With the impact of Dutch elm disease and emerald ash borer still being felt in urban forests across the country, Oak Park is focused on species diversity as new trees are selected and planted on parkways across the community.
The more than 300 new trees being planted this fall in the Village include more than 40 different species, an approach arborists have resoundingly recognized as the best way to avoid future blights that can sweep through a single species with devastating results.
The Village Forester, certified a Master Arborist by the International Society of Arboriculture, manages when, where and what trees will be planted.
While requests for specific species are considered, the Village cannot provide a list of available tree species from which a resident can select since site conditions and species availability vary greatly from season to season.
The overall goal of the careful species selection process is to have a healthy, sustainable urban forest for future generations to enjoy.
New trees planted in Oak Park typically are 10 feet to 15 feet tall with a two-inch trunk diameter and a 36-inch root ball. Each new tree is planted and mulched, and a watering bag attached that is refilled regularly during the first growing season.
For more information on tree care in the Village visit www.oak-park.us/trees.