TLC for Findlay's trees

FINDLAY — Findlay is gearing up to turn over a new leaf — a lot of them. Backed by a $267,000 state grant, contractor proposals will be sought on a plan to replace 300 aging trees in the city, conduct risk assessments on the canopy and train city staff and volunteers to care for young trees. Jaclynn Hohman, project manager for the Mayor's Office, said the request for proposals will be released soon, following approval by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Forestry. The city was awarded the grant from the Division of Forestry in 2024 to pay for the work. Hohman said many of the trees slated for removal are more than 100 years old and pose hazards to infrastructure and utilities. The area sustained significant damage during the June 29, 2012, derecho storm, which caused widespread outages and blocked streets. Professional arborist services will assist city crews in removing high-risk trees and preparing sites for new plantings. "Further risk management assessment is vital and removal is critical for the highest risk trees; considering the size to handle, dispose of and clear and prep sites for new trees, professional services are needed to supplement city crews," Hohman said. Hohman said a part-time urban forestry technician will also be hired to coordinate grant activities, public meetings and educational outreach. She said the position may be filled by a community member or retiree with tree experience. Additional seasonal staff may be hired for watering and maintenance. According to a 2022 report from Scioto Analysis, a public policy analysis firm based in Columbus, big trees add value to city neighborhoods. The report, titled "Municipal Tree Planting Programs: A Cost-Benefit Analysis," shows that out of the eight Ohio cities profiled in the analysis, Findlay had the smallest percentage of canopy cover per square foot at 17%. Athens has the most at 75%. "Overall, we estimate that tree planting will cost Ohio communities $10.29 per tree, while economic present benefits from carbon sequestration, stormwater runoff prevented, air pollution reduced, energy saved, and crime reduced range from about $10-21 per tree, depending on the city. The total net benefits of policy expanding canopy cover after discounting could be as much as $110 million for one city. "Beyond the economic benefits, we also find that expanding canopy cover by just 10% could prevent as many as hundreds of crimes depending on the city, increase home value, and cause a variety of physical and mental health benefits," according to Scioto Analysis. Mayor Christina Muryn also recently appointed Findlay resident Bill Patch to the Findlay Shade Tree Commission. Muryn said Patch will bring a "wealth of experience in horticulture and public service" to the commission. "He was previously employed with the Park District, where he advanced to horticulture manager, overseeing tree care, new plantings, and special events such as Arbor Day and the 40th anniversary tree initiative," said Muryn. "Before retiring, Mr. Patch served as street commissioner for the City of Decatur, Indiana, where he co-authored the city's street and tree ordinance and served as an ex officio member of the tree board. He is a former International Society of Arboriculture certified arborist, and played a key role in hiring the city forester and managing the municipal compost facility." "His deep knowledge of trees and strong commitment to public service make him an excellent addition to the Shade Tree Commission," she said. The Findlay Shade Tree Commission was created in 1978 by Findlay City Council to address the need to care for Findlay's aging urban forest. The Shade Tree Commission's responsibilities are to provide leadership in the selection, promotion and planting care of trees in public areas like street rights-of-way, parks, cemeteries and other city properties, as well as hazardous tree removal.