arborist will take soil samples within the critical root zonthe Cooperative Extension Service for testing and analysis. Upon receipt of the soil test results, the arborist will develop a fertilization prescription for each tree, and will then work with Street Department staff as necessary to order, mix, and apply the fertilizer. All fertilization will be done according to standards. Fertilization will take place in April and again in July.

Cabling and Bracing Work Plan

The city will have all trees recommended for cabling and bracing inspected by an ISA Certified Arborist qualified and experienced in the installation of tree support systems, and upon confirmation of the need, will cable and brace at least one (1) tree per year as bu

tree inventory.

A total of 10 trees on school campuses were recommended for cabling and bracing during the tree inventory. Jefferson City Schools will have these trees inspected by a qualified and experienced ISA Certified Arborist and upon confirmation of the need, will cable and brace at


76

lly speaking, the approa

nd potential new

l and would

least one (1) tree per year if budgets allow. A total of 10 school campus trees are recommended for cabling and bracing in the tree inventory.

Pest Management Plan

Insects and Diseases

The City Arborist will generate a list of trees recommended for pest management in the tree inventory, inspect each tree or group of trees recommended for pest management, develop a pest management prescription, and coordinate the implementation of pest management activities. A work order will be submitted for any pest management control actions needed.

Genera ches to pest management will involve ongoing plant health care

threats to city trees.

and integrated pest management strategies which include cultural, biological, and chemical control. Pesticides will not be used unless the problem is expected to cause long-term damage or decline and there is a good chance of success of eliminating the pest without harming the beneficial organisms or the environment.

The City Arborist will keep city and city schools staff updated and aware of pest signs and symptoms a

Mistletoe

Mistletoe, when detected in trees, will be removed through crown cleaning, especially of female clumps that produce berries which are then transported to other parts of the tree and surrounding trees by birds.

For main stem and scaffold limb infections, mistletoe shoots will be removed flush with the bark where pruning is not practicaremove too great a portion of the tree’s crown.

For more information on mistletoe and its eradication, refer to the abovepublication by Dr. Kim D. Coder of the University of Georgia’s WarnellSchool of Forestry and Natural Resources. The publication can be foundthrough a quick search of “mistletoe” at www.urbanforestrysouth.org.


77

w an infection site. All pruning cuts for mistletoe removal should be made according to pruning standards.

lue trees chemical control will be used. A product containing or mistletoe eradication will be sprayed on mistletoe clumps until the

after leaf drop in the fall and before bud break

en to avoid this

ire that is girdling trunks or limbs. The City Arborist

when completing other work in the area. Staff will also be reminded about what to look for on an ongoing basis during their normal work

at they can correct these problems early and as they are encountered.

lan

hat require regular inspections due to their marginal condition, m. The City Arborist will generate a list of these trees and

them all by the end of December 2010. The City Arborist will be ding inspection through the new tree work order system, or in rist will make a recommendation for each tree and request

removal with a work order, place the tree on the list of routine inspections, or ed. The City Arborist will maintain an updated list of all known

n

ses and in cit year that are either dead, in hazardous condition, in conflict with other infrastructure—especially overhead utility lines—or in declining health. At this removal rate, it will take the city a

For branch infections, twigs or branches will be pruned back to node closest to the healthy portion of the branch, at least 14 inches belo

For specimen and other high vaethephon and labeled ffoliage and stems are wet. This will be done justin the spring and when daytime temperatures are above 65 degrees Fahrenheit and no rain is forecast for a minimum of 24 hours. Label directions will be followed for all applications. Retreatment will be made every 3 to 4 years. There is a possibility of the chemical staining or etching hardscapes or painted surfaces, such as vehicles, so care will be takoccurrence, or otherwise this control method will not be used.

General Maintenance Work Plan

A number of trees in the inventory require the removal of girdling roots, vines growing on their trunks and in their crowns, or metal or wwill generate a list of these trees by site and street and provide it to the appropriate departments so that this work can be done as time permits or

routine so th

Tree Inspection Work P

The inventory identified 45 trees ta structural defect, or a pest probleperform on initial inspection onnotified of additional trees neeperson or by phone. The arbomaintenance ordetermine that no action is needtrees needing inspection and make these inspections at least annually.

Tree Removal Work Pla

Tree removal will be addressedinventory—21 dead and 27 livecity school campu

in a systematic manner. There are currently 48 trees in the tree—recommended for removal. Most of these trees are located ony parks. The city and city schools will remove 10 trees per


78

removed in order of priority, with large

their existing equipment or skill ntractor.

and outreach.

The city will periodically review and revise the Land Use Management Code to increase its d outcomes. The city will periodically organize a group of

community stakeholders and hold one (1) or more meetings to review and discuss the Land Use

minimum of 5 years to remove all these trees. As staff time and budgets allow, a faster rate of tree removal is recommended for forest and community health.

Dead trees will be removed first. Then, live trees will be trees at risk for whole or partial (large limb) failure assigned the greatest priority, trees in conflict with infrastructure assigned the next highest priority, and then large trees in declining health assigned the next priority. The larger a tree is and the poorer its condition, the higher the removal priority that it will be assigned.

Long-term, trees that are dead will be removed as soon as they are identified. Live trees that need removal will be addressed as soon as possible and based on the priorities described above. Tree removal will generally be done by Street Department staff, except in cases where the tree is too large or in such a location that staff is unable to handle it withlevel, and then they will hire an experienced co

PRIVATE PROPERTY TREE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM The city will continue to regulate the density and distribution of trees on new development sites where most tree canopy cover loss occurs, primarily through enforcement of the tree protection and landscaping regulations in the Land Use Management Code. The city will also continue to encourage the wise management of trees on all private property through education

Development Assessments

The City Arborist will visit completed developments periodically to perform a visual assessment of the trees on the site to determine if the programs and policies that are in place are having their intended outcome of sustaining a healthy, expansive, and beautiful community forest. Information gathered during the development assessments will be summarized and presented to the City Manager for review and discussion.

Revisions of the Land Use Management Code

effectiveness in providing intende

Management Code and the recommendations for revisions. This will be done in the coming year to review and discuss the revisions recommended in Section 2. The stakeholders will be asked to provide the city with their opinions and suggestions on these recommendations and as well present their own recommendations for changes in the Land Use Management Code. A set of


79

ode and providing compliance reports and enforcement recommendations to the City Planner. The City Arborist will also be

art of private property tree management, as well as city nd wide-spread tree care education and outreach program.

Arborist will assist in providing education and or staff and the development eneral and technical, will require

final recommendations will then be submitted for approval to the City Manager, Quad Cities Planning Commission and Mayor and City Council.

The City Manager, City Planner, and City Arborist will develop a consensus on the stakeholders to be invited to the review meeting(s). These stakeholders will include representatives from the groups that have the most significant impact on the community and its trees, and those groups most impacted by community trees and their management.

Site Plan and Variance Request Review

The City Arborist will provide technical assistance and recommendations to the City Planner in site development plans review, pre-approval site visits, and reviews of variance requests. The City Arborist will also be responsible for monitoring compliance with the tree protection and landscaping provisions of the Land Use Management C

responsible for providing tree care education to the development community.

Trees on Existing Developments

Trees growing on previously developed single-family residential lots, commercial properties, or industrial sites are not regulated through the city code. However, the city and its tree canopy will benefit overall if trees on private property are actively and properly protected, planted andmaintained. Therefore, an important ptree management, will be an ongoing a

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH PROGRAM The Jefferson Heritage Tree Council will be the primary provider and coordinator of the city’s education and outreach program. The Cityoutreach, especially for technical, arboricultural programs fcommunity. Many of the programs that will be provided, both gthat the City Arborist and the Tree Council work together for the programs to be successful.

Educational Programs

The following educational programs will be provided in the short-term, 5 year program period:

@ Educational programs on standards for tree care operations and best management practices for staff, developers, and contractors


80

meowner associations y schools staff through field sessions and

tail-gate programs on all aspects of tree care

city and schools staff, local landscape contractors, and local tree service contractors; at least two (2) city

will become ISA Certified Arborists

@ ures mbers

Park clean-ups

@ Multi-event tree festival for the city’s annual Arbor Day celebration

@ Review of safety standards for tree are operations with all city and city school staff and with Jefferson Tree Stewards

@ Conduct a tree planting and/or tree benefits demonstration on one (1) commercial site in partnerships with a commercial property owner

@ Conduct two (2) tree conservation and planting workshops in two (2) different neighborhoods, working with the neighborhood or ho

@ Providing continuing education for city and cit

@ Conduct landscape, tree service, and construction contractor tree care information sessions focusing on planting, protection, pruning, and mulching

@ Prepare and distribute bullet point lists for basic tree care activities to staff, contractors, and the development community

@ Conduct a multi-session ISA Certified Arborist training program for

and one (1) city schools staff member

@ Provide information and education on the importance of trees and tree care through a variety of media

@ Provide training for Jefferson Tree Stewards on mulching and pruning

@ Provide training in recognizing pest signs and symptoms to city and schools staff @ Conduct a Heritage Tree owner’s educational event

Purchase or develop and distribute program and tree care broch@ Provide continuing education opportunities for Tree Council me

Educational Opportunities

There are a number of other educational events and opportunities that will be provided throughout the course of the next 5 years. These include:

@

@ Earth Day celebration

@ Gift Tree program

@ Heritage Tree program

@ Heritage Tree calendar


81

will not be

arget audiences in general for the education

nd Recreations

embers

ractors and subcontractors

tenants

While workshops and training sessions are good ways to get important information out on tree one time, there are many other media that can be used to

ins

ultiple copies of ISA Consumer Information Brochures and Tree nd out to citizens when the opportunity arises. The topics of the

ond to the city’s current focus areas in tree care education.

and multiple copies of brochures and flyers produced by the nagement programs, ity Hall.

@ Tree sale

@ Tree City USA program

Target Audiences

The target audiences for these educational programs are broad in many cases, and more specific in others. Regardless of the specific audience for a single program, participationlimited to a specific group in most cases because it will be of value for everyone and anyone to have more information on tree and their care. The tand outreach program are:

@ City staff, especially those from the Street Department and Parks a@ City Schools staff, especially from the Facilities Maintenance Department

@ Jefferson Heritage Tree Council m @ Jefferson Tree Stewards

@ Local landscape contractors and personnel

@ Local tree service personnel

@ Construction cont

@ Development community @ Residential property owners and their tenants

@ Commercial and industrial property owners and their

Media

care to a good number of people at distribute information on tree care, such as brochures and handouts, press releases, the city and Tree Council websites.

Brochures and Bullet

The city will keep on hand mCity USA Bulletins to habrochures and bulletins will corresp

The city will also keep on hJefferson Heritage Tree Council and the city on community forest maevents, and initiatives, and make these documents available to the public at C


82

purchase four (4) sets of three (3) tree care posters for displaying at City Hall, Street Department shop, and in the city schools facilities

websites d a tree…)

rmation

s sustainable community forest management program will be for inclusion on the website. The Tree

t information on a regular basis.

Reference Library

etins to distribute.

The tree care reference library, to be housed in the office of the City Arborist, will include at a oks, videos, and publications available from the Southern Chapter of

Complete set of ISA Best Management Practices (10 BMPs)

The city will alsoat community events, in the maintenance office.

Websites

The city and Tree Council websites will include information on:

@ Educational needs form (I want to learn more about…)

@ Educational programs and community tree events

@ Gift Tree program

@ Heritage Tree program @ Solicitations for volunteer help

@ Program accomplishments

@ Links to other tree related@ Tree planting notification form (I/We plante

@ Latest tree canopy cover info@ Tree care articles

Updated information on the city’provided by the City Arborist to the City ManagerCouncil will be responsible for updating their website with curren

The city of Jefferson will build over the short-term, and continue adding to in the future, a library of tree related books, manuals, videos, and other reference materials, in addition to keeping on hand brochures and bull

minimum, the following bothe International Society of Arboriculture:

@ Complete set of ANSI Standards (8 standards)

@

@ Guide for Plant Appraisal, 9th Edition (Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers) @ Manual of Woody Landscape Plants (Michael A. Dirr, 2009)


83

Diseases of Trees and Shrubs, 2nd Edition (Wayne A. Sinclair, Howard H. Lyon, and rant T. Johnson, 2005)

rees in Urban Areas (Nelda Matheny and James R. Clark, 1994)

ervation of Trees During Land 1998)

tion Study Guide (ISA, 2001)

r Structure and Form DVD

010 Urban and Community Forestry Grant Project,

will be determined in the fall of in the city’s 2011 Arbor Celebration/Tree

Musical event s

ed by other cities, counties, agencies, and non-profit

inimum, should attend the following each

@ An Illustrated Guide to Pruning, 2nd Edition (Edward F. Gilman, 2002)

@ Insects that Feed on Trees and Shrubs (Warren T. Johnson and Howard H. Lyon, 1991) @

War

@ A Photographic Guide to the Evaluation of Hazard T

@ Trees and Development: A Technical Guide to PresDevelopment (Nelda Matheny and James R. Clark,

@ Arborists' Certifica

@ Training Young Trees fo

City Tree Festival

One component of the city of Jefferson’s 2“Growing Jefferson Greener” is a tree festival that will be an expanded Arbor Day celebration.

t ls of the activities to be included as part of the festival De ai2010, but the following activities will be included Festival:

@ Tree sale

@ Distribution of tree care information and information on the importance of tree canopy cover

@

@ Children’s program

Educational Opportunities (Non‐City Sponsored)

Tree care education opportunities sponsororganizations should be attended if possible by city staff, the City Arborist, and members of the Jefferson Heritage Tree Council, and should as well be advertised on the city and Tree Council websites.

The City Arborist and Tree Council members, at a myear:

@ GUFC Annual Conference and Awards Program @ GUFC Quarterly Educational Programs (at least 1 per year)


84

the members for

ROGRAM

entation of this master plan. It is recommended that

year and 2011 city budget.

gular basis, and administrative changes ard its goals. The City Arborist will

coordinate a periodic review of the maHster plan with the City Manager, a representative of the Council, the Public Works Director, the Parks and Recreation Director,

The Tree Council budget will include a small allocation to be determined bytravel expenses for members attending these meetings.

IMPLEMENTATION PThe city’s strong commitment to the wise management of the community forest will further manifest itself with the adoption and implemthe city review, revise as necessary, and adopt this or a similar plan by December 31, 2010, so that program implementation will coincide with the new calendar

It is also recommended that the plan be reviewed on a remade to the plan to keep the city moving in a direct path tow

Jefferson Heritage Tree and the Superintendent of Jefferson City Schools, or their designees.


APPENDICES


Content of Appendices

@ Appendix A: Tree Canopy Cover Study Results

@ Appendix B: 2008-2010 Tree Inventory Data Summaries and Charts

@ Appendix C: 2009-2010 Tree Planting Results

@ Appendix D: Homeowner Tree Assessm t Form

@ Appendix E: Master Work Plan

@ Appendix F: Glossary of Arboricultural Terms

en


r Study Results

Appendix A: Tree Canopy Cove

CITY OF JEFFERSON TREE CANOPY COVER STUDY FINAL REPORT OF RESULTS

February 3, 2010

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INTRODUCTION

In November 2009, as part of the city’s 2009 Urban and Community Forestry Grant entitled “City of Jefferson Sustainable Community Forest Project”1, the City of Jefferson conducted a measurement of its existing tree canopy and other land cover within the city limits. The study was sponsored by the City of Jefferson and the Jefferson Heritage Tree Council and was completed with the support and through the efforts of city staff, volunteers from the tree council, Legacy Landscape Management staff, and volunteers from Main Street Jefferson, Keep Jackson County Beautiful, the Jefferson Historic Preservation Commission, and the Jackson County Historical Society. The study was coordinated by Connie Head, Consulting Urban Forester with Technical Forestry Services, who also prepared this report. City staff and volunteers completed the actual land cover measurements.

METHODOLOGY

The study was completed using aerial photography flown in February 2009. Printed aerial photographs were purchased from the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission (NEGRC) using grant funds and city matching funds. Mr. Steve Cumblidge, Geographic Information Systems Manager with the NEGRC, designed and printed the 20 aerial photographs, each 24 by 36 inches in size. The photographs were printed at a scale of 1 inch on the photograph equal to 300 feet on the ground. Figure 1 shows an index map with the layout of the 20 photographs or “tiles”. This index map and the aerial photographs were also provided to the city on CD by the NEGRC as PDF files.

Figure 1. Index Map of the City of Jefferson and Location of Aerial

Photograph Tiles

1 Funds provided by the Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program administered by the Georgia Forestry Commission.

City of Jefferson Tree Canopy Cover Study Final Report of Results February 3, 2010

2

Each photograph was covered with a grid of yellow dots, one‐sixteenth inch in diameter and placed one‐half inch apart, equivalent to 150 feet on the ground, as shown in Figure 2. These dots essentially represent measurement plots. Study participants, during a 2‐day session on November 11 and 12 at the Jefferson Civic Center, identified the land cover type beneath each yellow dot—within each plot, color coded the dot directly on the photograph according to land cover by staff and volunteers, and the dots of each land cover type were counted and recorded on tally sheets. Some volunteers took photographs home after the 2‐day session to continue coding and counting.

Figure 2. Example of Aerial Photograph with Dot Grid (View of Downtown Jefferson)


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Land cover was divided into five (5) categories, as described below.

Tree canopy. This category includes all trees, whether hardwoods or conifers, deciduous or evergreen, and of any size as long as they were distinguishable on the photographs. Since the land was photographed in February, the majority of the hardwood trees were without leaves, but hardwoods were still recognizable. Dots that fell on tree shadows that projected beyond the tree’s canopy were not counted as tree canopy cover, but were instead categorized according to the land cover type beneath the shadow. Tree canopies intercept precipitation and slowly release it, increasing penetration of water into the soil and decreasing overland flow. Tree canopies also cool the air temperature through evapotranspiration of water from their leaves, and reduce surface temperatures by providing shade. Trees improve air and water quality, sequester carbon, and reduce heating and cooling costs. They contribute to a community’s economic base by enhancing quality of life and increasing property values. They also provide recreational opportunities and wildlife food and habitat. Their functions and benefits are many.

Other vegetation. Shrubs, turf grass, vines (such as kudzu), and herbaceous vegetation that is not covered by tree canopy was categorized as other vegetation. This other vegetation occurs on pasture land, in vacant lots, on cut‐over sites, on lawns, and along roads and in road medians. Very small trees that were not recognizable as trees and did not project a shadow were also included in this category. This other vegetation intercepts some precipitation, but overland flow is increased on these surfaces as compared to tree canopy. And similarly this other vegetation helps to cool surface air temperatures, but to a considerably lesser extent than trees.

Impervious surfaces. Any surface that is impervious to water, such as concrete, asphalt, and metal, and any structure covered with such surfaces, such as streets, parking lots, driveways, sidewalks and buildings, was categorized as impervious surface. Impervious surfaces that are directly covered by tree canopy were categorized as tree canopy, however. All of the impervious surfaces and structures shed precipitation, increasing overland water flow and potentially flooding. They also absorb radiant heat and increase surface air temperatures. However, if theses surfaces are covered with tree canopy, these negative attributes will be somewhat reduced.

Bare soil and gravel. This category includes areas where the soil was exposed or gravel was present, such as on graded land, unpaved roads, some parking areas, in quarries, and along


4

railroad tracks. While water does penetrate these surfaces to some extent, the more compact the surface the more similar it becomes to paved or impervious surfaces.

Water. Open water was found on the photographs in ponds, creeks, marshes, and swimming pools.

City staff and volunteers spent more than 100 hours of staff and volunteer time on the project. Participants received individual training and were monitored throughout the categorization and color coding phases. The numbers of dots of each color on each photograph were counted at least twice. After all photographs were completed, the consultant then reviewed every photograph to ensure accuracy and maintain consistency in categorization. The consultant also performed a final count of all dots in all categories on all photographs.

RESULTS

There were 26,990 dots within the city limits that were categorized, color coded, and counted. Each dot represents an area of 22,500 square feet (150 feet by 150 feet) or approximately .5165 acre. The total area of the city, based upon the number of dots that fell within the city limits, is estimated to be 21.78 square miles, equivalent to approximately 13,940 acres.

As shown in the summary on the right and by the raw data in Table 1, tree canopy covers 55.8 percent of the land within the city limits of Jefferson. Other vegetation covers an additional 29 percent. Impervious surfaces cover 11.3 percent of the city. Bare soil and gravel cover 2.5 percent of the city, and water covers 1.4 percent.

P Tree canopy = 55.8% P Other vegetation = 29.0% P Impervious surfaces = 11.3% P Bare soil and gravel = 2.5% P Water = 1.4%

Land Cover in Jefferson (Feb 09)

In Table 1 the three (3) greatest amounts of tree canopy cover and impervious surfaces are highlighted in bold type and dark shading. The three (3) lowest amounts of each are highlighted in italics and light shading.

The greatest amounts of tree canopy by percentage are found on photographs 1, 11, and 8. Photograph 1 contains a small portion of the northernmost reaches of the city of Jefferson consisting of currently undeveloped land zoned light industrial (LI). Photograph 11 contains a very small portion of undeveloped land zoned LI and a small section of the quarry off New Salem Church Road. Photograph 8 contains mostly undeveloped land in the western part of the city alongside Highway 129 that is zoned LI, highway commercial (C‐2), and medium density residential.


5

The lowest amounts of tree canopy by percent cover are found on photographs 14, 4, and 10. These photographs are at the fringes of the city on land zoned LI, R‐2, and office‐institutional (O‐I), and consisting of lawns, forest, ponds, and some developed land.

The greatest amounts of impervious surfaces are found on photographs 10, 7, and 16. The lowest amounts of impervious surfaces by percent cover are found on photographs 11, 1, and 8. As described above, these photographs contain primarily undeveloped land.

Table 1. Results of the 2009 Tree Canopy Cover Study by Photograph with Totals

Photograph

Tree Canopy Other Vegetation Impervious Surfaces Bare Soil/Gravel Water

Total Dots # Dots Percent # Dots Percent # Dots Percent # Dots Percent # Dots Percent

1 133 77.3% 38 21.9% 2 0.9% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 172

2 1,105 60.5% 411 22.5% 171 9.4% 140 7.7% 0 0.0% 1,827

3 822 59.7% 415 30.2% 119 8.6% 13 0.9% 7 0.5% 1,376

4 334 37.4% 369 41.4% 116 13.0% 73 8.2% 0 0.0% 892

5 1,109 50.9% 755 34.6% 182 8.4% 14 0.6% 119 5.5% 2,179

6 136 55.3% 61 24.8% 39 15.9% 8 3.3% 2 0.8% 246

7 1,153 54.7% 442 21.0% 403 19.1% 76 3.6% 34 1.6% 2,108

8 1,385 69.7% 375 18.9% 97 4.9% 119 6.0% 11 0.6% 1,987

9 944 50.5% 781 41.8% 98 5.2% 21 1.1% 26 1.4% 1,869

10 78 28.3% 132 47.8% 60 21.7% 6 2.2% 0 0.0% 276

11 83 76.4% 10 9.3% 0 0.0% 14 13.0% 2 1.4% 108

12 1,369 58.2% 661 28.1% 200 8.5% 108 4.6% 15 0.6% 2,352

13 1,616 52.0% 1,004 32.3% 419 13.5% 15 0.5% 51 1.6% 3,104

14 444 49.5% 269 30.0% 143 15.9% 6 0.7% 35 3.9% 896

15 745 58.9% 383 30.3% 126 10.0% 5 0.4% 5 0.4% 1,264

16 1,340 51.4% 763 29.3% 472 18.1% 24 0.9% 6 0.2% 2,605

17 912 58.1% 426 27.1% 199 12.7% 8 0.5% 26 1.7% 1,571

18 399 62.3% 158 24.7% 73 11.4% 4 0.6% 6 0.9% 640

19 410 56.2% 211 28.9% 77 10.5% 18 2.5% 14 1.9% 730

20 534 67.5% 174 22.0% 69 8.7% 5 0.6% 9 1.1% 791

Totals 15,048 55.8% 7,836 29.0% 3,062 11.3% 676 2.5% 368 1.4% 26,990


6

The least developed areas in Jefferson occur on photographs 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, and 19. The combined tree canopy cover on these photographs is 58 percent, other vegetation is 25.3 percent, and impervious surfaces total 11.1 percent. Bare soil and gravel account for 4.8 percent and water is less than 1 percent.

DISCUSSION

In general the greatest amount of tree canopy cover is found on undeveloped land, in rural areas, and in older residential neighborhoods. The least amount of tree canopy is found in commercial districts, especially in parking lots, on industrial sites, and in new residential subdivisions, where significant amounts of trees are removed and replaced with impervious surfaces and turf.

Older, traditional neighborhoods contain an abundance of trees, which partially cover the houses, driveways, and streets. In new residential developments, significant tree canopy cover is lacking and much of the land cover is other vegetation—turf, and impervious surfaces in the form of non‐canopied streets, houses, garages, and driveways.

The most developed areas in Jefferson occur on photographs 5, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 20. The combined tree canopy cover on these photographs is 54.5 percent, other vegetation is 31.1 percent, and impervious surfaces total 11.5 percent. Bare soil and gravel account for 1.2 percent and water is 1.7 percent. The greatest differences in these two sets of photographs, between least developed and most developed, are in tree canopy cover with 3.5 percent less tree canopy in developed areas, and in other vegetation, with 5.8 percent more in the most developed areas. There are more lawn areas in the developed areas which likely account for much of the increase in other vegetation.

The amount of impervious surface within the city is in fact greater than the 11.3% measured. Some of the impervious surface is covered with tree canopy and counted as tree canopy. As a result of the tree canopy over pavement, summer temperatures are lower, the urban heat island effect is reduced, the production of ground level ozone is reduced, and pavement life is extended. The addition of more trees will further increase these benefits.

In the 2009 tree inventory report completed by consultant Andrew Saunders, he states that data from the Natural Resource Spatial Analysis Lab at the University of Georgia’s College of


7

Agriculture and Environmental Sciences2 shows that Jefferson’s tree canopy cover has decreased from 50.7 percent in 1991 to 49.8 percent in 2001 to 49.4 percent in 2005. For the same years, impervious surfaces have increased from 2.2 percent to 4.8 percent to 7.5 percent in 2005. These numbers were derived from satellite imagery instead of aerial photography and show a downward trend in tree canopy and upward trend in impervious surfaces. While the current study shows 55.8 percent tree canopy cover and 11.3 percent impervious surfaces, these amounts cannot be compared with the satellite imagery study of NARSAL since the measurement methodologies were so different. The increase may be accounted for solely by the differences in measurement methods, or it may be a result of growth of trees on land that was previously pastureland, or growth of small trees that have been planted since 2005, or other such growth on land that was previously without tree canopy, or it a combination of measurement methods and tree growth.

Using the current study results as a baseline, however, future and regular measurements using aerial photography should be done to monitor changes in tree canopy cover and impervious surfaces. Using the same methodology from year to year will produce reliable trends in these numbers.

Increases in tree canopy cover will occur as newly planted trees grow and can be identified on the aerial photography. This growth will occur in new developments where trees have been planted to meet LUMC requirements. It will occur in abandoned fields and pastures where in‐growth of trees takes place where mowing is eliminated. It will occur as trees in general grow to reach maturity throughout the city. It will occur as the 1,491 vacant street tree planting sites identified in the 2009 tree inventory are filled.

Decreases in tree canopy cover take place where trees are removed and replaced with substantially fewer trees, as is the case in most new developments. Currently there are many developments in Jefferson that have been approved but are not built out. According to the Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce, there are currently 1,202.18 acres of future industrial development approved and in the design phase but construction, and tree removal, have not yet occurred; these developments represent a potential for the construction of 234 acres of building footprint, and additional acres of paved driveways, walkways, and parking

2 Dr. Liz Kramer, NARSAL Director, http://narsal.uga.edu/


8

areas. There will be a very significant and immediate decrease in tree canopy cover as these sites are fully developed.

Decreases in tree canopy cover will also take place as Jefferson’s aging and declining large trees, composed primarily of water and willow oaks, are removed along street rights‐of‐way, in yards, and on commercial sites, as they reach the end of their lives. If these trees are not replaced with large maturing species, Jefferson’s tree canopy cover in the future will be considerably less than it is today.

CONCLUSIONS

The amount of tree canopy cover within Jefferson is, as of February 2009, at a level that could be considered marginal. While the addition of tree canopy will certainly provide additional benefits, adding tree canopy is not critical if the current amount is maintained. However, a loss of tree canopy cover will quickly occur if current tree canopy is not actively conserved, maintained, and replaced as trees are removed. Every square foot of tree canopy cover that is removed must be replaced for the current amount of tree canopy cover to be maintained.

Tree canopy cover in Jefferson is not evenly distributed. It is generally abundant on undeveloped land and in older neighborhoods, where impervious surfaces are absent or limited in extent. Tree canopy is generally lacking in commercial districts and on industrial properties, where impervious surfaces dominate the land cover. A better distribution of tree canopy is needed to take advantage of the environmental functions of trees and to realize their many economic and social benefits.

The amount of impervious surface in Jefferson is increasing. The NARSAL studies reported an impervious surface amount of 7.5 percent in 2005, which has increased from 2.2 percent in 1991. The current study shows that impervious surfaces cover at least 11.3 percent of the city. If the amount of impervious surfaces continues to increase and these surfaces are not substantially covered by tree canopy (50 percent or greater coverage), then summer surface temperatures, ground level ozone production, and air pollution will increase.

RECOMMENDATIONS

@ Adopt a baseline policy of no net loss of tree canopy cover to maintain a minimum cover of 56 percent in perpetuity. Offset any losses in tree canopy that occur on a property‐by‐property, street‐by‐street, neighborhood‐by‐neighborhood, and land use type‐by‐land use


9

type basis. Strategies for achieving no net loss should include tree conservation, tree protection, proper and routine tree maintenance, and replacement tree plantings.

@ The city should begin the process of filling the 1,491 vacant street tree planting sites identified in the 2009 tree inventory, focusing on the planting of very high and high priority sites with large canopy trees.

@ Assign the responsibility of monitoring tree canopy cover change to the Jefferson Heritage Tree Council. Monitoring will include additional tree canopy cover measurements conducted every 3 years.

@ Assign the responsibility for tracking tree canopy cover loss and arranging for tree canopy replacement on city property to the Public Works Director. Summarize the amount of loss and replacement on an annual basis.

@ Assign the responsibility for tracking tree canopy cover loss and replacement on new private property developments to the City Planner. Summarize the amount of loss and replacement on an annual basis.

@ Enforce the Land Use Management Code (LUMC) requirements for tree density, tree conservation and replacement tree plantings. Review the LUMC and visit completed developments to determine if the LUMC requirements are resulting in their intended outcome and adequate tree canopy cover on development sites.3

@ Focus tree planting in areas where tree canopy is needed over impervious surfaces. These areas include street rights‐of‐way and medians, parking lots, and around buildings. Adopt a policy of 50 percent coverage of all impervious surfaces, especially parking lots.

@ Increase the amount of tree canopy cover to a maximum of 65 percent. This will require an aggressive annual tree planting program by the city, the business community, the development community, and residents. To increase tree canopy cover 9 percent overall, from the current 56 percent to 65 percent, the community will have to plant enough trees to cover an additional 1.96 square miles or 54,654,750 square feet. If each tree provides an average of 2,000 square feet of canopy at maturity (a crown width of approximately 50

3 Development assessments and a review of the LUMC are being conducted as part of the Sustainable Community Forest Management Project.


10

feet) then an additional 27,327 trees must be planted. To increase tree canopy cover by 5 percent, the community will have to plant an additional 13,664 large canopy trees. These trees are in addition to those that must be planted as replacements for existing trees to maintain no net loss.

@ Plant large maturing, canopy trees wherever and whenever possible in lieu of planting small, ornamental trees.

@ Engage all partners in the community in maintaining and increasing tree canopy cover by conserving natural forested areas, protecting trees, properly maintaining existing trees, and planting additional trees. Develop education and outreach programs to support community‐wide tree conservation and planting efforts.

@ Regardless of the tree canopy cover target the city chooses, an aggressive, ongoing and long‐term annual tree planting program should be developed to ensure that the city maintains a healthy level of tree canopy cover throughout the city for the current generation, and future generations, of citizens.

Funds for this project were provided by the Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program administered by the Georgia Forestry Commission.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202.720.2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326‐A, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250‐9410 or call 202.720.5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.


and Results Appendix B: 2008‐2010 Tree Inventory Data Summaries

City of Jefferson2008/2009 Street Tree Inventory

Summary of Results

Street Tree Summary# of Trees Inventoried = 1081

Species ResultsSpecies Total % of Inventory Species Total % of Inventory Species Total % of InventoryAmerican Sycamore 20 1.9% Holly/Unknown 7 0.6% Oak/Water 44 4.1%Arborvitae 22 2.0% Holly/Yaupon 1 0.1% Oak/White 8 0.7%Ash/Green 1 0.1% Honeylocust 1 0.1% Oak/Willow 8 0.7%Baldcypress 2 0.2% Japanese Zelkova 1 0.1% Pear/Bradford 32 3.0%Boxelder 6 0.6% Leyland Cypress 33 3.1% Pear/Common 3 0.3%Cherry/Black 8 0.7% Magnolia/Japanese 1 0.1% Pecan 21 1.9%Cherry/Carolina Laurel 1 0.1% Magnolia/Southern 3 0.3% Pine/Eastern White 2 0.2%Cherry/Japanese Flowering 20 1.9% Maple/Japanese 6 0.6% Pine/Loblolly 58 5.4%Cherry/Yoshino 12 1.1% Maple/Red 106 9.8% Pine/Shortleaf 7 0.6%Chinaberry 3 0.3% Maple/Silver 11 1.0% Pine/Slash 1 0.1%Common Persimmon 2 0.2% Maple/Sugarp g 6 0.6% Plum/Purpleleaf 16 1.5%pCrapemyrtle 352 32.6% Maple/Trident 3 0.3% Redbud/Eastern 19 1.8%Dogwood/Flowering 30 2.8% Mimosa 5 0.5% Redbud/Forest Pansy 1 0.1%Eastern Cottonwood 1 0.1% Mulberry/White 2 0.2% River Birch 32 3.0%Eastern Redcedar 7 0.6% Oak/Cherry Bark 1 0.1% Sassafras 1 0.1%Elm/American 1 0.1% Oak/Northern Red 1 0.1% Sugarberry 1 0.1%Elm/Slippery 1 0.1% Oak/Nuttall 7 0.6% Sweetgum 36 3.3%Elm/Winged 25 2.3% Oak/Overcup 2 0.2% Tulip Poplar 27 2.5%Hickory/Pignut 1 0.1% Oak/Pin 11 1.0% Unknown 4 0.4%Holly/American 10 0.9% Oak/Post 1 0.1% Vitex 1 0.1%Holly/Fosters 8 0.7% Oak/Sawtooth 6 0.6% Willow/Black 1 0.1%Holly/Savannah 1 0.1% Oak/Southern Red 9 0.8%

Page 1


Summary of Results

Site Condition ResultsSite Condition Total % of Inventory Site Condition Total % of InventoryDisease/Anthracnose 7 0.6% Site/Soil Compaction 518 47.9%Disease/Unknown 2 0.2% Site/Tree w/in Fence Row 3 0.3%Other/Chlorosis 3 0.3% Site/Tree w/in UWA 162 15.0%Other/Injury from Weather 16 1.5% Tree/Dieback/Decline 164 15.2%Other/Lightning Strike 1 0.1% Tree/Fire Damage 1 0.1%Other/Mistletoe 3 0.3% Tree/Forked Stem 313 29.0%Other/Mower/Trimmer Damage 18 1.7% Tree/Girdling Roots 11 1.0%Pest/Fruiting Bodies 1 0.1% Tree/Girdling Wire 1 0.1%Pest/Fusiform Rust 4 0.4% Tree/Included Bark 323 29.9%Pest/Insect Damage 4 0.4% Tree/Large Limb Cavity 1 0.1%Pest/Mites/Aphids 7 0.6% Tree/Large Limb Hazard 1 0.1%Pest/Scale 11 1.0% Tree/Leaning Tree 23 2.1%Pest/Southern Pine Beetle 1 0.1% Tree/Major Trunk Wound 12 1.1%Pest/Unknown 1 0.1% Tree/Moderate Trunk Wound 69 6.4%Pest/Wetwood/Slime Flux 1 0.1% Tree/Multi Trunked Tree 427 39.5%Site/Broken Concrete 2 0.2% Tree/Pruning Wound 51 4.7%Site/Fence >10ft. 14 1.3% Tree/Stub Cuts 104 9.6%Site/Heaved Concrete 1 0.1% Tree/Surface Root Damage 14 1.3%Site/Paved Rooting Zone 2 0.2% Tree/Topped Tree 51 4.7%Site/Root Backfill 3 0.3% Tree/Trunk Cavity 10 0.9%Site/Root Excavation 26 2.4% Tree/Utility Pruning 20 1.9%

Health Index0.00 - 0.50 8 0.7%0.51 - 0.70 79 7.3%0.71 - 0.90 656 60.7%0.91 - 1.00 338 31.3%

Page 2


Summary of Results

1.

DBH Distribution1" - 6" 878 81.2%

7" - 16" 134 12.4%17" - 25" 35 3.2%26" - 40" 30 2.8%

41" + 4 0.4%

Maintenance NeedsCable/Brace 2 0.2%Cut/Girdling Root 10 0.9%Cut/Vines 41 3.8%Cut/Wire/Metal 18 1.7%Fertilize 11 1.0%Inspect 13 1.2%Mulch 132 12.2%Pest Mang. 17 1.6%Prune/ClearancePrune/Clearance 19 1.8%19 8%Prune/Corrective 19 1.8%Prune/Deadwood 60 5.6%Prune/Structure 128 11.8%Prune/Training 103 9.5%Remove/Dead 7 0.6%Remove/Live 1 0.1%

Page 3


Summary Charts

0100200300400500600700800900

1"-6" 7"-12" 13"-18" 19"-24" 25"-30" 31"-36" 37"+

Street Tree Diameter Distribution

Street Tree Species Distribution

0100200300400500600700800900

1"-6" 7"-12" 13"-18" 19"-24" 25"-30" 31"-36" 37"+

Street Tree Diameter Distribution

33%

10%5%4%

3%3%3%3%3%

33%

Street Tree Species Distribution

CrapemyrtleMaple/RedPine/LoblollyOak/WaterSweetgumLeyland CypressPear/BradfordRiver BirchDogwood/FloweringAll Others

Page 1


Summary Charts

1%

7%

61%

31%

Street Tree Health Index

PoorFair

Good

Excellent

Street Tree Maintenance Needs

1%

7%

61%

31%

Street Tree Health Index

PoorFair

Good

Excellent

269

13260

28 817

67

Street Tree Maintenance Needs

Prune/Structure

Mulch

Prune/Deadwood

Cut/Girdling

Remove

Pest Mang.

Other

Page 2


Summary Charts

Planting Location Crown Class Recommendations

12001000800600400200

0Small Medium Large

Planting Site Priority Ranking

0200400600800

10001200

Small Medium Large

Planting Location Crown Class Recommendations

11%24%

32%

33%

Planting Site Priority Ranking

Low

ModerateHigh

Very High

Page 3

City of Jefferson2008/2009 Street Tree Planting Site Inventory

Summary of Results

Planting Site Summary# of Spaces Inventoried = 1491

Planting Priority # %Low 163 10.9%

Moderate 358 24.0%High 485 32.5%

Very High 485 32.5%

Road Classification # %Rural/Sidewalk Absent 185 12.4%Rural/Sidewalk Present 21 1.4%Urban/Sidewalk Absent 653 43.8%Urban/Sidewalk Present 632 42.4%

Crown Class # %Small 200 13.4%

Medium 233 15.6%Large 1058 71.0%

Utility Interactions # %N/A 1315 88.2%

Other 1 0.1%Secondary 38 2.5%

Primary 112 7.5%Multiple/Primary + Secondary 25 1.7%

Voting Ward # %1 460 30.9%2 326 21.9%3 38 2.5%4 330 22.1%5 337 22.6%

Page 1

City of Jefferson2008/2009 Park Tree Inventory

Summary of Results

Page 1Page 1

Oth e 4 /Inc d d 10

Park Tree Summary# of trees inventoried = 448

Species ResultsSpecies Total

% of Inventory Species Total


% of Inventory

American Sycamore 9 2.0% Hickory/Pignut 1 0.2% Oak/Shumard 2 0.4%Ash/Green 2 0.4% Holly/Weeping Yaupon 1 0.2% Oak/Southern Re 5 1.1%Baldcypress 22 4.9% Japanese Cryptomeria 1 0.2% Oak/Water 12 2.7%Cherry/Unknown 3 0.7% Leyland Cypress 52 11.6% Oak/White 4 0.9%Cherry/Yoshino 6 1.3% Magnolia/Other 1 0.2% Oak/Willow 6 1.3%Crape Myrtle 2 0.4% Magnolia/Southern 2 0.4% Pine/Loblolly 87 19.4%Dawn Redwood 2 0.4% Maple/Japanese 5 1.1% Pine/Shortleaf 105 23.4%Dogwood/Flowering 11 2.5% Maple/Red 8 1.8% Redbud/Eastern 2 0.4%Downy Serviceberry 1 0.2% Maple/Sugar 2 0.4% River Birch 41 9.2%Eastern Cottonwood 2 0.4% Maple/Trident 16 3.6% Sweetgum 4 0.9%Eastern Redcedar 1 0.2% Mullberry/Red 1 0.2% Tulip Poplar 19 4.2%Elm/Winged 1 0.2% Oak/Nuttall 1 0.2% Willow/Black 2 0.4%Hickory/Mockernut 2 0.4% Oak/Overcup 4 0.9%

Site Condition ResultsSite Condition Freq. % of Trees Site Condition Freq. % of TreesN/A 32 7.1% Tree/Fire Damage 1 0.2%Other/Chlorosis 25 5.6% Tree/Forked Stem 141 31.5%Other/Injury from Weather 3 0.7% Tree/Girdling Roots 71 15.8%Other/Mistletoeer/Mistl toe 4 0 9%0.9% Tree/Included BarkTree lu e Bark 10 2 2%2.2%Other/Mower/Trimmer Damage 1 0.2% Tree/Large Limb Cavity 7 1.6%Pest/Bagworms 6 1.3% Tree/Large Limb Hazard 5 1.1%Pest/Fusiform Rust 6 1.3% Tree/Leaning Tree 21 4.7%Pest/Scale 1 0.2% Tree/Major Trunk Wound 6 1.3%Pest/Turpentine Beetle 1 0.2% Tree/Moderate Trunk Wound 40 8.9%Pest/Unknown 2 0.4% Tree/Multi-Trunked Tree 54 12.1%Site/Fence >10ft. 3 0.7% Tree/Pruning Wound 1 0.2%Site/Root Backfill 4 0.9% Tree/Stub Cuts 23 5.1%Site/Root Excavation 55 12.3% Tree/Surface Root Damage 3 0.7%Site/Soil Compaction 246 54.9% Tree/Topped Tree 3 0.7%Site/Tree w/in UWA 10 2.2% Tree/Trunk Cavity 9 2.0%Tree/Dieback/Decline 89 19.9% Tree/Utility Pruning 13 2.9%

Health Index0.00 - 0.50 2 0.4%0.51 - 0.70 34 7.6%0.71 - 0.90 247 55.1%0.91 - 1.00 165 36.8%


Summary of Results

Page 2Page 2

95

DBH Distribution1 - 6" 247 55.1%7 - 16" 96 21.4%17 - 25" 69 15.4%26 - 40" 35 7.8%41" + 4 0.9%

Maintenance NeedsCable/Brace 3 0.9%Cut/Girdling Root 4 6.9%Cut/Vines 31 10.9%Cut/Wire/Metal 49 5.1%Fertilize 23 4.2%Inspect 19 20.1%Mulch 90 26.3%N/A 118 1.3%Pest Mang. 6 16.7%Prune/Clearance 75 0.7%Prune/Corrective 3 13.2%Prune/Deadwood 59 1.8%Prune/Structure 8 26.1%Prune/Training 117 0.4%Remove/Dead 2 2.5%Remove/Live 11 0.0%

Location StatisticsLocation # % of Total Specimen Trees per AcreCity Park 182 40.63% 11.4Curry Creek Park 90 20.09% 1.2J ff R ti C lJefferson Recreation Complex 95 21 21%21.21% 1 81.8Jefferson Recreation Complex*** 77 17.19% 1.4Marlowe Park 3 0.67% 15.8Midland Park 1 0.22% 2.9Gordon Street Park 0 0.00% 0.0


Summary Charts

0

50

100

150

200

250

1"-6" 7"-12" 13"-18" 19"-24" 25"-30" 31"-36" 37"-42" 43"+

Park Tree Diameter Distribution

23%

19%12%9%

5%

4%

4%3% 2% 19%

Park Tree Species Distribution

Pine/Shortleaf

Pine/Loblolly

Leyland Cypress

River Birch

Baldcypress

Tulip Poplar

Maple/Trident

Oak/Water

Dogwood/Flowering

Others

Page 1


Summary Charts

0%

8%

55%

37%

Park Tree Health Index

Poor

Fair

Good

Excellent

203

905953

13 657

Park Tree Maintenance Needs

Prune/Structure

Mulch

Prune/Deadwood

Cut/Girdling

Remove

Pest Mang.

Other

Page 2

City of Jefferson2009/2010 City Facility Tree Inventory

Summary of Results

Page 1Page 1

Oth r 6 /L Li 4

Facility Tree Summary# of trees inventoried = 130



% of Inventory

American Sycamore 4 3.1% Maple/Florida 1 0.8%Black Walnut 1 0.8% Maple/Red 2 1.5%Blackgum 1 0.8% Maple/Silver 1 0.8%Boxelder 1 0.8% Oak/Nuttall 1 0.8%Cherry/Black 7 5.4% Oak/Southern Red 8 6.2%Cherry/Carolina Laurel 5 3.8% Oak/Water 29 22.3%Cherry/Yoshino 8 6.2% Oak/White 1 0.8%Crapemyrtle 9 6.9% Pear/Bradford 1 0.8%Dogwood/Flowering 4 3.1% Pecan 18 13.8%Eastern Cottonwood 3 2.3% Pine/Loblolly 4 3.1%Eastern Redcedar 4 3.1% Redbud/Eastern 5 3.8%Elm/Winged 2 1.5% Tulip Poplar 2 1.5%Holly/American 2 1.5% Unknown 1 0.8%Magnolia/Southern 4 3.1% Vitex 1 0.8%

Site Condition ResultsSite Condition Freq. % of Trees Site Condition Freq. % of TreesDisease/Anthracnose 2 1.5% Tree/Forked Stem 60 46.2%Disease/Heart/Butt/Root Rot 1 0.8% Tree/Girdling Roots 6 4.6%N/A 78 60.0% Tree/Included Bark 46 35.4%Other/Injury from Weather 4 3.1% Tree/Large Limb Cavity 2 1.5%Other/Mower/Trimmer Damageer/Mower/T immer Damage 6 4 6%4.6% Tree/Large Limb HazardTree arge mb Hazard 4 3 1%3.1%Pest/Fruiting Bodies 2 1.5% Tree/Leaning Tree 8 6.2%Pest/Mites/Aphids 3 2.3% Tree/Major Trunk Wound 3 2.3%Site/Fence >10ft. 6 4.6% Tree/Moderate Trunk Wound 5 3.8%Site/Paved Rooting Zone 4 3.1% Tree/Multi Trunked Tree 23 17.7%Site/Root Backfill 2 1.5% Tree/Pruning Wound 9 6.9%Site/Root Excavation 3 2.3% Tree/Stub Cuts 17 13.1%Site/Soil Compaction 33 25.4% Tree/Surface Root Damage 11 8.5%Site/Tree w/in Fence Row 3 2.3% Tree/Topped Tree 3 2.3%Site/Tree w/in UWA 22 16.9% Tree/Trunk Cavity 6 4.6%Site/Tree Well 2 1.5% Tree/Utility Pruning 3 2.3%Tree/Dieback/Decline 13 10.0%

Health Index0.00 - 0.50 1 0.8%0.51 - 0.70 10 7.7%0.71 - 0.90 93 71.5%0.91 - 1.00 26 20.0%


Summary of Results

Page 2Page 2


Maintenance NeedsCable/Brace 2 5.4%Cut/Girdling Root 7 12.3%Cut/Vines 16 1.5%Cut/Wire/Metal 2 2.3%Inspect 3 38.5%Mulch 50 36.9%N\A 48 3.1%Prune/Clearance 4 2.3%Prune/Corrective 3 7.7%Prune/Deadwood 10 6.9%Prune/Structure 9 10.0%Prune/Training 13 0.8%Remove/Dead 1 2.3%Remove/Live 3 0.0%

Location StatisticsLocation # % of TotalCity Hall 2 1.54%City Pool 21 16.15%Civic Center 10 7.69%Crawford W. Long Museum 5 3.85%Fire Hall 1 4 3.08%Fire Hall 2 1 0.77%Jefferson Water Treatment Facility 4 3.08%Jefferson Waterworks Department 10 7.69%Police Department 29 22.31%Public Library 16 12.31%Woodbine Cemetery 28 21.54%


Summary Charts

22%

14%7%6%6%5%

4%

4%

3%

29%

Facility Tree Species Distribution

Oak/Water Pecan CrapemyrtleCherry/Yoshino Oak/Southern Red Cherry/BlackCherry/Carolina Laurel Redbud/Eastern American SycamoreAll Others

1%

Facility Tree Health Index

22%

14%7%6%6%5%

4%

4%

3%

29%

Facility Tree Species Distribution

Oak/Water Pecan CrapemyrtleCherry/Yoshino Oak/Southern Red Cherry/BlackCherry/Carolina Laurel Redbud/Eastern American SycamoreAll Others

1%

8%

71%

20%

Facility Tree Health Index

PoorFair

Good

Excellent

Page 1


Summary Charts

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

1"-6" 7"-12" 13"-18" 19"-24" 25"-30" 31"-36" 37"+

Facility Tree Diameter Distribution

Facility Tree Maintenance Needs

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

1"-6" 7"-12" 13"-18" 19"-24" 25"-30" 31"-36" 37"+

Facility Tree Diameter Distribution

22

50

107

330

Facility Tree Maintenance Needs

Prune/StructureMulch

Prune/DeadwoodCut/GirdlingRemoveOther

Page 2

City of Jefferson2009/2010 City Schools Tree Inventory

Summary of Results

School Tree Summary# of trees inventoried = 659




% of Inventory

American Sycamore 17 2.6% Holly/Fosters 1 0.2% Oak/Southern Red 5 0.8%Ash/Green 3 0.5% Holly/Unknown 2 0.3% Oak/Water 46 7.0%Baldcypress 5 0.8% Holly/Weeping Yaupon 5 0.8% Oak/White 3 0.5%Blackgum 10 1.5% Japanese Cryptomeria 16 2.4% Oak/Willow 70 10.6%Cherry/Black 14 2.1% Leyland Cypress 47 7.1% Pecan 2 0.3%Cherry/Carolina Laurel 1 0.2% Magnolia/Southern 8 1.2% Pine/Eastern White 4 0.6%Cherry/Japanese Flowering 1 0.2% Maple/Florida 10 1.5% Pine/Loblolly 94 14.3%Cherry/Unknown 1 0.2% Maple/Japanese 2 0.3% Pine/Shortleaf 6 0.9%Chinaberry 1 0.2% Maple/Red 72 10.9% Pondcypress 1 0.2%Common Persimmon 3 0.5% Maple/Silver 4 0.6% Redbud/Eastern 12 1.8%Crapemyrtle 36 5.5% Maple/Sugar 2 0.3% River Birch 9 1.4%Dogwood/Flowering 32 4.9% Oak/Nuttall 13 2.0% Southern Crabapple 2 0.3%Dogwood/Kousa 32 4.9% Oak/Pin 8 1.2% Sweetgum 16 2.4%Eastern Redcedar 2 0.3% Oak/Sawtooth 10 1.5% Vitex 1 0.2%Elm/Winged 3 0.5% Oak/Shumard 1 0.2% Waxmyrtle 9 1.4%Holly/American 17 2.6%

Site Condition ResultsSite Condition Freq. % of Trees Site Condition Freq. % of Trees Site Condition Freq. % of TreesDisease/Canker Disease 1 0.2% Pest/Wetwood/Slime Flux 1 0.2% Tree/Girdling Wire 23 3.5%Di t R tDisease/Heart/Butt/Root Rot/H t/B tt/R 11 0 2%0.2% Sit /F tSite/Fence >10ft.10f 5555 8 3%8.3% T /I l d d B kTree/Included Bark 163163 24 7%24.7%Disease/Hypoxylon Disease 1 0.2% Site/Heaved Concrete 2 0.3% Tree/Large Limb Hazard 1 0.2%N/A 11 1.7% Site/Paved Rooting Zone 1 0.2% Tree/Leaning Tree 24 3.6%Other/Chlorosis 1 0.2% Site/Planting Container 1 0.2% Tree/Major Trunk Wound 12 1.8%Other/Injury from Weather 11 1.7% Site/Root Backfill 4 0.6% Tree/Moderate Trunk Wound 127 19.3%Other/Lightning Strike 1 0.2% Site/Root Excavation 2 0.3% Tree/Multi Trunked Tree 109 16.5%Other/Mistletoe 5 0.8% Site/Soil Compaction 423 64.2% Tree/Pruning Wound 107 16.2%Other/Mower/Trimmer Damage 18 2.7% Site/Tree Well 3 0.5% Tree/Stub Cuts 60 9.1%Pest/Borer 2 0.3% Site/Tree w/in UWA 11 1.7% Tree/Surface Root Damage 61 9.3%Pest/Fruiting Bodies 1 0.2% Tree/Dieback/Decline 109 16.5% Tree/Trunk Cavity 3 0.5%Pest/Fusiform Rust 27 4.1% Tree/Forked Stem 244 37.0% Tree/Utility Pruning 8 1.2%Pest/Scale 35 5.3% Tree/Girdling Roots 41 6.2%

Health Index0.00 - 0.50 14 2.1%0.51 - 0.70 63 9.6%0.71 - 0.90 464 70.4%0.91 - 1.00 118 17.9%

Page 1


Summary of Results


Maintenance NeedsCable/Brace 10 1.5%Cut/Girdling Root 38 5.8%Cut/Vines 11 1.7%Cut/Wire/Metal 23 3.5%Fertilize 1 0.2%Inspect 10 1.5%Mulch 361 54.8%N\A 175 26.6%Pest Mang. 35 5.3%Prune/Clearance 19 2.9%Prune/Corrective 4 0.6%Prune/Deadwood 71 10.8%Prune/Structure 38 5.8%Prune/Training 167 25.3%Remove/Dead 11 1.7%Remove/Live 12 1.8%

L ti St ti tiLocation StatisticsLocation # % of TotalJefferson Elementary School 168 25.49%Jefferson Academy 166 25.19%Jefferson Middle School 152 23.07%Jefferson High School 173 26.25%

Page 2


Summary Charts

14%11%

11%7%7%5%5%

5%3%

32%

School Tree Species Distribution

Pine/Loblolly Maple/Red Oak/Willow

Leyland Cypress Oak/Water Crapemyrtle

Dogwood/Flowering Dogwood/Kousa American Sycamore

All Other

2%

10%18%

School Tree Health Index

Poor

14%11%

11%7%7%5%5%

5%3%

32%

School Tree Species Distribution

Pine/Loblolly Maple/Red Oak/Willow

Leyland Cypress Oak/Water Crapemyrtle

Dogwood/Flowering Dogwood/Kousa American Sycamore

All Other

2%

10%

70%

18%

School Tree Health Index

PoorFair

Good

Excellent

Page 1


Summary Charts

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

1"-6" 7"-12" 13"-18" 19"-24" 25"-30" 31"-36" 37"+

School Tree Diameter Distribution

20572 2379

School Tree Maintenance Needs


0

100

200

300

400

500

600

1"-6" 7"-12" 13"-18" 19"-24" 25"-30" 31"-36" 37"+

School Tree Diameter Distribution

205

36171

72 2379

School Tree Maintenance Needs


Prune/DeadwoodCut/GirdlingRemoveOther

Page 2

Appendix C: 2009‐2010 Tree Planting Results

Table 1 lists the trees that were planted during the winter of 2009 through the spring of 2010. The table includes details about the circumstances of the planting.

Table 1. 2009-2010 Tree Planting Results Program Name Number

of Trees Species Planted Location(s) Cost and Funding Source

American Reinvestment and Recovery Act Grant (ARRA)

111 Various including native and non-native species

Throughout Jefferson

$50,000 ARRA Grant through Georgia Forestry Commission $0 City Cash

Making the Shade Grant

10 Nuttall Oaks (5), Red Maples (2), Chinese Elms (2), Kousa Dogwood

Rev. V. S. Hughey Park on Gordon Street

$2,000 Making the Shade Grant through Georgia Forestry Commission $0 City Cash/50% In-kind Match

Jefferson Heritage Tree Council Gift Tree Program

2 Unknown Curry Creek Park Paid for with donations from individuals; Street Department employees planted the trees

Boy Scouts of America

1 October Glory Red Maple

Curry Creek Park Paid for by BSA; Street Department employees planted the tree

Eagle Scout Joe Taylor

9 Eastern redbuds and Kousa dogwoods

Memorial Stadium, at Memorial Drive and Old Swimming Pool Road

Paid for with donations secured by Joe Taylor; in-kind assistance provided by Susan Russell, Arborvitals

BSA Cub Scouts 1 Oklahoma Redbud Jefferson Elementary School

Keep Jackson Beautiful

Donations from David Wilson’s Nursery on Lyle Field Road

42 Arborvitae (18), Nuttall Oaks (5), Willow Oaks (5), Little Gem Magnolias (17), and Common Crapemyrtles (2)

Water treatment plant, V. S. Hughey Park, Jefferson Elementary School, and Jefferson Recreation Complex

$1,000 City cash and $200 Jefferson City Schools cash to pay for use of Georgia Forestry Commission tree spade and operator; fuel provided by City

Police Dog Memorial Tree

1 Red maple Curry Creek Park Police Department

TOTAL 177

Appendix D. Homeowner Tree Assessment Fo

rm

Community Tree Assessment Date of Request: ____________________ Appt Date / Time:_____________________ Name:_____________________________ In City Limits?:_______________________ Address:___________________________ Owned by Caller?:____________________ Telephone:_________________________ Subdivision:_________________________ Homeowner Concerns:__________________________________________________________

Tree: Type:_____________________________ Size:________________________________ Location:______________________________________________________________________ History:_______________________________________________________________________ Site:__________________________________________________________________________ Roots:________________________________________________________________________ Trunk:________________________________________________________________________ Scaffold:______________________________________________________________________ Canopy:_______________________________________________________________________ Other:________________________________________________________________________

Recommendations: Council Member:______________________ Homeowner:________________________

Jefferson Heritage Tree Council

City of Jefferson www.cityofjeffersonga.com 147 Athens Street 706-367-5121 City Hall Voice Jefferson, GA 30549 706-367-5134 City Hall Fax

The intent of this site visit is to discuss general tree care principles with the tree owner, assess general tree health and condition, and discuss tree care options and a general course of action to be considered by the tree owner. Assessment made as visible from the ground only and without root collar excavation or aerial inspection. This is provided as a courtesy only and not intended to replace a thorough examination by an experienced ISA Certified Arborist using root collar excavation, aerial inspection, or other diagnostic procedures to determine a specific course of action.

http://www.cityofjeffersonga.com/

Appendix E: Master Work Plan

MASTER WORK PLAN City of JeffersonSustainable Community Forest Master Plan

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016+

1 2 3 4 5 6+

Adopt the Sustainable Community Forest Master Plan Mayor and City Council Dec 2010 - - - - - -

Retain an urban forestry or certified arborist consultant to coordinate the city's community forest management program City Manager Annually X X X X X X

Establish and fill a city arborist position with a full‐time employee City Manager, Mayor and Council To be determined - - - - - XPurchase or locate a computer and provide printer access for the city arborist; include MS Office, Adobe Acrobat, and internet connection City Manager As soon as possible X - - - - -Periodically review and revise Community Forest Master Plan to meet needs

City Arborist, City Manager, Mayor and Council Every 3 years - - X - - X

Periodically update the Master Work Plan with additions, changes, and information on completed activities City Arborist Annually X X X X X X

Coordinate annual planning meeting

City Arborist, Public Works Director, Parks and Recreation Director, Jefferson City Schools Superintendent, Main Street Jefferson, Jefferson Heritage Tree Council Annually X X X X X X

Hold bi‐monthly JHTC meetings; submit a report on program activities to the City Aborist Jefferson Heritage Tree Council Bi monthly X X X X X X

ADMINISTRATION

MANAGEMENT YEAR

PROGRAM ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION LEADERSFREQUENCY OR TIME FRAME

activities to the City Aborist Jefferson Heritage Tree Council Bi-monthly X X X X X XAttend bi‐monthly JHTC meetings; submit a report on program activities to the JHTC City Arborist Bi-monthly X X X X X XExpand membership in the council to 11 voting members Jefferson Heritage Tree Council Dec 2010 X - - - - -Revise city code to include the Jefferson Heritage Tree Council as an official advisory board to the Mayor and City Council and to add more specific city tree protection and management requirements

City Arborist, City Manager, Mayor and Council As soon as possible X - - - - -

Submit and present quarterly reports to the City Manager and the Mayor and City Council on program activities City Arborist Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct X X X X X XSummarize program activities and expenses in a year‐end report or state of the trees report City Arborist Jan - Feb - - X X X X

August 2010 Page 1


2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016+

1 2 3 4 5 6+

MANAGEMENT YEAR


Coordinate an annual budgeting meeting City Arborist Apr - May X X X X X XDevelop and submit a budget request for community forest management and the Jefferson Heritage Tree Council

City Arborist, Jefferson Heritage Tree Council Jun - Aug X X X X X X

Approve a community forest management program budget Mayor and City Council X X X X X XApply for a DOT GATEways grant Public Works DepartmentSubmit application for DOT GATEway Grant Public Works Department Oct X X X X X XApply for a Fiskars Project Orange Thumb grant for equipment for Jefferson Tree Stewards City Arborist As soon as possible X X X X X XApply for an Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Program grant

Jefferson Heritage Tree Council, City Arborist May X X X X X X

Streamline the system for tracking and reporting volunteer and staff time for recordkeeping and reporting and for grant projects

Jefferson Heritage Tree Council, City Arborist As time permits X X X X X X

Streamline grant administration and reporting procedures Jefferson Heritage Tree Council As soon as possible X - - - - -Partner with Eric Taylor of Morgan‐Taylor Designs to donate services to develop a comprehensive landscape design plan for Curry Creek Park

Jefferson Heritage Tree Council, City Manager, City Arborist Sept 2010 - Aug 2011 X X X X X X

Partner with landscape architecture professionals to donate services for the development of landscape plans for city gateways and city schools

Public Works Director, Jefferson City Schools, City Arborist, Jefferson Heritage Tree Council As opportunities arise X X X X X X

FUNDING

Solicity donations for Gift Trees Jefferson Heritage Tree Council Throughout the year X X X X X XSolicity donations for general tree program activities Jefferson Heritage Tree Council Throughout the year X X X X X X

Adopt and implement standards for tree care operations and arboricultural best management practices for city trees and trees regulated by the LUMC

Mayor and City Council, City Staff, Jefferson City Schools Dec 2010 X X X X X X

Advertise the requirement for compliance with tree care standards and best management practices and the availability of standards for review at City Hall to target audiences City Arborist Annually X X X X X XDevelop a consolidated glossary of arboricultural terms and their definitions City Arborist As time permits X - - - - -

ARBORICULTURAL STANDARDS

August 2010 Page 2


2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016+

1 2 3 4 5 6+

MANAGEMENT YEAR


Coordinate the re‐inventory of city trees City Arborist

Every 10 years; 2020, 2030, 2040, 2050,

2060, etc. - - - - - -Coordinate the re‐measurement of tree canopy cover and impervious surfaces City Arborist Every 5 years - - - X - -Purchase ArcGIS software for tree inventory database management and graphic display of information City Manager As budgets permit - X - - - -

Develop a tree removal and planting tracking system and track changes to tree canopy cover on city and private property City Arborist Dec 2010 X X X X X XUpdate tree inventory information as changes occur City Arborist Monthly X X X X X XProvide tree resource information to staff, the JHTC, and the community City Manager As needed X X X X X X

Develop a comprehensive, city‐wide tree planting plan City ArboristAs time and funding

permit - - X - - -

Establish a City of Jefferson Official Tree Species List with information on mature height, canopy size, approved planting locations, and relative tolerance to construction damage City Arborist

In conjuction with LUMC revisions X - - - - -

COMMUNITY FOREST INFORMATION

CITY TREE ESTABLISHMENT

Select tree planting sites, species, and trees for annual planting program City Arborist May - Nov X X X X X XPlant trees on street rights‐of‐way and in city parks, mulch, and install watering devices

Street Department, Parks and Recreation Department Dec - Mar X X X X X X

Plant trees on city school campuses, mulch, and install watering devices Jefferson City Schools Dec - Mar X X X X X XPlant Gift Trees for the Jefferson Heritage Tree Council Street Department Dec - Mar X X X X X XWater newly planted trees Street Department Apr - Oct X X X X X XEstablish and conduct a matching tree planting program and reporting system City Arborist As soon as possible - X - - - -Develop an online arboretum to provide information about recommended tree species, their preferred locations, and their characteristics

City Arborist, Jefferson Heritage Tree Council

As time and funding permit - - - X - -

Transplant trees from local private nursery using GFC tree spade

City Arborist, Street Department, Parks and Recreation Department, Jefferson City Schools December to February X X X - - -

Achieve 100 percent stocking of street tree planting sites Street Department Within 10 years - - - - - X

August 2010 Page 3


2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016+

1 2 3 4 5 6+

MANAGEMENT YEAR


Develop and conduct an ongoing Jefferson Tree Steward program City Arborist As soon as possible X X X X X X

Inspect all newly planted trees during their first growing season City Arborist Jun - Aug X X X X X XMulch all newly planted trees for 3 years Jefferson Tree Stewards Nov - Feb X X X X X XNew Tree Maintenance Jefferson Tree Stewards Feb - Nov X X X X X XPrune 30 city park trees each year Jefferson Tree Stewards Nov - Feb, Jul-Aug X X X X X XPrune 50 school campus trees each year Jefferson Tree Stewards Nov - Feb, Jul-Aug X X X X X XPrune 50 street and facility trees each year Jefferson Tree Stewards Nov - Feb, Jul-Aug X X X X X XRemove watering devices from trees Jefferson Tree Stewards Nov - Feb X X X X X XInstall watering devices on trees Street Department At time of planting X X X X X XWater trees weekly during the growing season in the absence of adequate rainfall Street Department Mar - Oct X X X X X X

Develop and implement a tree work order system to provide notification of tree maintenance needs and track the time requirements and expense of tree care City Arborist As soon as possible X X X X X X

Generate lists of trees requiring specific tree maintenance, such as removal, pruning, pest management, fertilization, cabling and

As soon as possible, and annually for planning

ESTABLISHED TREE MAINTENANCE

NEW TREE MAINTENANCE

as removal, pruning, pest management, fertilization, cabling and bracing, and inspections using the tree inventory information City Arborist

annually for planning purposes X X X X X X

Inspect existing trees on regular inspection list City Arborist Annually X X X X X XPassively protect city trees on an ongoing basis Everyone Always X X X X X X

Actively protect city trees during site disturbance

Street Department, Private Property Owners, Businesses, Contractors, Developers As required X X X X X X

Water existing, high value trees during the growing season in periods of low rainfall

Street Department, Parks and Recreation Department, Jefferson City Schools Throughout X X X X X X

August 2010 Page 4


2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016+

1 2 3 4 5 6+

MANAGEMENT YEAR


Mulch existing street trees where practical and most necessary Street Department Annually X X X X X X

Mulch existing facility trees where practical and most necessary Street Department Annually X X X X X X

Mulch existing park trees where practical and most necessary Parks and Recreation Department Annually X X X X X XMulch existing school campus trees where practical and most necessary Jefferson City Schools Annually X X X X X XAsk city residents and businesses to mulch and water established city street trees adjacent to their properties City Arborist Annually X X X X X XPrune medium and large street and facility trees per the inventory Street Department, Contractors 20 per year X X X X X XPrune medium and large park trees per the inventory Street Department, Contractors 10 per year X X X X X X

Prune medium and large school campus trees per the inventory Jefferson City Schools, Contractors 16 per year X X X X X XPrune existing trees on regular cycle Street Department, Contractors Every 10 years - - - - - -Complete non‐routine or emergency tree pruning Street Department As needs are identified X X X X X XRemove mistletoe from city trees Street Department During routine pruning X X X X X X

Cable and brace street, facility, and park trees, per the inventroy Street Department, Contractors 1 per year X X X X X XCable and brace school campus trees Jefferson City Schools 1 per year X X X X X XR f ili d k d dRemove street, facility, and park trees per year as recommended in the inventroy Street Department 5 or more X X X X X XRemove school campus trees per year as recommended in the inventory Jefferson City Schools, Contractors 5 or more X X X X X XRemove girdling roots, vines, metal and wire, and saplings from around the base of street, facility, and park trees Street Department As time permits X X X X X XRemove girdling roots, vines, metal and wire, and saplings from around the base of school campus trees Jefferson City Schools As time permits X X X X X XRemove dead trees as they are identified Street Department As needed X X X X X XRemove live trees in hazardous or poor condition or in an irresolvable conflict with infrastructure as they are identified Street Department As needed X X X X X X

Develop fertilization recommendations and fertilize trees

City Arborist, Street Department, Parks and Recreation Department, Jefferson City Schools As needed X X X X X X

Tree care monitoring City Arborist Periodically X X X X X X

August 2010 Page 5


2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016+

1 2 3 4 5 6+

MANAGEMENT YEAR


Conduct assessments of trees on completed developments City Arborist As required X X X X X XCoordinate a review and revision of the LUMC provisions related to trees City Arborist, City Planner Periodically and as needed X - - X - -Revise the Land Use Management Code with input from a stakeholder group City Planner As required X - - X - -

Coordinate community stakeholder meetings to review, discuss, and gather input on recommended revisions to the LUMC

City Arborist, City Planner, City Manager Sept 2010 - Aug 2011 X - - X - -

Establish a Jefferson tree bank Mayor and City Council As soon as possible X - - - - -Establish an environmental fee for development plan and variance reviews and site inspections City Manager As soon as possible X - - - - -Provide recommended revisions of the LUMC to the City Manager, Quad Cities Planning Commission and the Mayor and City Council City Arborist, City Planner As needed X - - X - -Review site plans and variance requests, conduct site visits, and make recommendations for conditions of site plan or variance approval City Arborist As required X X X X X XConduct site visits to monitor compliance with the LUMC and for the release of the landscape bond City Arborist

Periodically and as required X X X X X X

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

PRIVATE TREE MANAGEMENT

Conduct educational programs on standards for tree care operations and best management practices for staff, developers, and contractors City Arborist Throughout the year X X X X X XReview safety standards for tree care operations with all city and city schools staff and with Jefferson Tree Stewards City Arborist Annually X X X X X XConduct a tree planting and/or tree benefits demonstration on one (1) commercial site in partnership with a commercial property owner City Arborist Sept 2010 - Aug 2011 X X - X - XConduct two (2) tree conservation and planting workshops in two (2) different neighborhoods City Arborist Sept 2010 - Aug 2011 X - X - X -

Provide continuing education for city and city schools tree maintenance staff through field sessions and tail‐gate programs City Arborist

Throughout the year as time permits X X X X X X

Conduct landscape, tree service, and construction contractor tree care information sessions focusing on planting, protection, pruning, and mulching City Arborist To be determined - - X X X XPrepare and distribute bullet point lists for basic tree care activities to staff City Arborist As time permits X X X X X X

August 2010 Page 6


2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016+

1 2 3 4 5 6+

MANAGEMENT YEAR


Conduct ISA Certified Arborist Training for city and schools staff, local landscape contractors, local tree service contractors

City Arborist, Professional Arborists and Urban Foresters

Oct - Dec and every 3 to 5 years after initial

training program - - - - X -

Staff certification (2 city, 1 city schools) as ISA Certified Arborists City and City Schools Staff To be determined - - - X - -Provide information and education on the importance of trees and tree care through a variety of media Jefferson Heritage Tree Council Periodically X X X X X XProvide training for Jefferson Tree Stewards on mulching and pruning

City Arborist, Jefferson Tree Stewards Annually X X X X X X

Provide training in recognizing pest signs and symptoms to city and schools staff

City Arborist, City Staff, City Schools Staff Bi-annually X X X

Provide training in removal of girdling roots to city and schools staff

City Arborist, City Staff, City Schools Staff Nov - Feb X - - - - -

Purchase books, manuals, and brochures City Arborist As budgets permit - X - - - -Purchase four (4) sets of ANSI standards and ISA best management practices and updates as they are available City Arborist 2010 X - - - - XConduct a Gift Tree Program Jefferson Heritage Tree Council Throughout the year X X X X X XConduct a Heritage Tree Program Jefferson Heritage Tree Council Throughout the year X X X X X XDevelop a Heritage Tree Calendar as an educational tool and fundraiser Jefferson Heritage Tree Council Sept - Nov X X X X X XDevelop a Heritage Tree Owner's Educational Event Jefferson Heritage Tree Council To be determined - X - X - X

Conduct a multi‐event tree festival for the city's Arbor Day celebration to include a tree sale and tree care demonstration Jefferson Heritage Tree Council

On or around 3rd Friday in February X X X X X X

Partner with arboricultural service contractors to conduct tree climbing and arboricultural techniques demonstrations at the tree festival Jefferson Heritage Tree Council

On or around 3rd Friday in February X X X X X X

Conduct a park clean‐up/tree work day as the city's Earth Day Celebration and Education Event Jefferson Heritage Tree Council

On or around Earth Day April 22 X X X X X X

Develop a JHTC display and exhibit at local events Jefferson Heritage Tree Council Sept 2010 - Aug 2011 X X X X X XPurchase, develop, and distribute program and tree care brochures Jefferson Heritage Tree Council To be determined X X X X X X

Provide continuing education opportunities for JHTC membersCity Arborist, Jefferson Heritage Tree Council To be determined X X X X X X

Complete the recertification application for Tree City USA and the Growth Award application

City Arborist, Jefferson Heritage Tree Council November X X X X X X

August 2010 Page 7

Appendix F: Glossary of Arboricultural Terms

A Administrator The person responsible for administration of the tree regulations or

his/her designee.

Aeration Provision of air to the soil to alleviate soil compaction and improve its structure

Aeration system Set of vertical holes or trenches created in the tree’s root area to improve oxygen availability to the roots and gas exchange with the atmosphere; aeration systems sometimes include an underground arrangement of porous tubing

Angiosperm Plant with seeds borne in an ovary; consisting of two large groups—monocotyledons (grasses, palms, and related plants) and dicotyledons (most woody trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, and related plants) ; compare to gymnosperms

ANSI Acronym for American National Standards Institute

ANSI A300 standards In the United States, industry-developed, national consensus standards of practice for tree care

ANSI Z133.1 standards In the United States, industry-developed, national consensus safety standards of practice for tree care

Appraisal Placing a monetary value on a tree or landscaping

Arboriculture Practice and study of the care of trees and other woody plants in the landscape

Arborist (see also Certified Arborist)

Professional who possesses the technical competence gained through experience and related training to provide for or supervise the management of trees and other woody plants in residential, commercial, and public landscapes

B

Backfill (1) soil (and amendments) used to fill the hole when planting a tree; (2) soil, common fill, aggregates, or contaminants in various combinations put back into an excavation; may not be hospitable for tree root growth and function

Balled and burlapped (B&B)

Tree or other plant removed from the ground for re-planting, with the roots and soil wrapped in burlap; compare to bare root, container grown, and containerized

Bare root Tree or other plant removed from the ground for re-planting without soil around the roots; compare to balled and burlapped, container grown, and containerized

Bark Protective outer covering of branches and stems that arises from the rk cambium or cambium

il for limiting or directing the growth of tree

Best management practices e, industry-recognized courses of action, in

Bracing

Branch bark ridge nion, where the growth

ted by both the branch and the trunk;

Branch protection zone d tissue within the trunk or at retards the

Bulk density

co

Barrier (1) fences or other means of establishing a protection zone around trees on construction sites; (2) membranes or sheets installed vertically in the soroots

Best-availabl(BMPs) consideration of the benefits and limitations, based on scientific

research and current knowledge

Installation of metal rods through weak portions of a tree for supplemental support

Branch Stem arising from a larger stem; a subdominant stem; pith in true branches has no connection to the parent stem

Raised strip of bark at the top of a branch uand expansion of the trunk or parent stem and adjoining branch push the park into a ridge

Branch collar Area where a branch joins another branch or trunk that is creathe overlapping vascular tissues fromtypically enlarged at the base of the branch

Chemically and physically modifieparent branch at the base of a subordinate branch thspread of discoloration and decay from the subordinate stem into the trunk or parent branch

Branch union Point where a branch originates from the trunk or another branch; crotch

Mass of soil per unit volume; often used as a measure of compaction

C Cabling Installation of hardware or synthetic rope in a tree to provide

supplemental support to weak branches or crotches

Undifferentiated tissue formed by the cambium, usually as the result of wounding; compare to wo

Callus undwood

Canopy ree or group of trees

Cambium Thin layer(s) of meristematic cells that give rise (outward) to the phloem and (inward) to the xylem, increasing stem and root diameter

Caliper

Collective branches and foliage of a t

Canop

y tree

Cavity n a tree stem, usually associated with

Central leader

Certified Arborist

f

Cleaning of dead, dying, diseased, and

Clearance between a tree branch and a power line, the

Climbing spurs s to assist in

Codominant branches, ems

same size in diameter, arising from a

Conifer evergreen

n

Container grown been grown in a container; compare to

Conservation Sound management within given social and economic epleting lly

racter of forest systems

rown plant placed into a container for a time and then sold in

oot, and

Critical root zone (CRZ) ated that provides

,

ction ection perpendicular to the axis of longitudinal growth

Open or closed hollow withidecay

Main stem of a tree, particularly of an excurrent specimen

Chlorosis A whitish or yellowish leaf discoloration caused by lack ochlorophyll, often caused by nutrient deficiency

In pruning, the selective removalbroken branches

Amount of open spaceground, or a structure

Sharp devices strapped to a climber’s lower legclimbing poles or trees being removed; also called spikes, gaffs, irons, hooks, or climbers

Forked branches nearly theCodominant st common junction and lacking a normal branch union

Cone-bearing tree or other plant that has its seeds in a structure called a cone; many, but not all, conifers are

Conk Fruiting body or non-fruiting body (sterile conk) of a fungus, ofteassociated with decay

Tree or other plant that hasballed and burlapped, bare root, and containerized

forest constraints producing direct benefits for humans without dnatural ecosystem quality while acknowledging the naturaynamic chad

Field-gContainerized as a potted plant; term does not include a plant initially growncontainers; compare to balled and burlapped, bare rcontainer grown

Soil area around a tree where the roots are locstability and a significant uptake of moisture; defined as a circle around the trunk with a radius of 1.25 feet for every 1 inch in DBHor as an area established by a certified arborist

Cross se S

Crown Upper part of a tree, measured from the lowest branch, and

including all the branches and foliage

leaning

n aking

ultivated variety of a plant; cannot be reproduced without human to

Crown c Removing dead, dying, diseased, and/or broken branches from the tree crown

Crown reductio Method of reducing the height and/or spread of a tree by mappropriate pruning cuts

Cultivar Cassistance; usually propagated asexually (cloned); compare variety

D

DBH eter at breast height; standard measurement of

Decay tissues by fungi or bacteria

emperate

Decline

k

east height

Directional pruning new lly applied to direct growth

Disease

Disorder ; term usually associated with noninfectious

Dormancy

plant

e h

Acronym for diamtree size; the diameter of a tree trunk measured at 4.5 feet (1.3 meters) above ground

Deadwooding Removing dead and dying branches from a tree

(n.) an area of wood that is undergoing decomposition; (v.) decomposition of organic

Deciduous Tree or other plant that sheds all of its leaves according to a genetically scheduled cycle during the cold season in tzones; compare to evergreen

Gradually diminishing health or condition of a tree

Diebac Condition in which the branches in the tree crown die from the tips toward the center

Decurrent Rounded or spreading growth habit of the tree crown; compare to excurrent

Diameter at br See DBH

Removing branches from a tree in such a way as to encouragegrowth in a particular direction; usuaaway from overhead conductors or other structures

Condition that impairs the performance of one or more vital functions; usually associated with infectious conditions

Abnormal conditionproblems

Period of naturally reduced activity in plant growth with the potential for reactivation of growth

Dormant State of reduced physiological activity in the organs of a

Drip lin Imaginary boundary on the soil surface defined by the brancspread of a single plant or group of plants

E Easement, planting

nted for a limited time by a private property owner to a

Easement, utility tility line over which the utility has

system of living organisms and their abiotic (non-living) nvironment

transpiration (ET) n

Evergreen does not shed all of its foliage annually;

F

Defined strip of land adjacent to the public right-of-way for which access is gralocal government for the purpose of planting trees

Defined strip of land beneath a urights-of-way to maintain clearance; essentially part of the right-of-way

omplex systemEco Ce

Evapo Loss of water by evaporation from the soil surface and transpiratioby plants

Tree or other plant thatcompare to deciduous

Exotic Species not native to a region; may or may not be invasive

Fertilization oil

Fertilizer the surrounding soil to supplement

Forestry nt of forests, using silvicultural treatments, to provide a forest benefits including timber, aesthetics, wildlife d/or recreational opportunities

pl. fungi) ts, hytic,

G

Application of essential minerals to a plant, usually through the s

Substance added to a plant or the supply of essential elements

Flush cut Pruning cut through and/or removing the branch collar, causing unnecessary injury to the trunk or parent stem

Foliage Leaves of a plant

Managemevariety of habitat, an

Fruiting body Reproductive structure of a fungus; the presence of certain species may indicate decay in a tree; see conk

Fungus ( Group of organisms from the kingdom Fungi, including yeasmolds, mushrooms, and smuts; typically multicellular, sapropor parasitic and lacking vascular tissue and chlorophyll; reproduces by spores borne in fruiting bodies

Gall Abnormal swelling of plant tissues caused by gall wasps, mites,

nematodes, and various insects and less comm

only by fungi or

vel and above the

bacteria

Genus Taxonomic group of species having similar fundamental traits;botanical classification under the family le

specific epithet level

H

Girdling Restriction or destruction of the vascular system within the stem, branch, or root that causes an inhibition of the flow of water and photosynthates in the phloem

Girdling root Root that encircles all or part of the trunk of a tree, or other roots, that constricts the vascular tissue and inhibits secondary growth and the movement of water and photosynthates

Grade (1) surface level of the ground; (2) quality determination for nursery stock

Gymnosperm Plants with exposed seeds, usually within cones; compare to angiosperm

Hardiness ability of a plant to survive low

ard assessment rocess to determine the risk potential of a tree

tial

eading back) e enough to assume apical

er

es nds that kill vegetation

l boring

Horticulture processing fruits,

I

Genetically determinedtemperatures

Haz P

Hazard poten Degree of risk posed by a tree due to a structural or biological defect

Heading (h Cutting a shoot back to a bud, or cutting branches back to buds, stubs, or lateral branches not largdominance; cutting an older branch or stem back to a stub in ordto meet a structural objective

Herbicid Chemical compou

Horizonta Alternative to trenching for installation of underground utilities; avoids cutting of tree roots; compare to trenching and tunneling

Art and science of growing, handling, andvegetables, and ornamental plants

Impervious surface

Included bark rotch (union) between branch nd trunk or between codominant stems; causes a weak structure

Insecticides es toxic to insects

ed Pest Management (IPM)

ral,

A surface through which water cannot penetrate, such as concrete, asphalt, rooftops, or severely compacted soil

Bark that becomes embedded in a ca

Inorganic fertilizer Mineral fertilizer, not coming from plant or animal sources; compare to organic fertilizer

Substanc

Integrat Method of controlling plant pests by combining biological, cultumechanical, physical, and/or chemical controls

Internode tween two successive nodes; compare to node

d species

es

L

Region of the stem be

Introduce Organisms not native to a region; compare to native species and naturalized species

Invasive speci Non-native organisms likely to spread, disrupting the natural balance of an ecosystem

Lateral Secondary or subordinate branch or root

Vegetative bud on thLateral bud e side of a stem; compare to terminal bud

inates a portion of the crown by suppressing teral branches

d to a stem

Live crown ratio f the height of the crown containing live foliage to the

M

Leader Primary terminal shoot or trunk of a tree; large, usually upright em; a stem that domst

la

Leaf Primary, photosynthetic organ of a plant that is connecteby a petiole

Limb Large, primary branch of a tree

Line clearance Process of removing vegetation around utility lines

Ratio ooverall height of the tree

Macronutrient lements required by plants in ogen (N), phosphorus

ents; compare to

Macropore mpare

ass grading rocess of reshaping landscape to specified elevations for the

Mature height if the conditions of

Meristem ent

t ts required by plants in relatively small r (Cu), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe),

Any of the nine (9) essential erelatively large quantities; in fertilizer, nitr(P), and potassium (K) are the primary elemmicronutrient

Relatively large spaces between soil particles that are usually air filled and allow for water movement and root penetration; coto micropore

M Pconstruction of buildings and/or to provide drainage

Maximum height that a plant is likely to reachthe planting site are favorable

Undifferentiated tissue in which active cell division takes place; found in the root tips, buds, cambium, cork cambium, and latbuds

Micronutrien Any of the essential elemenquantities: boron (B), coppemanganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), and zinc (Zn); compare to macronutrient

Micropore

Mitigation ent, process of reducing, alleviating, or

Monitoring rforming regular checks or inspections

nocotyledon lant with an embryo that has one seed leaf (cotyledon); examples edon

h,

tic

pine straw, or wood chips are considered proper

Mycorrhizae sociation between certain fungi and the roots of a plant

Space between soil particles that is relatively small and likely to be water filled; compare to macropore

In tree risk managemminimizing damages or risk

Keeping a close watch; pe

Mo Pare grasses and palms; compare to dicotyl

Mulch Material that is spread on the soil surface to reduce weed growtretain soil moisture, moderate temperature extremes, prevent damage from lawn-maintenance equipment, and improve aestheappearance of the landscape; only organic materials such as compost, leaves, mulch

Symbiotic as

N Native species Plants indigenous to a region; naturally occurring and not

ized

ral (target) pruning rocess of branch removal in which the pruning cuts are made at odes and in relation to the positions of the branch collar and

Naturalized species

ive species

O

introduced by man; compare to introduced species and naturalspecies

Natu Pnbranch bark ridge

Non-native species that has become established in a region and propagates without human assistance; compare to introduced species and nat

Node Slightly enlarge portion of a stem where leaves and buds arise; compare to internode

Organic fertilizer inorganic

Organic layer oil surface

atter

Overstory, overstory tree ppermost layer of the forest canopy; or a tree or tree species

P

Fertilizer derived from plants or animals; compare tofertilizer

Layer of organic matter at the s

Organic m Material derived from the growth (and death) of living organisms; compost, humus

The uwith a crown that exists in or has the potential to reach the uppermost portion of the forest canopy

Parent branch

Pathogen s to microorganisms

ranches he

PHC See nt Health Care

gulators; situated on the inside of the bark, just outside the ambium; is bi-directional (transports up and down); compare to

Photosynthesis rgy is used to form glucose (chemical energy) from water

Plant Health Care ts in the landscape

ns

ing ng

knobs at the cut ends of the branches; quires regular removal of sprouts

Pruning ay unwanted or damaged parts of a plant

me scheduled between

ce between trees and conductors

arborists

R

Larger branch or stem from which a smaller, lateral branch arises

Causal agent of disease; usually refer

Permanent b In pruning, branches that will be left in place, often forming tinitial scaffold framework of a tree

Pest Organism that is damaging, noxious, or a nuisance

Pesticide Any chemical used to kill unwanted organisms such as weeds, insects, or fungi

pH Unit of measure that describes the alkalinity or acidity of a solution; negative log of the hydrogen ion concentration; measured on a scale from 0 to 14; > 7 is alkaline, < 7 is acidic, and 7 is neutral (pure water)

Pla

Phloem Plant vascular tissue that transports photosynthates and growth recxylem

Process in green plants (and in algae and some bacteria) by which light eneand carbon dioxide

Comprehensive program to manage the health, structure, and appearance of plan

Planting specificatio Detailed plans and statements of particular procedures and standards for planting

Pollard High-maintenance, specialty pruning technique started on a youtree with a large-maturing form; the technique results in the evelopment of callus d

re

Protection zone See tree protection zone

Cutting aw

Pruning cycle In utility and municipal arboriculture, the tipruning events that is established as a guideline for providing reasonable clearan

Qualified line-clearance In utility arboriculture, utility arborists who have been trained to specified standards for line-clearance work

Rad

ial trenching eans of aerating the soil around a tree by removing and replacing M

soil in trenches made in a spokelike pattern in the root zone to improve conditions for root growth

Raising Selective removal of lower limbs from a tree to provide cle

arance;

Reduction read of a branch or crown

ction cut em back to a

Removal cut a branch at its point of origin; collar cut

stant varieties

Restoration e the structure, form, and appearance of trees headed, vandalized, or damage; (2) g to restore altered or damaged ecosystems

way (ROW) h

Root ball ontainerized) or a portion (B&B) of the roots

Root barrier ly in the soil to limit or direct

Root collar runk base where the roots and trunk come

Root collar excavation of a

Root crown lant stem, usually at or near

e

zone

n zone

W ee right-of-way

lifting

Pruning to decrease height and/or sp

Redu Pruning cut that reduces the length of a branch or stlateral branch large enough to assume apical dominance

Cut that removes

Resi Plant varieties that are tolerant of, or not susceptible to, certain disease or pest problems

(1) pruning to improvthat have been severely management and plantin

Right-of- Defined area of land, usually a linear strip, over or through whicutilities or streets are constructed, maintained, and operated, or to which access is granted

Risk assessment Process of determining the level of risk posed by a branch, tree, or group of trees on a property

Soil containing all (cthat are moved with a plant when it is planted or transplanted

Membranes or sheets installed verticalthe growth of tree roots

Flared area at the tree ttogether; root crown

Process of removing soil to expose and assess the root collar tree

Area where the main roots join the pground level; root collar

Root flar See trunk flare

Root protection Surface area of tree root concentration to be protected from construction damage, usually soil compaction damage; best accomplished by fencing off the entire root protectio

Root zone Area within the soil profile where roots exist; typically the root zone of trees extends beyond the drip line

RO S

S

Scaffold branches

a

tions lanting

ent

Soil analysis

Soil compaction eaks down soil aggregates and reduces soil

Soil horizon hysical, chemical, and biological

Soil profile

Soil texture seness of a soil due to particle size (sand,

Species rganisms composed of individuals of the r

ring

s ds used to define and guide work

ly planted tree with stakes and ties

ther

Street tree street

Stress a tree

ral defects urring or secondary conditions such as cavities, oor branch attachments, cracks, or decayed wood in the trunk,

Permanent or structural branches of a tree

Sign Physical evidence of a causal agent (e.g., insect eggs, borer hole, frass); compare to symptom

Silviculture Study and practice of the maintenance and growth of forests

Site analysis Determination of the conditions, restrictions, and environment of planting site

Site considera Factors that must be taken into account when assessing a psite to select plant species

Soil aeration See aeration

Soil amendm Material added to soil to improve its physical, chemical, and/or biological properties

Analysis of soil to determine pH, mineral composition, structure, salinity, and other characteristics

Compression of the soil, often as a result of vehicle of heavy-equipment traffic, that brvolume and total pore space, especially the macropores

Layer or zone of soil which pcharacteristics that differ from adjacent soil layers

Vertical section through the soil and all of the soil horizons

Soil structure Arrangement of soil particles into aggregates

Relative fineness or coarsilt, and clay)

Taxonomic group of osame genus that can reproduce among themselves and have similaoffsp

Specification Detailed plans, requirements, and statements of particular procedures and/or standar

Staking Supporting a new

Stem Woody structure bearing foliage and buds that gives rise to ostems (branches)

Trees growing along street frontages, either within the publicright-of-way or the front yards of adjacent lots

Factor that negatively affects the health of

Structu Ap

ny naturally occ

crown, or roots of a tree that may contribute to structural failure

ural pruning

Structural roots anchor and support the trunk and vely in

Structural soil strate that can be compacted to meet engineering

angular crushed stone, clay loam, and d in a weight ratio of 100:20:0.03; developed at the lture Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York

break

ched to the stem

Struct Pruning to establish a strong branch scaffold system

Large, woody, tree roots thatcrown; roots characterized by secondary thickening and relatilarge diameter giving form to the root system and functioninganchorage and support

Pavement subspecifications yet remains penetrable by tree roots in the urban environment; composed ofhydrogel mixeUrban Horticu

Stub The portion of a branch or stem remaining after an improper pruning cut or branch

Stub cuts Pruning cuts made too far outside the branch bark ridge or branch collar that leave branch tissue atta

Subordinate (v.) pruning to reduce the size and ensuing growth of a branch in relation to other branches or leaders; (adj.) dominated by other trees, branches, or parts; suppressed

Symptom Plant reaction to a disease or disorder (e.g., wilting, dieback); compare to sign

T Tap root Central, vertical root growing directly below th

e trunk that may or

Target ect, or structure that could be injured or damaged in on

Target (or natural) pruning branch removal to achieve a specified goal in which the ns of

ry branches ranches,

d

Thinning ches; removing ir penetration aining branches

may not persist into plant maturity

(1) person, objthe event of tree or branch failure; (2) in pruning, the final locatiwhere the tree part is removed

Process ofpruning cuts are made at nodes and in relation to the positiothe branch collar and branch bark ridge

Tempora When conducting structural pruning of young trees, bgenerally the lower, that are left in place or subordinated for the time being but that will be removed later

Terminal bu Bud at the tip of a twig or shoot; apical bud; compare to lateral bud

Selective pruning to reduce density of live branunwanted branches and limbs to provide light or athrough the tree or to lighten the weight of the rem

Through-pruning Removing branches from the middle of the tree crown to provide

clearance from utility lines; similar to V-pruning, except that som

e

g

Topping

e

d in

Transpiration

planting

Transplant shock ant; characterized by reduced growth,

Tree runk, but et

Tree establishment tion, tree transport, site

es ee

t period.

e island nclosed planting bed surrounding a tree, such as a bed within a

Tree protection zone ctivities are prohibited or

Tree value ed on a tree

e

Trunk flare

branch overhang remains above the lines

Timber harvestin

Inappropriate pruning technique to reduce tree size; cutting back a tree to buds, stubs, internodes, or laterals not large enough to assume apical dominanc

Topsoil Surface layer of soil that may be rich in nutrients from decayingplants and bacterial material; often removed when lots are gradepreparation for construction

Water vapor loss through the stomata of leaves

Trans Moving a plant to a new location

Plant stress following transplwilting, dropping foliage, or death

Woody perennial usually having one (1) dominant tsometimes multiple trunks, and a mature height greater than 15 fe

The activities associated with planting a tree, including site selection, species selection, tree selecpreparation, tree planting, irrigation, and mulching; also includregular inspection, pruning, and other new tree maintenance. Slso establishmena

ETrepaved area

Defined area within which certain arestricted to prevent or minimize potential injury to designated trees, especially during construction or development

Appraised, monetary value plac

Tree well Wall constructed around a tree, with the original grade raised, to protect the trunk by maintaining the original soil level and to provide oxygen and water to the root zon

Tree wrap Material used to wrap the trunks of newly planted or transplantedtrees

Trenching Linear excavation, often used to install utilities or structural footings; can cause tree root damage; compare to horizontal boring or tunneling

Transition zone from trunk to roots where the trunk expands into the structural roots; root flare

Tunneling Alternate method to trenching for installation of underground

utilities; compare to horizontal boring and trenching

U Undercut Cut on the underside of a branch or stem being removed to prevent

Understory, understory tree ; or a rown that exists in or has the potential to

Urban forestry

arance parts from around

used for other management

Utility pruning ties with the object of

V

unwanted tearing as the part being removed falls

The layers of the forest canopy that exist beneath the overstorytree or tree species with a creach only to the lower to middle layers of the forest canopy

Management of naturally occurring and planted trees in urban areas

Utility line-clepruning

Selectively removing vegetation and vegetation utility lines, primarily to keep trees and branches clear fromoverhead lines and equipment; alsoreasons

Pruning around or near utility facilimaintaining safe and reliable utility service

Variety Naturally occurring subdivision of a species having a distinc

difference and breeding true to that difference; compare to cul

Management and control of vegetation to achieve established goaland objectives

t tivar

Vegetation management s

sometimes fertility

Vitality th stress

oving branches from

W

Vertical mulching Drilling vertical holes in the soil and filling them with materials such as composted mulch, gravel, perlite, peat, or sand to improve aeration and

Vigor Overall health; capacity to grow and resist stress

Overall health; ability of a plant to deal effectively wi

V-pruning Providing clearance from utility lines by remthe middle of the tree crown such that the cut appears as V-shapedwhen viewed from a specific angle

Windthrow

Wound dressing

e to callus

Tree failure due to uprooting caused by wind

Wire basket Type of metal basket used to support the root ball of a balled and burlapped tree or a tree dug eiwht a tree space

Compound applied to tree wounds or pruning cuts

Woundwood Lignified, differentiated tissues produced on woody plants as a response to wounding; compar

X

iscape tices that inimizes landscaping water use; term for environmentally

Xer Um

se of plant materials (usually native plants) and prac

friendly form of landscaping; term was copyright by Denver Water in 1981

Xylem Main water- and mineral-conducting tissue in trees and other plants; provides structural support, becoming wood after lignifying; is unidirectional (conducts up only); compare to phloem

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City of Jefferson, Georgia SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY FOREST MASTER … · 2019-01-30 · City of Jefferson, Georgia SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY FOREST MASTER PLAN Version 1.0 August 31, 2010