Other common duties of our tree commission include:

• Making sure hazardous trees are removed in an orderly fashion.
• Preventing needless and unwarranted tree removals.
• Ensuring appropriate tree replacement.
• Ensuring proper tree pruning and maintenance.
• Meeting requirements for grants and Tree City USA designation.
• Creating an attractive, safe and healthier environment.

Our tree commission provides tremendous benefits by helping to plan and manage a valuable resource—our trees. As Margaret Mead once stated, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

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NEWS RELEASE

GREENSBURG TREE COMMISSION—Date

CONTACT: JOHN MAPLE, TREE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN, 000-6216

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STOPPING TREES FROM HURTING PEOPLE: ANNUAL SAFETY INSPECTION OF STREET TREES

The (name of municipality) Tree Commission spent all day (date) inspecting street trees that were dead, dying, or otherwise potentially unsafe. Every year, the commission identifies trees that should be removed to prevent injuries to people and damage to property. The Tree Commission’s recommendations for cutting down trees will not become final until a public hearing on (date and place). Letters to affected property owners and a published announcement will invite input from anyone who wishes to ask questions or make requests about proposed removals. Removal work usually is done during fall and winter. Most of these trees will be replaced next spring.

“Some of the trees that were found to be unsafe would appear healthy to an inexperienced person,” says (name), chair of the commission. “The extent of decay in branches, truck, or roots sometimes was difficult to ascertain, and was not always apparent from outward signs. All trees were carefully investigated to determine whether removal of large branches or the entire tree was warranted. In some cases it was decided to save trees for the present and keep them under observance for another year.”

The (name of commission) promotes the health and longevity of trees in various ways. They prune young trees while branches are small to minimize pruning wounds where decay can start. Mulch placed around trees improves soil moisture and root growth and reduces injuries from lawn mowers. These tree care practices enable trees to live longer and remain safer while providing beauty, shade and economic benefits for all to enjoy.