The Cooperative "Share-The-Cost" Tree Planting Program

The Arbor Division of the City of Urbana has established a Cooperative "Share-The-Cost" Tree Planting Program. This program is designed to provide an incentive to both the business community and individual residents to plant more trees and promote local beautification efforts. This program will develop a stronger sense of community pride and foster greater appreciation for Urbana's tree heritage.

Qualification

Any person, group or business owning property adjacent to the public right-of-way in the City of Urbana will be considered for participation in the program. A minimum spacing of 40 feet between trees is necessary, so the property must be of sufficient dimensions in itself or contiguous with adjacent properties in order to be qualified for the program. One or more trees may be planted adjacent to each property with consideration given to homeowner desires and space limitations.

Property Owner Requirements

Those who wish to participate in the "share-the-cost" program must complete a written agreement between the City and property owner and send in $115 with their tree planting application. In addition, the property owner agrees to water the tree during the critical first three years and to protect the tree from lawn mower, fertilizer, weed killer, and other potential damages.

What The City Will Do

The City Arbor Division will give basic recommendations as to the best types of trees and planting locations for the program. The Arbor division will be responsible for the selection, purchase and planting of all trees. Subsequent trimming/pruning will also be performed by the City. In addition, all utility companies will be contacted to ensure that there are no conflicts with planting locations. Finally, the City will pay one-half the wholesale cost of trees, and replacement of any tree that does not survive the first year will be the sole discretion of the City Arborist. Replacement applications are available at the Public Works Department, 706 S. Glover, Urbana.

Special Considerations

Consideration will be given to the planting of public trees on private property where the right-of-way is less that four feet in width or where there is a utility conflict. The tree will be planted within five feet of the right-of-way. The Arbor Division will determine whether or not there is a need to plant on private property and will discuss this with the property owner prior to planting. A special written agreement is required in this situation.

Participation Priorities

The determination of program participation and time of planting will be based on the following criteria:

1. Time of official contact: First come, first served basis in terms of the City's receipt of the signed Memorandum of Understanding.
2. Need: Some areas of the City need more trees than others. One of the Arbor Division's goals is to strive for an equitable distribution of mature and newly planted trees throughout the City.
3. Time of year: Certain tree species transplant survivability rates vary according to the time of year.
4. Budget: Amount of City funds available for the program.

Important Dates

The final date to submit applications is July 31 of each year.

What To Do Next

If you feel you meet the basic requirements and are interested in the "share-the-cost" planting program, please contact the Arbor Division Office at 384-2393.