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1. Who owns trees in the tree lawn?

In most circumstances, trees between the sidewalk and the curb are publicly owned, and thus managed by the City.

Generally speaking, the tree lawn is considered part of the right-of-way area that extends from the sidewalk on one side of the road to the sidewalk on the other side of the road. As such, the City is required, by state law, to ensure that these areas are maintained in a manner that protects vehicles and pedestrians within. The most effective way of making sure street trees are safe and cost effective over their lives, is for the City to take on the bulk of their maintenance needs.

2. Who is responsible for managing street trees?

In short, the City is responsible for planting, pruning, removal, and stump grinding. However, we do ask that residents and business owners partner with us by performing any yearly maintenance activities needed, such as mulching and pruning of small limbs over the sidewalk.

3. Can I remove a street tree myself?

Any removals performed to street trees must be approved by the Urban Forester prior to any work being done, including those performed by a contractor. A replacement tree, also approved by the Urban Forester, must be planted within 12 months of removal.

4. Can I prune a street tree myself?

Residents and businesses are permitted to prune limbs under 1" in diameter if they are impacting pedestrian traffic over the sidewalk area. Pruning for any other reason or of branches larger than 1" in diameter must be approved by the Urban Forester in writing before any work begins.

5. Can I plant a street tree myself or hire a contractor to do it?

Absolutely! The last thing we want to do is to impede the planting of more trees in Marysville.

However, in order to ensure that the tree and location you select lines up with city goals and ordinances, you are required to receive written permission from the Urban Forester before proceeding. We will partner with you to make sure the process goes smoothly.

6. Can I request that the City plant a tree in front of my house?

The Urban Forester maintains a list of property owners who would like to have a tree planted in the right-of-way near their house or business. However, currently we are directing resources towards replacing removed trees instead of planting new ones. For more information or to be added to the list, please contact the Urban Forester at (937) 645-7379.

7. Can I help select the species of tree that will be planted in front of my property?

It depends. Tree species is carefully selected for each site based on many different parameters and constraints. Sometimes, there are many different trees that could potentially be planted at a given location, and sometimes there are very few. If you would like to be involved in the selection process, please contact the Urban Forester at (937) 645-7379 for more Information.

8. I just built a new house in Marysville. What do I need to know about street trees?

For new residential builds, city ordinances generally require one street tree to be planted every 40’ - 50’ along the road, including the sides of corner lots.

If you are using a builder in a large development, the City already coordinates with their contractors to ensure that trees are planted according to city guidelines and requirements. The builder/landscape contractor is required to warrant the tree for one year after planting. Following this time, the City will take over the maintenance of the tree(s).

If you are using a custom builder or are building on an individual lot, you are required to ensure that street trees are planted before you are given an Occupancy Permit by the City Zoning department. You must follow all city ordinances related to street trees, and it is recommended that you first contact the Urban Forester to help you through the process. If you use a contractor to plant, they are generally required to warrant the tree for one year after planting and would be responsible for replacement withing that time frame. After the warranty period expires, the City will take over the maintenance of the tree(s).

In either case, we encourage you to reach out to the Urban Forester at (937) 645-7379 if you have any questions about the process of planting, or about a tree that has already been planted. We are here to simplify the process as much as possible.

9. How do I report street tree storm damage or other hazardous condition?

If anyone is hurt or injured, please call 911 immediately.

If you have any other immediate concern for public safety, please call the Marysville Division of Police at (937) 645-7300.

All other concerns, inquiries, or requests for service should be directed to the Urban Forester at (937) 645-7350.

10. Can the Urban Forester answer questions about trees on my own property?

Yes, although there are some limits. Since a holistic Urban Forestry program involves helping to establish tree canopy in the entire city, on both public and private land, we are more than happy to answer questions about trees on your own property when time allows.

Note: We cannot provide legal advice, settle disputes between neighbors, or make judgments or determinations about the safety of private trees. If you need help in this manner, please contact the Ohio Chapter ISA or use their Find an Arborist tool.

11. What trees are approved for planting in City right-of-ways?

The Planning Commission maintains an Approved Street Tree List, modified and updated periodically by the Urban Forester. At the end of this document there is a list of unapproved trees. Trees on the unapproved list are there for a variety of reasons, some permanently and some temporarily.

12. How does the City decide that a street tree should be removed?

In order to maintain an economically sustainable program, we must preserve existing street trees whenever possible. Although mitigation through pruning or other techniques is always preferable, the Urban Forester may determine that a street tree needs removed if the tree:

• has any identified condition, disease or defect that is expected to create a hazard for those using the right-of-way area or adjacent properties.
• is diseased or infected by a pest that is likely to spread to other trees or plants.
• is considered invasive or otherwise destructive to the surrounding environment.
• was planted in an inappropriate site and is actively causing conflicts with other infrastructure such as sidewalks, overhead primary electric lines, etc.
• or, is in conflict with approved plans for renovation, development or other construction activities.

In all cases, a tree will not be removed if there is an available mitigation option such as pruning, root pruning, or other treatment.

13. Tree roots are lifting my sidewalk, can the City remove the tree and fix the sidewalk?

While the City does not currently repair or replace sidewalk panels due to lifting by tree roots, we do provide a cost-sharing option to residents through our Sidewalk & Curb Improvement Program. If tree roots are the suspected cause, residents and business owners are encouraged to contact the Urban Forester for a pre-work inspection. If it can be determined ahead of construction that the tree will need to be removed, the City will arrange and cover the cost of the removal. However, in most circumstances, the Urban Forester will recommend that the tree remain in place until excavation is complete, and the damaged tree roots are exposed. The Urban Forester will then make a determination as to whether or not the tree is safe to leave in place.

14. Tree roots are infiltrating my sewer or drain lines, what can be done?

In most circumstances, tree roots infiltrating buried pipes are a symptom of a failed or worn out system. Pipes with failed joints, cracks, or other openings leak nutrient-rich water, inviting tree roots to enter. When a pipe is properly sealed and does not leak, a tree root has no way to enter the interior of the system. Generally speaking, tree removals for this reason will not be authorized, however, property owners experiencing these issues are encouraged to contact the Urban Forester for an assessment before moving forward. We may be able to help you navigate options for mitigation instead of complete line replacement.