HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-173 Resolution No. 11-173
RESOLUTION
ADOPTING URBAN FORESTRY MASTER PLAN
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN,ILLINOIS,that it
hereby adopts the Urban Forestry Master Plan prepared by Davey Resource Group,a Division of The
Davey Tree Expert Company, dated June 2011, a copy of which is attached.
s/ David J. Kaptain
David J. Kaptain, Mayor
Presented: October 12, 2011
Adopted: October 12, 2011
Omnibus Vote: Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Attest:
s/Kimberly Dewis
Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk
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URBAN FORESTRY MASTER PLAN
Elgin , Illinois
Prepared for: City of Elgin, Illinois
June, 2011 1900 Holmes Road
Elgin, Illinois 60123
847-697-3160
Prepared by: Davey Resource Group
A Division of The Davey Tree Expert Company
1500 North Mantua Street
P.O. Box 5193
Kent, Ohio 44240
800-828-8312
DAvEyT
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RESOURCE GROUP
A Division of The Davey Tree Expert Company
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Table of of Contents
Acknowledgments «
Executive Summary 1
The Urban Fores 1
Introduction 2
Elgin's Comprehensive Urban Forest Management Program 3
Vision 3
Goals 3
Objectives 3
Urban Forestry Principles for Elgin 4
Foster a Diverse Urban Forest 4
Trees of all Ages and Sizes should be Present in the Urban Forest 4
Plant the Right Tree for the Right Place 4
Trees Require Routine Maintenance to be their Best for the Longest Time 4
Trees are More than Just Landscaping—They are Public Infrastructure 4
The State of Elgin's Urban Forest 5
Urban Tree Canopy 5
Public Tree Resource Structure, Function, and Value 5
Tree Planting 6
Tree Maintenance and Managing Risk 7
Invasive Species Readiness 7
Urban Wood Utilization 8
Urban Forestry Education and Outreach 8
Natural Resource Inventory of the Elgin Planning Boundary 9
Natural Ecosystem Restoration Plans of Priority Elgin City Parks 9
Recommendations 10
Plan and Inventory Updates 10
Public Education and Outreach 10
Legislation/Policies 11
'-- — '- ------ - -- —'-'
Davey Resource Group June, 2011
Tree Care 12
Tree Planting 13
Elgin's ARRA Community Forestry Program 15
Accomplishments of ARRA in Elgin 15
Elgin's Seven-Year Urban Forestry Management Program and Budget 17
Conclusion 20
Urban Forestry Results,Analyses,and Recommendations 21
Urban Tree Canopy 21
Results 22
Analysis 26
Recommendations 28
Public Tree Resource Structure, Function,and Value 29
Results 29
Analysis 37
Recommendations 38
Tree Planting 40
Results 41
Analysis 43
Recommendations 46
Tree Maintenance and Managing Risk 48
Results 50
Recommendations 57
Invasive Species Readiness 58
Results 59
Potential Threats 61
Analysis 61
Recommendations 63
Urban Wood Utilization 65
Results 66
Davey Resource Group ii June, 2011
Analysis 68
Recommendations 71
Urban Forestry Education and Outreach 72
The Fit Forest 72
Community Events 73
Community Forest Web Page 74
Recommendations 74
Natural Resource Inventory Of Elgin Planning Boundary 76
Urban Forest Canopy Cover Analysis 76
Natural Resource Assessment 76
Natural Resource Ecosystem Restoration Plans and Implementation 78
Natural Resource Inventories and Ecological Restoration Plans 78
Implementation 79
Tables
1. Summary of Seven-Year Urban Forestry Management Program 19
2. Urban Tree Canopy Cover for Elgin Neighborhood Groups 23
3. Elgin Land Cover 25
4. Urban Tree Canopy Cover for Elgin Watersheds 25
5. Annual Benefits of Elgin's Public Trees in Dollars 34
6. i-Tree Streets Analysis Results for Total Annual Benefits per Neighborhood in the City of Elgin 35
7. i-Tree Streets Analysis Results for Annual Benefits, Net Benefits, and Cost for Public Trees 37
8. Recommended Planting List of Large Growth-Habit Trees 38
9. Annual Costs and Benefits for Large Trees 44
10. Risk Trees by Elgin Community Network District 50
11. Prescribed Maintenance by Risk Category 52
12. Summary of Seven-Year Urban Forestry Management Program 55
13. Threat of Invasive Pests and Diseases to Elgin's Public Tree Population 61
14. Urban Forest Canopy Cover Analysis 76
15. Natural Resource Inventory Results 76
Davey Resource Group iii June, 2011
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Figures
1. Elgin's Urban Tree Canopy Cover 21
2. Percent Urban Tree Canopy for Elgin Community Network Districts 22
3. Urban Tree Canopy Cover for Elgin Community Network Districts and Neighborhood Groups 24
4. Watersheds Boundaries within Elgin 26
5. Distribution of Urban Tree Canopy Cover within Elgin 27
6. Species Distribution of Elgin's Public Trees 30
7. Condition Rating of Inventoried Public Trees 31
8. Relative Age Distribution of Elgin's Public Trees Compared to an "Ideal" Distribution (Richards 198211983) 31
9. Total Trees by Risk Category 50
10. Severe-and High-Risk Trees located in Elgin Community Network Districts 51
11. Natural Resource Inventory Assessment of the Elgin Planning Boundary 77
Appendix
A. Recommended Planting List
B. Planting Packet
C. Seven-Year Urban Forestry Management Program
D. Ash Tree Treatment Recommendations and Protocols
E. Coalition for Urban Ash Tree Conservation
Davey Resource Group iv June, 2011
•
Acknowledgments
The work upon which this publication is based was funded in whole or in part through a grant awarded
by the Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry, U.S. Forest Service.
FOREST SERVICe III
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1; TMENTOFAGRIC�� THE CITY IN THE SUBURBS-
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Davey Resource Group v June, 2011
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Executive Summary
The Urban Forest
The urban forest includes all parts of the city where trees provide canopy cover. For Elgin, the urban ,;• a
forest includes all areas that are publicly owned where trees are growing, including public rights-of-way, :4 -
parks, schools, and other public facilities, as well as those areas that are privately owned, including • t• „ 'r• • s�?.
undeveloped open space and residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional uses. The City of Elgin .r -�� `-'„4 ;p; a ;
has a valuable resource in their public and private trees and is taking a proactive stance to ensure that :" "..1..,..i. y!':, -`' tr - .
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the many benefits from forests are attained for the well-being of the community. Elgin's commitment to ' y` .. y;3,1.;:�� 'b' ' r- " ,li:r •,;, r7
understanding the complexity of its urban forest creates a positive identity for the municipality and leads . i:, .'`s',
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a sense of pride in the City. While a single, well-placed tree can often provide significant benefits to a �`ig-Z'....!i:., (.,k _ . "i ".
private residence or business in terms of energy savings, property value increase, and aesthetics, it is : -�: ;- !• ;:-:1.,'..7f'•'••,,. "� .• - R
important to recognize that each and every tree in the community is also working together as a part of a ' . .t ' `•"
larger system: the urban forest. Elgin's urban forest system works non-stop to clean the air, reduce _•;`••} : ... A t.or � hp
.,,. ,� ••' "."
energy needs, intercept storm water, raise property values, reduce the urban heat island effects, and . ,,= ..Lr,;.? n . . t : -• �
contribute significantly to the character, history, and permanency of Elgin. These benefits are driven w ",: •i...','. .7•/"..,.7.-'4.-i-0.!.
primarily by canopy cover; therefore, an increase in canopy cover will increase these benefits. 4. 4 s, •? ^' ; '$t 4F."
An urban forestry master plan is a strategic plan that establishes the overall vision, goals, objectives, and .._- 2.;=r.. . z `° ,> '';414,1' , .-17j•.
implementation tasks for a community's comprehensive urban forestry program. Elgin's Urban Forestry `i k.1,*µ .0 . 1f 71:•_
Master Plan is intended to provide an assessment of Elgin's urban forest, and to provide direction to
protect, enhance, expand, and preserve the City's overall tree canopy for the benefit of the community.
1 --' ►
The creation of the Urban Forestry Master Plan aims to move Elgin from reactive management of -.,; M `
individual trees to a proactive, systematic, and strategic focus on the urban forest as a whole, thereby
creating a sustainable urban forest resource and sustainable management program. '
Davey Resource Group 1 June, 2011
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Introduction
The City of Elgin is a thriving municipality that combines beautiful neighborhoods, parks, and recreational
opportunities to create an attractive community in which to live, work, and play. The economic health of ' �<< i +. ..
Elgin, as with many communities, is closely related to the ability of its municipal government to supply its • y' f•. lc() '‘i
citizens and visitors with efficient services, safe public spaces, and properly maintained infrastructure. •. • ; ' , -*= 4 ' .1
Trees are an integral component of the urban environment. Their shade and beauty contribute to the
community's quality of life and soften the hard appearance of concrete structures, parking lots, and
streets. Trees help stabilize soils by controlling wind and water erosion and also help reduce noise 1,;, '" r
levels; cleanse pollutants from the air; produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide; and provide habitat ,..,+r'm
for wildlife. *`
Trees provide significant economic benefits, including increased real estate values and more attractive settings
in which to locate commercial businesses. Trees provide shade and act as windbreaks, helping to decrease
"
residential energy consumption. Unlike other components of the City's infrastructure, the tree population, with �► __� •
proper care, will actually continue to increase in value with each passing year.When properly maintained, trees f
return overall benefits and value to the community far in excess of the time and money invested in them for +
planting,pruning, protection,and removal.
Managing natural resources in urban areas can be challenging. Providing adequate maintenance for public trees within a limited budget is a common concern among many
communities.A successful urban forestry program requires a combination of organized leadership,comprehensive information about the tree population,dedicated personnel,
and effective public relations.
With a goal of creating a sustainable urban forestry program in Elgin, the United State Department of Agriculture Forest Service, City of Elgin, and The Davey Tree Expert
Company partnered to complete an assessment of Elgin's urban forest, create issue-specific action plans,and implement important urban forestry management, planting, and
maintenance projects. Funding for this work was made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.The following urban forest management tools
and analyses were completed to evaluate the current condition of Elgin's public trees and to establish an effective planning and management program for the City's valuable
natural resources. Data collected and reported in Elgin's Public Tree Management Plan and Public Tree Inventory were integral in completing these analyses.
* Urban Tree Canopy # Urban Wood Utilization
O Public Tree Resource Structure, Function, and Value # Urban Forestry Education and Outreach
# Tree Planting 0 Natural Resource Inventory of the Elgin Planning Boundary
* Tree Maintenance and Managing Risk Natural Resource Ecosystem Restoration Plans and Implementation
O Invasive Species Readiness
Elgin's Urban Forestry Master Plan documents the results of these analyses, plans, and projects and recommends further actions to assist Elgin create a sustainable urban
forest and sustainable management program. All data and deliverables resulting from these urban forest management tasks are included in the City of Elgin Public and
Community Forestry Program DVD.
Davey Resource Group 2 July, 2011
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Elgin's Comprehensive Urban Forest Management Program
Vision
To create a sustainable urban forest that is proactively managed to provide Elgin citizens the :;:,.r., r..! x.a'+►a•„>
maximum benefits, safety, and aesthetics of their urban forest. ,or••! "~ - 1
-
Goals
.1 Increase the environmental and community benefits that trees provide ' II
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0 Increase public safety through planned and proper tree maintenance t • A, „ . At' r,. *`.
0 Improve species diversity Aid — --
* Increase canopy cover — ---
* Protect trees against invasive threats
O Create a plan to reduce woodwaste sent to landfills :' sib' '
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Objectives i ” A„
O Gain knowledge of the existing public tree population to make informed management _ . r
decisions
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O Determine the environmental and economical benefits of the street tree population to
augment City-wide sustainability efforts ` ;,� ,s
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* Recommend and list maintenance activities for each City-managed tree to plan for urband :1‘
forest care
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Prioritize tree maintenance activities to eliminate risk expediently, increase public safety, e... ,
and reduce potential storm debris loadsAP
0 Establish a routine maintenance program to improve long-term tree health and increase
urban forest sustainability
O Determine a tree planting palate to increase the benefits trees provide to the City and reduce potential threats from lack of species diversity
$ Plant trees to increase overall tree canopy to enhance and maximize the environmental, economic, and social benefits trees provide
Davey Resource Group 3 June, 2011
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Urban Forestry Principles for Elgin
Foster a Diverse Urban Forest
Planting a large number of trees of the same species (monoculture) can lead to catastrophic results in the event of species-specific epidemics (e.g., Dutch elm
disease and emerald ash borer [EAB]). A general rule for urban forest species diversity is that no single species should represent more than 10 percent of the total
tree population and no single genus should represent more than 20 percent of the total tree population.
Trees of all Ages and Sizes should be Present in the Urban Forest
The age distribution within a tree population influences present and future costs as well tree canopy continuity and the flow of benefits received from trees. An
ideal street tree population has higher percentages of young trees and lower percentages of mature trees. This minimizes fluctuations in functional benefits over
time and allows managers to allocate annual maintenance costs uniformly and over many years. Trees should be planted annually to maintain the desired uneven-
aged distribution.
Plant the Right Tree for the Right Place
Focus on planting large-stature trees where growing conditions and space permits, maximizing the `jr •
environmental benefits they provide to the community. Species should be used that are tolerant of
site conditions, have few management problems, and meet functional and aesthetic needs. •
Trees Require Routine Maintenance to be their Best for the ,
Longest Time
Routine maintenance should take place on a cyclical basis for the entire tree population. Routine
maintenance includes an annual inspection of each tree to determine its maintenance needs
followed by scheduled tree care. By pruning and removing trees and performing plant health care
on a regular basis, most potentially serious problems that occur because of lack of care can be
avoided. Preventive maintenance also has proven to be the most cost-effective management
approach.
Trees are More than Just Landscaping—They are Public Infrastructure
Trees are major components of community infrastructure and provide more than the traditional values of aesthetics and shade. Trees also provide numerous
environmental benefits, including temperature moderation and cooling, reduction of air pollutants, energy conservation, and overall increases in property values.
Trees are more than just landscaping; they perform utility functions in a municipality and should be managed and considered as a community's green infrastructure
and valuable public assets.
Davey Resource Group 4 June, 2011
The State of Elgin's Urban Forest
Urban Tree Canopy
Urban tree canopy (UTC) is composed of the leaves, stems, and branches of all trees viewed from above
within the urban forest, and are composed of all public and private trees. Using remote sensing equipment III
and geographic information system (GIS) land cover data, the tree canopy and various types of land cover
are layered over satellite images or aerial photographs to create a representation of canopy distribution and
land cover throughout an urban area. The City of Elgin contains a total of 24,279 acres, of which there are E LG I
3,896 acres of tree canopy for a total canopy cover of 16 percent. One of the the most widespread uses of
UTC technology is to set canopy coverage goals. American Forests, a recognized leader in conservation THE CITY IN THE SUBURBS'
and urban forestry, has established canopy goals for metropolitan areas. American Forests' goals are an
accepted standard and can be used as a general guideline or target for communities to achieve. American
Forests recommends an average cover of 40 percent for metropolitan areas east of the Mississippi River.
Public Tree Resource Structure, Function, and Value
Elgin's Public Tree Inventory data were used to understand the structure, function, and value of Elgin's urban forest. In combination with Elgin's Public Tree
Inventory, i-Tree Streets was utilized to quantify the benefits of street trees and compare them directly with the costs of an urban forestry program to produce an
accurate, net annual benefit value.
Structure
Elgin's Public Tree Inventory, conducted the winter of 2009, includes 49,583 publicly managed trees. Species, diversity, age distribution, and condition can be
used to characterize Elgin's resource as follows:
!d There are over 150 distinct species of street and other public trees growing throughout the City of Elgin. The predominant species are Norway maple (Acer
platanoides, 14.0%); green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica, 11.0%); thornless honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos inermis, 8.3%); red maple (Acer rubrum,
8.0%); and silver maple (Acer saccharinum, 7.0%). Although many different species do occur in Elgin, the top 5 occurring species account for almost half
of the tree population. Diversity needs to be introduced into Elgin's urban forest.
0 The age structure of Elgin's street and public trees is relatively balanced, with more trees considered young than mature. Of Elgin's inventoried trees,
41.15 percent are considered young trees (<8-inch DBH); 28.44 percent established trees (8- to 16-inch DBH); 17.08 percent maturing trees (16- to 24-
inch DBH); and 13.33 percent mature trees (>24-inch DBH). Silver maple, Elgin's top performing species in terms of benefits provided, is lacking a suitable
replacement in size and structure. Maintaining the flow of benefits provided by the City's urban forest will require a continued commitment to planting trees.
!♦ The majority of street and public trees in Elgin are in fair condition (63.42%), with 20.28 percent of inventoried trees classified as good or very good. Trees
in poor condition are 14.28 percent of the inventory, while trees that are dead or dying make up 2.02 percent of the population. There is a need to maintain
existing trees to increase their useful lifespan and maintain a flow of benefits, and to remove dead and dying trees as soon as possible.
Davey Resource Group 5 June, 2011
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Function and Value
The cumulative value provided by Elgin's street and public trees is averaged to be $95 per tree annually, for a
gross total of$4.7 million annually. The City's street and public trees conserve and reduce energy, reduce carbon :. k.'.'••
dioxide levels, improve air quality, mitigate stormwater runoff, and provide other benefits associated with :''. „• ••.
aesthetics, increased property values, and quality of life. Elgin's street and public trees are providing the • . ;;
community substantial benefits such as: y',
!� Public trees reduce energy and natural gas use in Elgin from shading and climate effects equal to 7,376 :,tib•f
MWh and 1,014,318 therms, for a total savings valued at approximately $1,130,426, with a City-wide ,.,
average of$22.80 per public tree. '' ti
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Street and public trees in Elgin reduce atmospheric CO2 by a net of 13,123 tons per year, valued at , ', '. , •
$196,840 for an average net benefit per tree of$3.97. • . • •"� r
t� The net air quality improvement from the removal and avoidance of air pollutants is valued at $253,681 4.4:.ar. -74.7"` , ' •• • ,. •
per year, with an average net benefit per tree of$5.12. k . . .i.
�
O Elgin's street and public trees intercept 67.7 million gallons of stormwater annually. The total value of this E : t � , '.'E •
benefit to the City is $1,834,983 per year, for an average value of$37.01 per inventoried tree. •
' "::
• The estimated total annual benefit associated with increased property values, aesthetics, and other less '
tangible improvements is $1,286,055 per year, for an average of$25.94 per inventoried tree.
0 The net annual benefit that trees provide the City is $3,682,985. This is determined by subtracting the • �w ;' '
City's annual tree-related expenditures of $1,019,000 from $4,701,985, the calculated annual benefits =•' _
that Elgin's street and public trees provide. The average net benefit for an individual street and/or public •+`� l "'�""
tree in Elgin is $74 per year. Based on an inventory count of 49,583 street and public trees, the City
of Elgin receives $4.61 in benefits for every $1 spent by its municipal forestry program. -
Tree Planting
There were 12,022 planting sites and 80 stump locations inventoried along Elgin's streets. Assuming that trees may be planted at each stump location upon their
removal, Elgin has a combined 12,102 vacant planting sites. Elgin's Public Tree Inventory identified 6,789 ash trees. Removing all ash trees due to the emerald
ash borer would result in an additional 6,789 planting sites. Calculating the number of street trees per capita is one important measure of tree stocking. With a
current street tree population of 36,158 and assuming a human population of 110,000, Elgin's number of street trees per capita is 0.33, approximately 1 tree for
every 3 people. If Elgin is to reach 90 percent stocking level, there would be 48,260 street trees within the City, which improves street trees per capita to nearly 1
tree for every 2 people (0.44). Currently, the City is at a 75 percent stocking level, which is typical for a community Elgin's size and presents an opportunity for
improvement. The benefits of planting a tree greatly outweigh the costs associated with planting and maintaining a tree. It is estimated that the City will receive an
additional $1,147,632.60 in annual benefits if all 12,102 sites were planted with trees. Taking into account the 40-year average annual maintenance costs of
$447,652.98 will result in a net benefit of $699,979.70 (benefits minus costs). The annual costs include the initial costs of planting and yearly maintenance costs
and were derived assuming large-statue trees would be planted. Annual benefits were determined using i-Tree Streets Benefit Model.
Davey Resource Group 6 June, 2011
Tree Maintenance and Managing Risk
At the time of the inventory, the majority of the trees were evaluated as posing Low or Moderate risks, with 29,936 •. ' t• r� '�
rated Low Risk, 15,045 rated Moderate Risk, 4,150 rated High Risk, and 452 rated Severe. Keep in mind that it is ` r '�
impossible to maintain an urban forest entirely free of risk— trees fail, branches fall, and diseases break out. The -� , ,zrt • • jy
goal of using a risk rating system is to increase public safety as much as possible by identifying structural defects .''.
before a tree or tree part fails and causes damage. Trees that present an unacceptable amount of risk should be RT" `. • 1 t,
removed, thus, reducing the overall risk of the urban forest and increasing safety City-wide for the staff and
citizens of Elgin. , ,�
ar
Invasive Species Readiness ` =''ti«
While there are numerous invasive pests and diseases that are threats, this Plan focuses on those that are
considered a priority for Elgin at this time. Since Emerald ash borer (EAB) currently poses a serious threat to a
significant portion of the City's urban forest population (13.69% of the public tree population), a more detailed
description and recommendations for managing this pest is discussed in this Plan. The following invasive pests •
and diseases were identified as a priority for Elgin: *'
Emerald ash borer–EAB (Agrilus planipennis)
• Asian long horned beetle–ALB (Anoplophora glabripennis) "'.; -> T
# Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) ,�,. : 1 •' •
# Dutch elm disease–DED (Ophiostoma novo-ulmi) •
$ Oak wilt(Ceratocystis fagacearum) •"•'�
Emerald ash borer is a threat to the health of Elgin's urban forest and will significantly impact the City's natural r -�� ; ;.`. -:,ar .•
resource decisions in the future. Currently, ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) constitute 13.69% (6,789) of all inventoriedAifte
street and public trees in the City. Green and white ash account for $670,196 (14%) of annual benefits. Ash trees
play a considerable role in Elgin's urban forest, and the loss of these trees would be significant. Increased species
diversity will lessen the vulnerability of Elgin's urban forest to the threat of future pests. Implementing a proactive and consistent ash tree treatment, removal, and
replacement program is one of the most challenging and important program elements towards achieving a sustainable urban forest.
There are several options available to prevent EAB infestation and research has shown treatments can be successful for individual trees. However, it is important
to know that chemical treatments of individual trees are not 100 percent effective and have to be applied annually (some treatments are effective for two or more
years); therefore, the costs involved could exceed the costs of simply removing and replacing the tree with a better performing species. In Elgin, the long-term cost
of EAB removals and replanting are estimated to be $4,733,965. This figure includes a cost of $2,018,365 (if all 6,789 trees are eventually removed) and
$2,715,600 for replacement of these trees.
Davey Resource Group 7 June, 2011
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Urban Wood Utilization
Elgin is in need of a sustainable method of dealing with what is commonly �,:, •--'. -i - _ ,�`
perceived as "green" waste. "Green" waste is typically logs, small- ' `-.\ a.,; ••' r.l • ;C�- )'''• _` ti � �• •�r t�
diameter woody debris, leaves, and non-tree related materials such as C1,- ••.. ► j s �'� • '
grass, and other yard waste. Currently, wood residue that is generated ��' • • 1 • '
from public tree maintenance and curbside pick-up from private property .�;._ ,� -�� `,- "1. - ^ '~ �� % 'f, , *'
is collected and transported to places that are located outside the City 1,401.- f� 9 `'. ..'.;� ""r.~-_ •-•r • j � � .y
limits. The Urban Wood Utilization Plan makes recommendations to _ � lg.....7._ �,a ��411 ,
promote the City's overall goals of adopting responsible and sustainable •- y .`•'•'- .1'V": -
. ' . ,... ,Ifir.4\
waste management practices throughout the community, enhancing and • " 4%:•t• ' •- ' �� s ,ii 114 i
expanding recycling efforts of government agencies, encouraging reuse of '1 14.4. , r"
materials whenever possible, and promoting the purchase of products • 4 ` • . -
made from recycled materials. '40 r ..-viii*;�.`... - �- ,. 4 •
Urban Forestry Education and Outreachlillte
-A. • '_�`!. `4
Keeping residents informed and creating a sense of understanding and • !` r" , T. . - . \ 41:114, ' '• ' 'f Y
awareness about the value and health of their community forest greatly • . _ • - • t� _ -
complements and creates support for Elgin's urban forest management _ .. i - " r f
activities. A multi-faceted, professionally developed educational campaign " 4. t `� .=�. • �'
was developed for Elgin's use to promote this awareness. It was called A. a pi '.. . .
•14t* .4%• " �- - '~
the Fit Forest which reflects on the goal of having a safe, healthy
community forest as well as engaging citizens to enjoy exercise and receational activities in Elgin's parks and under its street trees. The campaign encourages
everyone to get moving and be part of the greening of Elgin. Residents can pick up tree care, planting, and urban forest benefit information at the Fit Forest
website (www.cityofelgin.org/trees), from the Public Works Department, or at special events.
Davey Resource Group 8 June, 2011
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Natural Resource Inventory of the Elgin Planning
Boundary .� - ,qr, t ititpg .Aii it • , , .
Based on the urban forest canopy analysis, canopy cover comprises - -'4.' • ' `� ''' ---i.in . .`(c. - .;{•y.
approximately 19 percent, or 4,264 acres, of the area within the Elgin Planning , $'•• "iiii •
Boundary, west of the Fox River. The assessment of the Natural Resource +a 4, • ?' - • * .rr •
Inventory identified 167 acres as a high-priorty area for protection. This area was .,:-$ ., -
idenfied as a high priority for protection based on the canopy cover, floodplain,
soils, riparian area, and wetlands identified in these areas. f �_�• --'.$"1"
Natural Ecosystem Restoration Plans of Priority Elgin - . �,._ "1* ►
City Parks -;
1
•
Natural resource inventories and ecosystem restoration plans were prepared for ■ ,...
six priority parks and a stormwater basin identified by the City of Elgin. These -• ` .- r -¢... . �,• - 4
slop.priority parks included College Park, Eagle Heights Park, Burnidge Woods Park, .,,. _ , 14-
Wing Park, Lords Park, and Trout Park, and a 2-acre stormwater basin located at � ''�� `"•
the intersection of McLean Boulevard and Holmes Road. A variety of ecological "�' `
restoration opportunities and associated projects were selected for ' , _ -
implementation including earthwork, seeding, and planting to create a native 1 1 ,
vegetation community; removal of invasive species and undesirable woody y -y- --
vegetation; installation of rock weirs, boardwalk, and park signage; and N •
development of a long-term restoration management plan.
.G
A sustainable urban forestry program requires a combination of organized
leadership, comprehensive information about the tree population, dedicated
personnel, and effective public relations.
Davey Resource Group 9 June, 2011
Recommendations
There is great potential for the expansion and improvement of the City's urban forest despite budget and staffing
limitations common to most municipalities today. Strategic planning and prioritized actions are the best ways for a city to Elgin's Green Initiative
efficiently utilize limited resources to achieve important goals. As the City strives for a sustainable urban forest and urban "Elgin is committed to becoming
forestry program, the City will need to increase and sustain the tree canopy by better maintaining the existing trees, a more sustainable community
protecting trees from threats, and adding a significant number of new trees. Tree planting and maintenance will not alone and preserving resources for
accomplish this goal — plan updates, operational changes, new and creative funding sources, and public outreach will future generations."
also need to be part of this on-going effort.
To meet the current challenges identified in this Plan and obtain a sustainable urban forestry program, innovative approaches to managing the urban forest are
required. Summarized below are the major recommendations of the Plan, defined in five strategic categories: plan and inventory updates, public education and
outreach, operations, tree care, and tree planting.
Plan and Inventory Updates
* The City should assemble a community forestry committee or utiltize Elgin's sustainablity working groups to further discuss and research the practicality of
the recommendations included in the Urban Wood Utilization Plan and prepare a plan for future implementation.
* Update the tree inventory database as work is performed, track work history, and evaluate productivity to plan work and project budgets. Reinventory the
entire urban forest in seven years.
Public Education and Outreach
!� Use i-Tree Streets results to demonstrate the environmental, economic, and social '•' "
impacts and value of trees. •••1 , `
!� Advertise recommended species planting lists to improve species diversity and limit 4-11 -, ,►i.�;.�. rhe Flt rarest
invasives. Imo"
A callotareiwo le grew
0 Explain that removing high-risk trees and tree parts increases public safety, but also in -^^- Ix
the case of a removal, increases tree planting opportunities. . .
0 Educate the community about the negative impact invasive flora and fauna have on the z •_ 411
urban forest and community ecosystem as a whole. - •
O Promote special programs and events such as tree giveaways or sales, Green Expo, {
Public Works Week, and Arbor Day. We invite you to work out with us to grow a healthy community forest in Elgin.
O Direct residents to tree related ordinances and codes.
Davey Resource Group 10 June, 2011
O Continue and expand the Fit Forest public outreach campaign.
•
0 Reach out to schools and incorporate the Fit Forest program into the curriculum. ' - *,ii
O Outreach to Elgin Community Network (ECN) Districts, Elgin Neighborhood Groups, and ' '1;
other civic groups through tree planting workshops, tree sales, and other educational ,.. . ' ,
`
programs to encourage tree planting and appropriate maintenance on private land. ' 1 ' `'• a`'
O Provide financial incentives such as tax incentives, rebates, and/or trees for planting '"�;
CoNcown Ai Mir,
provided at no or reduced cost. Develop a program to provide homeowners and private - • - o ■-=i"1OM' IV ''*
landowners small, bare-root trees. The City could provide free tree seedlings to citizens or $i69
partner with community groups to help distribute for planting on private property. -=•—"'
Seedlings can be prepared by City staff and volunteers and distributed at special events r
and through schools and libraries. The City could also negotiate a reduced, bulk, or ��,
wholesale price at one or more nurseries for Elgin residents to purchase trees. t 1
0 Develop a public outreach program that discourages planting of ash trees or other '"
undesirable trees on private property.
O Promote the use of Certified Arborists for tree care in Elgin.
Legislation/Policies VA: '- `I'� i. ' . '
O Obtain Society of Municipal Arborists accreditation of Elgin's Municipal and Community ,�+,'. •';? , . v'r
Forestry Program. 'N,, �
F, ,
4i 1 ..,. llii a
!� Require tree care companies who wish to do municipal work to become accredited qV,...•s.-; I 1
through Tree Care Industry Association. ( !
19
i� Existing zoning and other City laws that may impact tree canopy goals should be ,„.•.,—•,',,, ' all !, lif -., i
reviewed and changed if necessary to promote an increase in urban tree canopy and ' I
protect the existing canopy where possible. �• ,
riii
-s Formalize the City's tree planting policies into an ordinance. -
l' fy� • dr_ i .
0 Review and update the City's existing tree ordinance on a regular basis. — . •-
_.�'
Davey Resource Group 11 June, 2011
Tree Care
ti Implement a Seven-Year Urban Forestry Management Program to systematically w •
provide appropriate care to public trees. y 4
Older trees of weak-wooded species should be inspected annually. l:a
t� Trees should be removed on the basis of safety first and foremost. y` +
.
O Dead trees, trees with greater than 50 percent of the crown dead, or those that are a ital, ', _ • � '--wass+
significant nuisance (as defined by the City Forester)should also be removed. Amin,mom
O If the tree is not an imminent safety risk, notice of its removal should be given at least
two weeks before removal. The property in front of and adjacent to the tree and the tree --1.01. •
itself should be posted. !
0 Every effort shall be made to explain the need for a tree's removal when questioned by
the property owner or neighbors.
O Continue removals of ash trees designated as risk trees and replant with a diverse
species mix.
O Consider chemical treatment of viable healthy ash trees.
O While treating and focusing on the current known pests, monitor for invasive and exotic pests that have the potential to impact other species.
O Support the Coalition for Urban Ash Tree Conservation's Emerald Ash Borer Management Statement and ash tree conservation.
O Use the inventory data to periodically and routinely evaluate the health of different sections of ash trees throughout the City.
O Perform all tree care activities to the national ANSI Standards.
O Pruning should take place in accordance with the priorities identified by the tree inventory or through observation by the City Forester and crew. Every
attempt shall be made to correct High-Risk conditions first.
t� Tree staking and guying should be used only where tree size and location warrant it, and then removed when no longer necessary.
O Watering new trees and pruning of trees of all ages are the two highest-priority maintenance activities.
Davey Resource Group 12 June, 2011
# iiiiiniiiii.
Tree Planting
O Adopt American Forest's recommended tree canopy coverage goal of 40 percent and develop a
City-wide strategy to meet this goal. t
1
0 Implement a program for street tree planting. The current tree canopy within the ROW is 15 ' t r
percent. 1 k
0 Efforts to increase canopy cover should also focus on privately owned land, especially smaller .`
parcels owned by single homeowners in suburban residential zones. '` `
is Utilize tree canopy data from individual ECN Districts combined with a field assessment of the 74, !';
practicality of additional tree planting to determine the areas most in need of additional canopy sir 1.4 r1f�.ik:, .. 4 ,
cover.
O Budget for tree planting to increase stocking and reach the recommended stocking goal of 909 _
,,iii
percent. ' _
O Open planting sites in areas with little or no shade shall be given priority over shaded streets. ii
S:r :
Where feasible, pavement should be removed to make spaces for trees in areas lacking shade.
O Continue policy of not planting ash trees on public properties.
•
!E Adopt a policy to replace public ash trees at a 1:1 diameter at breast height (DBH) ratio to111 _increase canopy cover.
�
0 Increase species diversity in Elgin's urban forest so that no single species is greater than 10
percent of the population.
!f The City should continue to utilize the Tree Planting Packets and consider implementing other - . -
public outreach and educational programs that encourage planting trees on private property.
O The Recommended Tree List for Elgin should be updated periodically as new information on
species performance and tolerance to insects and diseases becomes available. This list should be referenced in the City Tree Ordinance and easy for
residents to locate.
O Develop a tree planting program and implement an "assigned species street list" that allows for species diversity on the street, yet begins to create some
degree of uniformity to create visual continuity on the street and facilitate future maintenance.
O Always consider the "Right Tree for the Right Place". Species should be used that are tolerant of site conditions, have few management problems, and
meet functional and aesthetic needs.
Davey Resource Group 13 June, 2011
...i '
* Appropriate tree species should be selected for each planting site, but larger trees ...':1.7,:
with greater canopy sizes are preferred whenever possible. Small trees, shrubs, 0 :.
and dwarf and small-leaved, hybrid tree cultivars should be used only where ,.? y`,..
necessary due to limited growing conditions or safety concerns. II 7,.i �..- r i''.i� _
0 On main thoroughfares where adequate space exists, large trees maturing at a , '., •t/ci ' 4- «aM'`�
height greater than 30 feet should be planted in all sites unless there are primary *" 7
4 ;`-'t ,. r
electric lines overhead. Where primary wires are present, trees maturing at a ,`..,7 , i. �
height of 30 feet or less should be planted. Plantings should be focused on main •" '
I i
thoroughfares and entrances to the community should be planted in such a way .
as to create visual compatibility among trees. 'I ;
, :
„t7,-,„.3.., t
O If a property owner doesn't want a tree in front of their property, an effort should 'S :,,,-•0.•,i,.,•+.. -. ,ter 4#_
be made to educatate them if the site is in a high-priority area. However, if this X7“,60,+!':0 '.;^ :"" �' •..,tv„�^,
fails, the tree should not be planted and the site should be revisited at a later date. '' -:)1/4.-.1%...1,.-#1 1`.-!-- -' • ';4, j- >
y -.:r;: -.7:. r . a, .
.. .-
O Employ planting techniques that will promote the healthy growth of trees within an . +• :, ch-:-0..,..,,,;!,.�,�x=,.;,,,;V,.r• Y
urban setting, such as alternative soil mixtures, expanded tree wells, and systems
to direct and manage root growth.
O Replanting after removal should take place within a year if replacement is warranted.
Davey Resource Group 14 June, 2011
• ,c
Elgin's ARRA Community Forestry Program
In 2009, the City of Elgin was selected by the U.S. Forest Service to receive significant community forestry
services funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). These services, which included Elgin's ARRA project goals are to
planning, tree planting and maintenance, and natural resource improvement projects, were provided by The understand, protect, and enhance the
Davey Tree Expert Company and comprised a unique and multi-faceted City-wide project. community forests and natural
The primary purpose of any project funded by ARRA is to maintain jobs, reinstate jobs, or stimulate the creation resources, and to create a basis for a
of jobs. The project in Elgin accomplished this by hiring and retaining staff to conduct forest health management more efficient and sustainable
activities on the City's lands to achieve a safer, productive, and more sustainable community forest and create a municipal forestry program.
more efficient and effective municipal forest management program.
Accomplishments of ARRA in Elgin
Much has been accomplished by this 18-month, public-private partnership project that was stimulated and supported by ARRA:
Risk Tree Reduction Analysis and Implementation
* 803 High-Risk trees removed by Davey Tree.
* 70 High- and Severe-Risk trees pruned by Davey Tree.
•
Additional risk reduction removals and prunes performed by Elgin City crews.
Ash Tree Removal or Treatment lir0
* 1,528 healthy public ash trees identified for preservation treated for EAB.
* 200 parks trees treated for a 5-year period from leveraged additional ash tree
conservation funding from Valent USA Corporation.
Park and Street Tree Planting Plan and Implementation The 1 ' t ForsI
1,104 new and replacement trees planted by Davey Tree.
0" Create new city-wide tree planting lists to help improve species diversity and public
Elgin goes for the green!
engagement.
Community Outreach and Education Campaign
* Developed the Fit Forest public outreach campaign.
* Conducted multiple community awareness events.
* Created urban forestry issues and benefits education materials found at www.cityofelgin.org.
• Prepared EAB educational materials.
Davey Resource Group 15 June, 2011
11111111111111111111111
i-Tree Streets Benefit analysis - „ 1 °
j•'
a
O Calculated the total value of Elgin's inventoried tree population is to be over$72,858,000. :4"4t
72,858,000. 4"'`,••,.: , , e.,. 4+'a. ; ,
0 Determined Elgin receives over$4 in benefits for every$1 spent on public trees. 4 � � +c -i -
Urban Wood Utilization Analysis and Plan alf,
-� -`�'' . . S
O Analyzed current and future wood waste amounts. _ • _
-
0 Completed a plan for efficient utilization or proper disposal. • , ,• -
Invasive Species Readiness Plan "moi•.. —✓ _ li --• •
O Investigated current insect and disease threats to Elgin's forest. v
0 Completed a plan for minimizing damage and future threats. Air
Urban Tree Canopy Analysis -""'- ��
t* Completed urban tree canopy analysis for the entire City and its neighborhoods.
0 Produced GIS-based maps and statistical data for future planning and monitoring.
Jobs and Economy
Natural Resource Inventories of Elgin Planning Boundary
10 FTE (full-time equivalent) tree care
O Completed urban forest canopy analysis for the Elgin Planning Boundary. and urban forestry jobs created or
0 Conducted an assessment of natural resources and identified priority areas for protection with the retained.
Elgin Planning Boundary.
Natural Ecosystem Restoration Plans and Implementation for Priority Elgin Parks Immersed over$1 million dollars into the
local economy to diverse businesses,
O Mapped the location of park trails and natural features such as streams and wetlands in 6 parks. such as tree service firms, landscapers,
O Conducted vegetation inventories in 6 parks. tree nurseries, hotels, restaurants,
O Mapped locations of invasive species. graphic designers, printers, and
O Identified locations for potential restoration projects. manufacturers.
St Created native habitat restoration plans for 6 parks.
O Implemented various components of the restoration recommendations in 4 parks including restoring
a bur oak savanna and performing invasive species control. dilliviiie
`
0 Planned and implemented a stormwater detention basin "green retrofit" project. I
Davey Resource Group 16 June, 2011
L
Elgin's Seven-Year Urban Forestry Management Program and Budget
To aid Elgin officials involved in the urban forestry program, the following section : ; 'b .0; . .. , i -. -
consists of a seven-year program projection for all pertinent urban forestry activities ,= yR , t .` , .,
and is intended to provide an example of the relative costs that could be incurred by �7;4. .-4-101V4 r , 4. • • } -
•
the recommended activities. The recommendations and budget are only estimates .kf1► 1 �: 7-'" 4P
and are based on the application of sound urban forestry management principles to w T,►'s `ti'` �ilia ;:-': I
municipal forestry operations. ��e •
. , , ,R
The complete Seven-Year Urban Forestry Management Program which includes ': + •la G;t „r ' ,r. _
•
budget estimates and specific accounts of maintenance activities is found in Elgin's ,
Public Tree Management Plan. Table 1 is a summaryof the Seven-Year Urban .'.'' �
9
Forestry Management Program and illustrates specific management -ILO' ,
recommendations and the periods of accomplishments for the Seven-Year Plan
and an estimated budget for each of the recommended activities. '���+'
The activities recommended in the Seven-Year Urban Forestry Management 'NNik-s- _
Program have been provided to help Elgin better organize the tree maintenance
program and continue working towards cyclical, proactive public tree management. .
This Program is designed to address the highest risk removal and maintenance
recommendations first. This is intended to reduce potential elevated-risk situations
for the public and all associated liabilities. The success of most tree maintenance
tasks, such as planting, pruning, or fertilizing, is dependent upon seasonal temperature and weather conditions. The maintenance tasks described in this
Management Program should be scheduled for, and performed during, optimal biological periods to sustain vigorous tree health and to ensure the best chance for
survival of the City's trees.
The estimated budget provided reflects a program of work above and beyond the City's existing activities. The management objectives discussed in the Public
Tree Management Plan aim to alleviate all identified elevated-risk trees within the first three years, establish a three-year Young Tree Training Pruning Program for
all young and newly planted trees, and establish a seven-year Routine Pruning Program. ARRA funding has allowed Elgin to accomplish significant progress on
Years 1 and 2 of the Seven-Year Urban Forestry Management Program. In 2010 and 2011, The Davey Tree Expert Company completed 847 removals and 70
prunes on Severe- and High-Risk trees, and planted 1,204 trees. This is in addition to over 1,000 plus Severe- and High-Risk trees completed by Elgin. A total of
$1,144,104.70 of ARRA funding was allocated to these removals, prunes, and plantings in 2010. In review of the estimated costs for Elgin's Seven-Year Urban
Forestry Management Program, ARRA funding has provided $1,144,104.70 or almost one-third of the $3,647,591 estimated costs for Years 1 and 2.
Davey Resource Group 17 June, 2011
f'
There are many limitations to the proposed seven-year budget, such as being able r._ - •�• s., ,
to predict the rising costs of tree maintenance, knowing how many major storm . ? sq
c!' ..r ts`t
events might occur, or knowing how many trees may die per year due to natural !, ' -;,. - ,i ' i--
causes. Therefore, this table should be used as a general guideline for '" - ?. r.. � _, ,
implementation of the Seven-Year Urban Forestry Management Program, planning .• -
future tree care operations, and reviewing on-going City forestry operations. • - k`' -'-it
VI. ;,
Specific accomplishments should be measured in comparison to the management : j'' • * +• �' ��,iN.
plan's goals and recommendations.
�' rY fes. 1
An up-to-date inventory is the best way for the City to monitor the progress of its °' --- r
tree care operations. Through the process of updating the inventory, the City can _. �li . -}r,, :.
also evaluate its progress towards obtaining the goals established in the Seven- ;i ; J 4 .-};1: - ---
Year
- -Year Urban Forestry Management Program. The major benefit of an accurate tree — -- ; ' i _ -
inventory is that the City can budget, plan, and anticipate tree-related problems and '`-t _ ^
•
situations in the most cost-effective manner possible. Tracking the progress of the ,_Y •
Seven-Year Program allows the City to set its priorities for the coming years, and -. , -^�+ y ,,.
adjust as necessary to funding opportunities, political will, invasive species threats, t 64 J • i r ^-•4."" -{ 7+
storms, and other factors affecting a sustainable urban forestry program. ""' ---�' • I -. T3 -
w- •
Davey Resource Group 18 June, 2011
•
Table 1. Summary of Seven-Year Urban Forestry Management Program
Year 1 2 3 4 5 6 1
Severe-and High Risk Rating 1,293 2,989
Removals and Prunes
Moderate-Risk Rating Removals 167 986 ----
Recommendations Low Risk Rating and Stump Removals 691 ----
Based on Tree Large and Small Tree Cleans(7-year cycle) 4,224 4,224 4,224 4,224 4,224 4,224 4,224
Inventory Data Young Tree Training Program(3-year cycle) 4,895 4,895 4,895 4,895 4,895 4,895 4,895
Replacement Tree Planting 1,281 388 1,526 ----
Vacant Site Tree Planting --- 750 750 750 750
Estimated Activity Total $1,993,903 $1,653,688 $1.281,992 $848,708 $848,708 $848,708 $848,7081
Ash Tree Removals _ . 1,189 -----
Ash Tree Treatment(Low-Moderate Probability) 3,087 3,087 3,087 3,087 3,087 3,087 3,087
EAB Ash Tree Treatment(High Probability) 1,365 1,365 1,365 1,365 1,365 1,365 1,365
Recommendations LW $353,133 1 P $352,836 IP W 11111
Estimated Activity Total Costs will be variable as they are based on treatment type selected. Costs are also
expected to rise yearly as new ash trees are positively identified.
Tree Inspections Annual Windshield Survey for Severe-and High-Risk Trees,and Monitor all Ash Trees for EAB
New Removals and Prunes Number to be Determined Based on Windshield Survey
Ongoing Tree Replacement Tree Planting resulting from
Inspections Number to be Determined Based on Removals
P Additional Removals
Leading to New
Tree Work Plant Health Care Prescriptions Based on Identified Needs, and Amount and Type to be Determined Based on
Windshield Surve
Estimated Activity Total Costs will be variable as they are based on results of Windshield Survey
Inventory Update(Weekly) 400 hours 400 hours 400 hours 400 hours 400 hours 400 hours 400 hours
Track and Document Work Performed and 200 hours 200 hours 200 hours 200 hours 200 hours 200 hours 200 hours
Corn•are to Annual Goals Weekl
Inventory and Plan Complete Inventory Update of All Trees ------ $250,000
Updates
Complete Public Tree Management Plan $10,000
U.•ate
Estimated Activity Total $18,000 $18,000 $18,000 $18,000 $18,000 $18,000 $278,000
TOTAL ESTIMATED YEARLY ACTIVITY TOTALS $2,011.303, S1.671,688 $1,299,992 $866,708 $866,708 $866.708 1.144,708
Davey Resource Group 19 June, 2011
# - ,.
,.
Conclusion
The management of trees in a municipality is challenging, to say the least. Balancing the 1•• t+r' • .'4
recommendations of experts; the wishes of council members and other elected officials; the needs of •.:11, 'M
residents; the pressures of local economics; the concerns for liability issues; the physical aspects of P,.t' i '
trees; the forces of nature and severe weather events; and the desires for all of these factors to be met 11.1"- i IN `; I''
simultaneously is quite a daunting task. Elgin's City leaders must carefully consider each specific issue A V.
and balance these pressures with a knowledgeable understanding of trees and their needs. If balance . i+
is achieved, the City's beauty will flourish and the health and safety of its trees and citizens will be - , _ l�
maintained. � —
.a
A sustainable community forestry program requires a combination of organized leadership, ,,t• -
comprehensive information about the tree population, dedicated personnel and contractors, effective * i
public education, and the support of the residents and businesses. As a result of the ARRA project, ,.
the City of Elgin has built a firm foundation in each and every one of these important areas. ft `N«
j- .
Implementing the recommendations of the Elgin Urban Forestry Master Plan will help the City have a
community forest and a municipal forest management program that are both sustainable and will both .
contribute to the City's beauty and the health and safety of its trees and citizens. ••
f
R
•
Davey Resource Group 20 June, 2011
Urban Forestry Results, Analyses, and Recommendations
Urban Tree Canopy . .
U.
Urban tree canopy (UTC) is composed of the leaves, stems, and
branches of all trees viewed from above within the urban forest, and are
composed of all public and private trees. Using remote sensing I AN
equipment and geographic information system (GIS) land cover data, theibil .
tree canopy and various types of land cover are layered over satellite =—Q r Vol*.•.-' __
images or aerial photographs to create a representation of canopy -
distribution and land cover throughout an urban area. ,,._:-/'\14- ; .: '; '.=;._,�
Mapping and quantifying UTC will allow Elgin to establish baseline i ? 1144
' 4 !L • y . . { ;4 fi .,
conditions for current use and future monitoring, benchmark against T. 4,:-.'•-‘14'.
sa ,, ,� -4
similar communities, set goals for improvement, and create plans for V !..),
planting and protecting trees. Communities like Elgin that maintain GIS a ~I
0
data for land use or public and private parcel data have the ability to i 4
determine the existing canopy for each of these classifications. ,11111, '`. t .
One of the most widespread uses of UTC technology is to set canopy \
lli
coverage goals. American Forests, a recognized leader in conservation N ��
and urban forestry, has established canopy goals for metropolitan areas. lig
American Forests' goals are an accepted standard and can be used as aL Li"
'general guideline or target for communities to achieve. ' ',,;,,' ' C'aNib tlrr
Figure 1. Elgin's Urban Tree Canopy Cover
American Forest's Canopy Goals
For Metropolitan Areas East of the Mississippi River and in the Pacific Northwest
Average tree cover counting all zones—40%
Suburban residential zones— 50%
Urban Residential zones —25%
Central business district— 15%
Davey Resource Group 21 June, 2011
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
—
Davey Resource Group conducted a canopy study of
Elgin's entire urban forest. The canopy study Elgin Community Network(ECN) City Boundary
Overview
discussed here includes all trees, both public and District Percent Canopy 0. 014 ,
private, within the City limits of Elgin. GIS based land '
cover data including tree canopy, pervious, and
impervious were generated for the City of Elgin from
semi-automated feature extractions obtained from °��Ave.—
high-resolution, orthorectified, aerial imagery. Results 4` 1
were refined using secondary source data and
updated using current data provided by the City of ,,,,,
Elgin (e.g., rights-of-way and open water). Statistical
data of percent canopy cover were calculated for
existing geographies such as Elgin Community
Network Districts, Elgin Neighborhood Groups, land if^h &--' ,
use, and watersheds.
ge
Results
The City of Elgin contains a total of 24,279 acres, of
which there are 3,896 acres of tree canopy for a total
canopy cover of 16 percent. The map in Figure 1
III ,-7
shows canopy cover for the City of Elgin. '
7 ,
Elgin Community Network Districts 1
The City is divided into five Elgin Community Network 1
(ECN) Districts: Downtown, Northeast Area, Northwest
Area, Southeast Area, and Southwest Area. The Percent Canopy
highest canopy cover is found within the Northeast 10
Area. The Downtown contains the lowest canopy 0-7.09%
cover. Figure 2 shows the canopy cover for each ECN A ?.10-15.00%
District. N � Y#. dp 15.01-20.00% �+
° °s 1 z 4111 20.01-25.00% Elgin City Boundary
lonbs Idip 25.01-30.00% Th.amp doe not glow percentage,°rata+over*.
Figure 2. Percent Urban Tree Canopy for Elgin Community Network Districts
Davey Resource Group 22 June, 2011
'..if ' 11111111111111111111111
Table 2. Urban Tree Canopy Cover for Elgin Neighborhood Groups
Elgin Neighborhood Groups
The City contains 29 Elgin Neighborhood Groups. These Elgin Neighborhood Group Canopy Total Percent
Acres Acres Canopy
Neighborhood Groups cover a total of 33 percent of the City and
are mainly located in the older portions of the City as shown in Century Oaks Neighborhood Association 101 307 33%
the map in Figure 3. Table 2 presents canopy cover for each Century Oaks West Homeowners Association 37 265 14%
Elgin Neighborhood Group. The average Elgin Neighborhood Cobblers Crossing Master Association 59 378 16%
Group canopy cover is 23 percent. The Tyler Bluff Home College Green Homeowners Association 40 315 13%
Owners Association and Northeast Neighborhood Association College Park McIntosh 25 234 11%
have the highest canopy percentages with over 40 percent. The Downtown Neighborhood Association 13 185 7%
Downtown Neighborhood Association, Southeast Elgin Eagle Heights Residents Association 40 171 23%
Neighbors, and Terrace Court Condos all have less than 10 Gifford Park Association 49 188 26%
percent canopy cover. Grant Park Neighborhood Association 110 340 32%
Highland Avenue Neighbors 6 35 17%
Lords Park Association 50 173 29%
Michigan Triangle 2 11 14%
Near West Area Neighbors 38 156 25%
Neighbors of Southeast Elgin 269 830 32%
North Country Knolls 175 620 28%
Northeast Neighborhood Association 297 733 41%
Parkwood Home Owners Association 11 72 16%
Riverside Manor Neighborhood Association 9 26 35%
Shoe Factory Homeowners Association 0.3 3 11%
Southeast Elgin Neighbors 71 1,092 7%
Southwest Area Neighbors 95 388 25%
Summit Park Settlement 34 125 27%
Sunset Park Area Neighbors 22 86 26%
Terrace Court Condos 0.1 4 1%
Tyler Bluff Home Owners Association 6 12 48%
Valley Creek Southwest Neighborhood Assoc. 31 130 24%
Willow Lakes Estates 36 111 33%
Woodbridge Home Owners Association 12 115 11%
Woodbridge Townhomes 3 24 13%
Total 1,641 7,128 23%
Davey Resource Group 23 June, 2011
Elgin Community Network Districts ! City Boundary I
• and
Overview
ili
ID Elgin Neighborhood Group Neighborhood Group ''ii_• , 1- Eer E .
1 Lords Park Association I a s! `�r-■o'►'%
2 Michigan Triangle `., • -1 y�-_ter
T T,
3 Cobblers Crossing Master Association
4 Sunset Park Area Neighbors ~ '
�^
5 Neighbors of Southeast Elgin ;r
rti-
6 Southwest Area Neighbors iP-+' " + %' �J
p ✓. l � w.
7 Near West Area Neighbors ., .r0• -=� f l
8 Eagle Heights Residents Association �—np w i.. ~� .'', F' 7y b +� Ir.
��. ,n_�t;+�{ ri ( .,-'
9 Woodbridge Home Owners Association t ^. 1 r 1��p t i'', ••d1', I. -----
. 1
10 Parkwood Home Owners Association 1 }li;'44 � �� i
yy x }
11 Northeast Neighborhood Association ��.� a _ 14 ' ,r t `r 4 171 Y-•�
12 Highland Avenue Neighbors "Y `� l� +' ?- '.t �T `r,fit
13 Woodbridge Townhomes 4. .--)'-.
'fir;� `ttt ' `• '"'''-,7-;s 1 ''
14 Terrace Court Condos ��
15 College Park McIntosh . : 4 .: + i.,..-...t1.2.'
#.Y• ` ti,e -
16 North Country Knolls -�+y - ' 1' ,(�1 �7ow tt :
17 Summit Park Settlement *IL
Sa+;�+r. '' 5;
18 Tyler Bluff Home Owners Association ° tilli • .1
19 Southeast Elgin Neighbors �1! � + 4#„4. ',..,.*\, �. y y '
20 Shoe Factory Homeowners Association i..' ' • '1' ,V -`
21 College Green Homeowners Association ..;i•* •• l 1'�•. rte,, '.y Al
'
22 Century Oaks West Homeowners Association L . $
23 Riverside Manor Neighborhood Association - - _
24 Willow Lakes Estates .... .
25 Downtown Neighborhood Association 4 ' NetwCak, Elgin C C)Districts
26 Grant Park Neighborhood Association ,
27 Valley Creek Southwest Neighborhood Association - � Downtown ell1
28 Century Oaks Neighborhood Association 1 Northeast Area
29 Gifford Park Association I ^ 11 Northwest Area K Canopy
(N om Southeast Area 1:9 Neighborhood Group
005 1 2
r rn Southwest Area Elgin City Boundary
MikS
Figure 3. Urban Tree Canopy Cover for Elgin Community Network Districts and Neighborhood Groups
Davey Resource Group 24 June, 2011
•
"ir .
Table 3. Elgin Land Cover
Land Cover
Percent
Land cover within Elgin is classified as impervious area, trees/forest/shrub, Land Cover Acres Coverage
grass/meadow, and water. Elgin's land cover is dominated by grass/meadow within Elgin
(52 percent). Impervious area also covers a large area at 29 percent. Trees/forest/shrub Im Iervious Area 7,166 29%
corresponds with canopy cover at 16 percent (Table 3). The large amount of grass and Trees/Forest/Shrub 3,896 16%
meadow indicates that there are many areas in the City which could be planted with Grass/Meadow 12,508 52%
trees. Water 709 3%
Watersheds
Elgin contains portions of eight, 12-digit Hydrologic Unit
Code (HUC) watersheds. Table 4 presents canopy cover Table 4. Urban Tree Canopy Cover for Elgin Watersheds
data for each watershed. A map showing watershed Total
boundaries isrovided in Figure 4. More than 6,500 acres of 12-Digit
p g Watershed Name Hydrologic Unit Watershed Canopy Percent
Elgin are located in the Otter Creek/Ferson Creek Code (HUC) Area within (Acres) Canopy
watershed, which has an overall canopy cover of 10 percent. Elgin (Acres)
The second largest watershed area in Elgin is the Jelkes Ferson Creek 071200070103 99 10 10%
Creek/Fox River watershed, which supports the highest Brewster Creek 071200070101 391 22 6%
canopy cover of all watersheds at 22 percent Norton Creek/Fox River 071200070104 521 40 8%
Headwaters T ler Creek 071200061203 2,422 171 7%
Otter Creek/Ferson Creek 071200070102 6,586 653 10%
Po.lar Creek 071200061205 3,964 765 19%
T ler Creek 071200061204 4,721 982 21%
Jelkes Creek/Fox River 071200061206 5,574 1,251 22%
Davey Resource Group 25 June, 2011
REIPIMINOW
111.11111111111111.111111111111111111111111111
Jelkes Creek-Fox River
460_0-
AN
- m_....111 i5.z. ......
, . - .F 1 T,yleryG`k lailitS411fil
b
Poplar Creek 041
1#1.
Otter Creels IlFarrson Creek Ali '.-1
`ZJ•" 'T WIC 12 Watersheds
i II'•Adm I ':1,,v;i,i/o e " K Brewster Creek
Ferson Creek
•
Ferson Creek - K Headwaters Tyler Creek
....\
Jelkes Creek-Fox River
N la Norton Creek-Fox River
Norton @I:Wli,iRE Riv
Otter Creek-Ferson Creek
.�. Poplar Creek
0 0 5 1 2 ellg Tyler Creek
Moles 63 Elgin City Boundary
Figure 4. Watersheds Boundaries Within Elgin
Davey Resource Group 26 June, 2011
♦ N
Analysis
Elgin has an overall tree canopy of 16 percent. This is well below the 40 percent urban tree canopy recommended by American Forests for cities east of the
Mississippi River. Only two neighborhoods, Northeast Neighborhood Association and Tyler Bluff Home Owners Association, currently meet this goal and no single
ECN District has achieved this goal.
The central business district and suburban residential areas have the lowest canopy cover and are well below potential canopy cover. The areas with the least
canopy cover are outlying areas. These areas contain agricultural fields and vacant land that is probably planned for future development as well as recent
industrial and residential developments. The recent developments have newly planted trees that are not yet large enough to contribute significantly to canopy
cover. This is clearly shown in the canopy cover for the ECN Districts, in which the Southwest Area, which includes many outlying portions of the City, has the
lowest canopy cover.
Elgin shows generally higher canopy cover in the older, denser, urban neighborhoods. This is probably due to the presence of older, larger trees with greater
amounts of canopy cover. The lower values in the suburban areas, which represent newer, lower-density developments, are probably due to both the presence of
younger trees with smaller canopies and also large expanses of lawn with few trees. Also, older neighborhoods tend to be planted with large-growing trees with
extensive canopies, while newer neighborhoods are more likely to be planted with smaller trees and shrubs that are designed for low maintenance but do not
provide the large canopies or desirable aesthetic qualities of large-growing trees.
Elgin has a total of 712 acres of tree canopy on public land. This represents 3 percent of
the total City area and 19 percent of the total tree canopy within the City (Figure 5). There
is 15 percent tree canopy cover within road rights-of-way (ROW). Tree canopy within the
ROW is 13 percent of the total tree canopy for the City and 2 percent of the total City area.
Canopy cover on publicly owned land makes up a relatively small percentage of the total
City-wide urban tree canopy cover; however, this is the area the City has the most ■Public Land
influence over. A total of 68 percent of Elgin's urban tree canopy is within private property. ■Right of Way
There are numerous undeveloped private land parcels within the outlying portions of the
City that are not forested. Many of these areas are active farm fields, while other areas are Private Property
fallow fields, disturbed areas, and recent developments.
The greatest need for additional canopy cover is within private property. Some land uses
are more compatible with tree planting than others. High-density, developed areas, such as
the downtown and condominium and townhouse developments, have little green space and
are not suitable for extensive tree planting. Likewise, agricultural fields, disturbed areas,
golf courses, athletic fields, and areas planned for future development are also not suitable Figure 5. Distribution of Urban Tree Canopy Cover
for tree planting. Low-canopy values in these areas could be offset by higher canopy Within Elgin
values on lower-density residential lots and other areas suitable for tree planting. Tree
canopy within current undeveloped areas will in some cases increase after development
and tree planting.
Davey Resource Group 27 June, 2011
Recommendations
Several strategies can be used to increase Elgin's canopy cover. Elgin should implement a - y .
dir
planting program to achieve full stocking for streets. The current tree canopy within the ROW is r. • * 41':
qr
15 percent. The goal for ROW canopy coverage should approach 40 percent. As Elgin achieves ". - -
an increase in their urban tree canopy, the benefits trees provide the City will also increase. •••• _
•
Since 80 percent of Elgin's land is held privately, the greatest impact on increasing canopy cover • '` * 44*.
1*"#,4 * t
can be made on private property. Many lots in these areas are likely to be large enough to •
support one or more large, mature canopy trees. The tree canopy data from individual ECN •. +-' '11"...110 ., . S
Districts combined with a field assessment of the practicality of additional tree planting should be .
used to determine the areas most in need of additional canopy cover. '.1
Community outreach and education, encouraging additional private tree planting, and appropriate I�r`_'
maintenance can be an effective strategy for increasing canopy coverage. However, perhaps the `':. �•`
most effective strategy to encourage tree planting by individual homeowners would be financial • or '�%� <# ,
incentives such as tax incentives, rebates, and/or trees for planting provided at no or reduced ;__,
cost. Small, bare-root trees could be obtained at a nominal cost and given to homeowners and
private landowners. Existing zoning and other City laws that may impact tree canopy goals should be reviewed and changed if necessary to promote an increase
in urban tree canopy.
Many tree species are long-lived and slow growing; therefore, increasing urban tree canopy will require good long-term planning and will take a long period of time
to develop. It may take 20 to 30 years before a significant increase in urban tree canopy is realized. Appropriate tree species should be selected for each planting
site. Larger trees with greater canopy sizes are preferred whenever possible. Small trees, shrubs, and dwarf and small-leaved hybrid tree cultivars should be used
only where necessary due to adverse growing conditions or safety concerns. A preference should be given for large, native, unhybridized trees with a long
lifespan, but a diversity of tree species including urban-tolerant, non-invasive, non-native trees should be planted. Planting streets or neighborhoods in a
monoculture of one or two tree species should be discouraged. A diversity of tree species is more visually appealing, improves ecological diversity, and provides
better resistance to pests and disease.
Recommendations to improve Elgin's urban tree canopy can be summarized as follows:
Facilitite tree planting on private and public properties to help the City reach an overall tree canopy cover of 40 percent.
O Adopt a policy to replace public ash trees at a 1:1 diameter at breast height(DBH) ratio to increase canopy cover.
O Through community outreach and education, encourage preservation and planting of trees on private property.
$ Adopt and implement an improved tree preservation ordinance.
!� Preserve existing wooded parks and natural areas, and plant tree in parks, natural areas, and other public open spaces to improve Elgin's overall tree
canopy.
Davey Resource Group 28 June, 2011
Public Tree Resource Structure, Function, and Value
Street trees comprise a valuable resource that work continuously providing environmental and economic ,
benefits to the community. Management programs that proactively maintain a community's streets trees '3
' r1 Jl►
help sustain the structure, function, and value of the resource for years to come. However, maintaining this 'F' • - %" `. i::yi
resource comes at a cost to the public, as is the case with most other municipal infrastructure assets. -li
Elgin's inventoried street and public tree resource is a valuable asset. As stated previously, Elgin's 49,583 - ,
inventoried public trees are not only a valued municipal asset, but they provide tangible and intangible '"
benefits to the City of Elgin and its residents. These benefits include pollution control, energy reduction, >
stormwater management, increased property values, wildlife habitat, education, social, psychological, and ' ' . ~-.
aesthetics. ^
Elgin's Public Tree Inventory data were used to understand the structure, function, and value of Elgin's --,ca�L =i '�s.�, �••ft4 t +
urban forest. In combination with Elgin's Public Tree Inventory, i-Tree Streets was utilized to quantify the ir-^•' ':F�, ,�: .,4. '�^
benefits of street trees and compare them directly with the costs of an urban forestry program to produce an ` _ w '
accurate, net annual benefit value. i-Tree Streets is a peer-reviewed, statistically valid, financially sound tool •
used to assess and quantify the beneficial functions of the street tree resource and place a dollar value on .I i ,i .` ''- t'. Ai - ;.
the annual environmental and economic benefits the tree population provides. The analysis calculates - fil ,. ..r• .,... - `- •
benefits in terms of quantity and monetary value of: energy consumption savings; carbon sequestering; air ,
-quality improvement; stormwater mitigation; and aesthetics and other public values. �� ,,>
Results
Structure
Tree inventory data were analyzed to assess the status of Elgin's urban forest. The data tell much about an \.
urban forest's composition and structure including genus and species distribution, tree condition, size class ..i.e.
distribution, and stocking level.
Davey Resource Group 29 June, 2011
.t
Genus and Species Composition
Genus and species distributions are the percentages of
tree genera and tree species in relation to all public
(inventoried) trees. Genus and species distributions are
important to know to properly manage a tree population as Elm species
they directly affect urban forest sustainablity and Elgin's ■White ash 2.60'
ability to minimize the impact from invasive pests.
■Bur oak 3.20%
Elgin's inventoried street and public tree population
includes a mix of more than 150 species. This level of ■littleleaf linden 4.70%
diversity is to be commended, as a variety of species types ■Silver maple 6.90%
can decrease the impact of species-specific pests and
diseases by limiting the number of trees that are IIRed Maple 8,00%
susceptible. This, in turn, reduces the time and money 8.30%
spent on mitigating problems resulting from any such ■Thornless honeylocust
episodes. Additionally, a wide variety of tree species may 11.00%
help to limit the impacts from a number of physical events, ■Green ash 14.00%
such as strong storms,wind, ice, flooding, drought, etc. ■Norway maple
However, the top 5 occurring species account for 0.00%%„ 2.)0% 4.00% 600% 8.00% 10.00% 12.00% 14.00% 16.00%
approximately half (48.1%) of the inventoried tree
population (Figure 6). The predominant species are Figure 6. Species Distribution of Elgin's Public Trees
Norway maple (14.0%); green ash (11.0%); thornless
honeylocust (8.3%); red maple (8.0%); and silver maple (7.0%). Davey Resource Group recommends that no single species represents more than 10 percent of
the total population and no single genus represents more than 20 percent of the total population. Both Norway maple and green ash exceed this population
guideline for species, and ash and maples collectively exceed the guideline set for genus representation (ash species account for approximately 14 percent and
maple species account for approximately 30 percent of the inventoried street and public tree population in the City of Elgin).
Davey Resource Group 30 June, 2011
# '.44%-.1`,
Tree Condition
Tree condition is the percentage of Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor, Critical and Dead trees. 100% -
Condition is important to tree management because it provides information that helps predict
maintenance needs and estimates associated tree care costs. Tree condition indicates both 80% -
how well trees are managed and how well they perform given site-specific conditions and the 60%
presence of natural and man-made threats and pressures. The majority of Elgin's street and
public trees (63.42%) are in Fair condition (Figure 7). When trees are performing at their 40% -
peak, as are the 20.28 percent of trees classified as Good (which includes the fraction of
-
trees considered as Very Good), the benefits they provide will be maximized. Trees in Poor 20%
condition account for 14.28 percent of the population, and 2.02 percent of street and public 0%
trees are Dead or Dying. The goal for Dead and Dying trees should be zero. Meanwhile, Good Fair Poor Dead or
analysis showed the tree conditions between neighborhoods in Elgin is distributed fairly • Dying
evenly, showing a balanced commitment to street tree maintenance throughout the City. Figure 7. Condition Rating of Inventoried Public Trees
Size Class Distribution IS%
Size class distribution or relative age is the proportion of trees by size. Size class affects the 40%
—Actual
benefits trees provide to the community and the sustainabilty of the urban forest. An ideal
size class distribution has a greater percentage of smaller trees (younger) than larger trees = 39% —idem
(older). This provides for an even flow of benefits and more predictable tree maintenance ° 30% N.,.
expenditures. The distribution of ages within a tree population influences present and future 8 25'K
costs as well as the flow of benefits. An uneven-aged population allows managers to allocate
annual maintenance costs uniformly over many years and assures continuity in overall tree
canopy cover. 15% -I-- ` - —
d
a
Elgin has a relatively balanced age distribution, with 41.15 percent of inventoried trees 10% -` I
considered young (<8-inch DBH), 28.44 percent established trees (8- to 16-inch DBH), 17.08 y , _
percent maturing trees (16- to 24-inch DBH), and 13.33 percent mature trees (>24-inch
DBH). An ideal street and public tree population has an uneven age distribution, with higher ' '
percentages of young trees than mature trees to minimize fluctuations in functional benefits <8 �' 1G` 1�' Za >24•
(Figure 8). As trees mature and begin to decline, a tree population skewed towards young DBH(inches)
trees will ensure that a flow of benefits continues to exist.
Figure 8. Relative Age Distribution of Elgin's Public
Trees Compared to an "Ideal"Distribution
(Richards 1982/1983)
Davey Resource Group 31 lune, 2011
x
Age distribution can be examined within neighborhoods, providing city foresters a more effective way to manage their resource. For example, 66 percent of street
and public trees in Woodbridge Townhomes are considered young, while Cobblers Crossing consists only of 6 percent young trees. Starting a planting initiative in
the Cobblers Crossing will create a more stable age structure in the neighborhood and ultimately throughout the City, ensuring a healthy and sustainable urban
forest. Conversely, implementing a training pruning program throughout the City, particularly in neighborhoods with a high percentage of young trees (e.g.,
Woodbridge Townhomes), will ensure a higher volume of mature, high benefit-producing trees for the future.
Relative age should also be considered between species. Silver maples, which produce the highest annual benefit at $216 per tree, are represented in the
population as 79 percent mature (>24-inch DBH) or maturing (12- to 24-inch DBH), with 9 percent established (6- to 12-inch DBH) and 11 percent young (<6-inch
DBH). If young trees of similar size and structure are not planted to improve the age distribution of this species, the return of valuable benefits may be disrupted for
future generations.
Stocking
Stocking level is the proportion of existing trees to the total number of potential street trees (number of
trees plus the number of potential planting spaces). Stocking level helps determine tree planting needs * ;
and budgets. The national average is 60 percent stocking level (http://www.hort.cornell.edu/commfor/ •
•
inventory/utilizing.html). .1
Elgin's Public Tree Inventory accounts for 48,260 trees, stumps, and vacant planting space along the
street, of which 36,158 are trees, 12,022 are vacant planting sites, and 80 are stumps. Assuming that
trees may be planted at each stump location upon their removal, Elgin has a combined 12,102 vacant
planting sites, for an estimated stocking level of 75 percent. If all ash trees will be removed due to the
emerald ash borer, this represents a maximum of 6,789 additional planting sites. 41,
\\\.\
`:
Calculating trees per capita is another important measure of tree stocking. Assuming that Elgin has a
human population of 110,000, and no other trees exist beyond the ones included in this study, then •
street and public trees per capita for the City is 0.33, nearly 1 tree for every 3 people. The City of Elgin
can increase their number of trees per capita by creating and implementing a planting initiative to --
account for vacant planting sites recorded during this inventory.
Davey Resource Group 32 June, 2011
Function
Street and public trees provide a host of benefits to the City of Elgin. They conserve energy, Elgin's public trees provide the City the following
reduce carbon dioxide levels, improve air quality, and mitigate stormwater runoff. In addition,
trees provide numerous economical, psychological,and social benefits. annual environmental and community services:
Avoided and Sequestered Carbon 1. Intercept 6.7 million gallons of stormwater
2. Conserve 7,376 megawatt-hours and 1,014,318
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is used during a tree's photosynthesis process to produce the natural therms
building blocks necessary for tree growth. This process takes carbon dioxide from the
atmosphere and holds it as woody and foliar biomass. This is referred to as carbon 3. Remove 90,684 pounds (45.3 tons) of air pollutants
sequestration. Elgin's street and public tree resource reduces a net 13,123 tons of CO2 per year. 4. Reduce a net 13,123 tons of carbon dioxide
Energy 5. Increase property value, and provide aesthetic,
The energy savings that trees provide can be attributed to shading and wind reduction. These social, economic, and other non-tangible related
key factors reduce the amount of radiant energy absorbed in buildings and other hardscapes, benefits
cooling the air in buildings during hot summer months and helping retain heat during cold winter
months.The energy savings is realized by lower cooling and heating costs for any type of building. Street and public trees in Elgin reduce energy and natural gas use equal to
7,376 megawatt-hours and 1,014,318 therms.
Air Quality
Urban environments greatly benefit from the presence of street and other public trees. Trees absorb gaseous pollutants in the form of ozone (03)and nitrogen dioxide(NO2).
The reduction of ozone can also be attributed to the trees'shading effect on hardscape surfaces and their cooling effect on ambient air from the transpiration process. Trees
intercept volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sulfuric dioxide (SO2), and small particulate matter (PM10), such as dust, ash, dirt, pollen, and smoke from the air. Trees also
emit air pollutants called biogenic volatile organic compounds(BVOCs)that contribute to the formation of ozone.The i-Tree Streets model takes these processes into account
and shows that street and public trees in Elgin have a net positive effect on air quality, removing 90,684 pounds of air pollutants.
Stormwater
Street trees reduce the volume of stormwater runoff in neighborhoods and ultimately community-wide.This function and benefit is especially important in developed areas that
have disproportionate quantities of impervious surfaces (roads, driveways, homes, parking areas) and in areas in close proximity to surface waters. A tree's surface area,
particularly leaf and trunk surfaces, intercept and store rainfall.The tree's root system increases soil infiltration, thereby decreasing runoff. Trees also reduce stormwater runoff
by intercepting raindrops before they reach the ground, thus reducing soil compaction rates and improving soil-absorptive properties. Additionally, trees intercept suburban
contaminants such as oils, solvents, pesticides, and fertilizers which are often part of stormwater runoff, reducing pollutant discharges into vital waterways. Street and public
trees in Elgin intercept 67.7 million gallons of stormwater annually.
DaveyResource Group33 June, 2011
Aesthetics
It may seem difficult to place a dollar value on the benefit street trees provide to the overall ambiance of a community and the well-being of residents, businesses, and visitors.
But, trees provide beauty to the landscape, incease property values,give privacy to homeowners,create a more attractive place to do business, and act as a refuge for urban
wildlife;and all of this was quantified.
Value
Table 5. Annual Benefits of Elgin's Public Trees in Dollars
Tree inventory data collected in the City of Elgin and i-Tree's Streets model
were used to assess and quantify the beneficial functions of the City's Avoided and
street and public tree resource and to place a dollar value on the annual Energy Sequestered Air Stormwater Aesthetics
benefits they provide. Table 5 illustrates the total annual benefits that public Savings Carbon Quality Runoff and other Total
trees provide the City of Elgin, and Table 6 illustrates the total annual Dioxide Benefits Reduction Benefits
benefits per neighborhood for Elgin.
Electricity and Natural Gas Results $1,130,426 $196,840 $253,681 $1,834,983 $1,286,055 $4,701,985
Elgin's inventoried street and public trees provide a savings of 7,376 MWh
($460,975) and 1,014,319 therms ($669,450) in shading and climate effects. The average savings per inventoried tree in the City is $22.80, while Elgin saves a
total of$1,130,426 per year over the whole inventoried population. Norway maple produces the largest electricity and natural gas savings at $229,397, 20 percent
of all energy savings. Neighborhoods such as Neighbors of Southeast Elgin (5), Southwest Area Neighbors (6), Northeast Neighborhood Association (11), and
Grant Park Neighborhood Association (27), for example, have high numbers of Norway maples; therefore, these neighborhoods tend to exhibit the highest
electricity and natural gas savings.
Avoided and Sequestered Carbon Dioxide
Elgin's street and public tree resource reduces a net 13,123 tons of CO2 per year valued at $196,840, with the average savings per inventoried tree at$3.97. Silver
maples account for 18 percent of these savings, yet they only account for 7 percent of the total tree inventory. Norway maples, which are the most common
species in the inventory (14%), account for 16 percent of all avoided and sequestered carbon dioxide savings. Elgin may want to consider planting more species
with similar growth habits to silver and Norway maples, where applicable, to gain similar benefits, while at the same time increasing species and genus diversity.
Swamp white oak, Kentucky coffeetree, and tuliptree are examples of large-growing trees that are underutilized as street and/or pubic trees in the City. These
species, which account for 1.4 percent, 0.5 percent, and 0.1 percent of Elgin's public tree population, respectively, may prove to be strong benefit producers and
have showed promise as reliable street trees throughout the Midwest region of the country.
Because carbon benefits directly correlate with woody biomass and leaf surface area, neighborhoods with higher densities of large trees tend to offset the most
CO2. Neighbors of Southeast Elgin and Northeast Neighborhood Association display the highest net benefits in terms of CO2 sequestration and avoidance, while
also displaying some of the greatest canopy cover and tree densities between neighborhoods. Planting new trees and maintaining existing ones is the best
approach to sustaining these benefits.
Davey Resource Group 34 June, 2011
Deposition and Interception of Air Pollutants Table 6. i-Tree Streets Analysis Results for Total Annual
Benefits per Neighborhood in the City of Elgin
Each year, Elgin's inventoried street and public trees provide a savings of $57,401 by
intercepting or absorbing gaseous air pollutants in the form of ozone (03); nitrogen Benefits Per Neighborhood(Zone) Total($)
dioxide (NO2); small particulate matter (PM10), such as dust, ash, dirt, pollen, and smoke; Lord's Park Association $173,012
and sulfur dioxide (SO2). These pollutants are largely the result of energy consumption Michigan Triangle $2,423
through the burning of fossil fuels. Norway maple and silver maple contribute the most
benefits towards air quality due to their representation in the street tree population and Cobblers Crossing Master Association $136,906
size at maturity. The combined savings of these two species, 21 percent of inventoried Sunset Park Area Neighbors $35,923
street and public trees, is $24,202 annually. Neighbors of Southeast Elgin $446,768
Avoided Pollutants Southwest Area Neighbors $252,682
Near West Area Neighbors $66,020
Trees indirectly reduce pollutant emissions such as NO2, PM10, Volatile Organic Eagle Heights Residents Association $60,209
Compounds (VOCs), and SO2 by lowering dependence on energy consumption. Trees Woodbridge Home Owners Association $2,877
that are properly placed can lower dependence on air conditioning needs in the summer Parkwood Home Owners Association • $17,363
by shading hardscape surfaces such as residential buildings and city streets that absorb
heat. In addition, air is cooled through the process of transpiration, where water Northeast Neighborhood Association $505,086
evaporates from the pores, or stomata, on the surface of a tree's leaves. Conversely, Highland Avenue Neighbors $17,494
trees lessen the need for heating requirements in the winter by acting as wind breaks, Woodbridge Townhomes $1,551
lessening the effects of cold winter winds. Norway maple, green ash, thornless College Park McIntosh $27,097
honeylocust, and silver maple have the greatest impact on reducing energy needs, North Country Knolls $208,473
returning a combined savings of$120,024. Southeast Elgin Neighbors $59,062
BVOC Emissions College Green Homeowners Association $78,093
Century Oaks West Homeowners Association $68,415
Trees emit biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) that negatively affect air quality .
by contributing to the formation of ozone; however, these emissions are generally offset Riverside Manor Neighborhood Association $2,325
by the interception and avoidance of air pollutants. Larger trees such as bur oak Willow Lakes Estates $322
(Quercus macrocarpa), silver maple, white oak (Quercus alba), Norway maple, and Downtown Neighborhood Association $76,181
thornless honeylocust tend to have higher BVOC emissions. In Elgin, BVOC emissions Grant Park Neighborhood Association $226,365
offset total air quality improvements by$23,166. Valley Creek Southwest Neighborhood Association $50,026
Century Oaks Neighborhood Association $59,421
Gifford Park Association $103,092
Unassigned $2,024,798
Citywide Total $4,701,985
Davey Resource Group 35 June, 2011
' 111111111111
Net Air Quality Improvement
Elgin experiences a net air quality improvement of $253,681 per year, averaging $5.12 per tree.
Silver maples may be high BVOC emitters, but they provide the highest number of air quality
benefits at an average of$9.67 per tree. Siberian elms (Ulmus pumila) produce the second most
air quality benefits per tree with an average of $9.15. However, this tree is often considered an *41'
inferior landscape species because it tends to grow fast and is subject to breakage in high winds
or under heavy loading events (ice, snow, etc.). Perhaps new cultivars of this species will prove to .,
be a more suitable tree for urban environments. Meanwhile, Elgin's black walnuts (Juglans nigra)
are the third leading producers of air quality benefits at $8.07 per tree. However, this species is
often omitted from planting initiatives, as their fruit is regarded as a nuisance. In addition, black
walnuts produce a toxin that can have adverse effects on neighboring tree and plant species.
Stormwater Runoff Reductions
Street and public trees in Elgin intercept 67.7 million gallons of stormwater annually, for a savings
of $1,834,983. The average benefit per inventoried public tree is valued at $37.01. Silver maple,
Siberian elm, and bur oak intercept the greatest amounts of stormwater per tree, as these species have large growth habits and a greater distribution of maturing
to mature and overmature trees in their respective populations. For example, 70 percent of all bur oaks are greater than 19 inches in diameter, enabling these
trees to store and transpire higher volumes of water than younger trees. Norway maples, which have the highest representation amongst street and public trees,
save an average of $51.40 per tree in stormwater benefits each year. Naturally, neighborhoods with higher densities of larger trees display greater stormwater
benefits. The Southwest Area Neighbors (6) neighborhood and Grant Park Neighborhood Association (27)are two such examples.
Aesthetic, Property Value, Social, Economic, and Other Benefits
Aesthetic and other related benefits in Elgin provide an estimate of $1,286,055 annually to the City, for an average of $25.94 per inventoried tree. While Norway
maples represent 14 percent of the inventoried population with average benefits of $22 per tree annually, silver maples (7%) provide nearly three times the value
at an average of$64 per tree annually. Thornless honeylocusts return $59 per tree each year in aesthetic benefits but represent 8 percent of all inventoried trees;
therefore, planting of this species should be reduced as it approaches the 10 percent guideline for planting any one species in an urban forest. Meanwhile, species
such as boxelder(Acer negundo) at$31 per tree annually and Siberian elm at$28 per tree annually produce higher than average benefits, but they are considered
to be poor-quality landscape species due to their weak-wooded qualities, making them prone to branch failure. As would be expected, neighborhoods with higher
densities of large trees tend to produce the most benefits.
Costs of Managing Elgin's Municipal Trees
Investing in Elgin's street and public trees is well worth the cost. The City's trees provide numerous economical, environmental, psychological, and social benefits
to the community. In 2009, 2010, and 2011, Elgin's total related expenditures for street and public trees were approximately $1,019,000, or 0.4 percent of the
City's total municipal budget of$276,000,000.
Davey Resource Group 36 June, 2011
•
T
Analysis
Elgin receives substantial benefits from its street and public trees. However, the City must also consider the cost of maintaining this resource. Applying a benefit-
cost ratio (BCR) is a useful way to evaluate the public investment in street trees. A BCR is an indicator used to summarize the overall value compared to the costs
of a given project. Specifically in this analysis, BCR is the ratio of the cumulative benefits provided by the City's street and public trees, expressed in monetary
terms, compared to the costs associated with their management, also expressed in monetary terms.
Not all of the benefits attributed to street and public trees are easily Table 7. i-Tree Streets Analysis Results for Annual Benefits, Net
quantified; therefore, some intangible benefits are not included in this Benefits, and Cost for Public Trees
study. For example, benefits linked with human needs, such as
increased public safety, are difficult to measure. Furthermore, variances Total ($) $lTree $/Capita
within species and between sites often occur to make estimates less
precise. Total Benefits 4,701,985 94.83 42.74
Elgin's street and public trees provide significant benefits to the Total Costs 1,019,000 20.55 9.26
community and environment alike. Stormwater mitigation is the largest Net Benefits 3,682,985 74.28 33.48
producer (39%) of quantifiable benefits to the City annually, with
aesthetic and other benefits following behind at 27 percent. Energy Benefit Cost Ratio 4.61
savings account for 24 percent of annual benefits, while air quality
improvement and carbon dioxide reduction account for 5 percent and 4 percent, respectively, of annual benefits. As determined throughout this analysis, larger
growing trees, such as silver maples, consistently supply the most benefits per tree. Meanwhile, neighborhoods with higher densities of large trees, such as
Neighbors of Southeast Elgin (5), Southwest Area Neighbors (6), and Northeast Neighborhood Association (11), for example, display the greatest number of
measurable benefits.
The sum of estimated benefits for the City of Elgin (Table 7) is $4,701,985 annually at an average of $95 per inventoried street tree and $43 per capita. When
Elgin's annual expenditures are considered ($1,019,000), the net annual benefit (benefits minus costs) returned by street and public trees to the City is
$3,682,985. The average net annual benefit for an individual public tree in Elgin is $74, approximately$33 per capita. Based on an inventory count of 49,583 street
and public trees, Elgin receives $4.61 in benefits for every$1 that is spends on its municipal forestry program.
Davey Resource Group 37 June, 2011
- "t
Recommendations Table 8. Recommended Planting List of
The City of Elgin is taking proactive steps towards the development and Large Growth-Habit Trees
preservation of a sustainable urban forest. This study can be used to hone the
City's street tree management strategy, promoting a valuable asset with Species Name Common Name Cultivar/Variety
invaluable qualities. By strengthening its network with partners and urban forest Aesculus flava yellow buckeye None
managers, Elgin will help to develop the relationships and resources it needs to Celtis occidentalis common hackberry 'Prairie Pride'
achieve its urban forestry goals.
Ginkgo biloba ginkgo (male trees only)
Elgin's urban forest is a valuable resource. The street and public trees Gymnocladus dioica Kentucky coffeetree Prairie Titan®
inventoried in this study return an annual net benefit of $3,682,985 to the City Liquidambar styraciflua American sweetgum Cherokee TM
each year at an average of$74 per tree and $33 per capita. Citizens of Elgin see Liriodendron tulipifera tuliptree 'Fastigiatum'
a return on their investment of $4.61 for every $1 spent on management. As a
result, this i-Tree Streets analysis suggests that there is justification for more Nyssa sylvatica black tupelo None
attention and funding for urban forestry planning, design, management, and Platanus occidentalis American sycamore None
maintenance in the City of Elgin. Planning for a greener and healthier city can Platanus x acerifolia London planetree 'Yarwood'
begin by including urban forestry in all project discussions and considering Quercus bicolor swamp white oak None
creative ways to ensure the private and public tree canopy is kept healthy, well-
maintained, safe, and is also enhanced by well-planned planting projects. Quercus palustris pin oak None
Quercus rubra northern red oak 'Splendens'
Elgin's street and public tree resource is rich in the benefits it provides the Styphnolobium japonicum Japanese pagodatree `Regent'
community. However, maintaining this resource requires constant attention and Taxodium distichum common baldcypress 'Shawnee Brave'
commitment to achieve sustainability. Urban stress such as compacted soils,
pollution, limited growing space, and insufficient nutrients leads to an increased Zelkova serrata Japanese zelkova Green Vase'
need for an aggressive management program. To maximize the benefits of
Elgin's resource and ensure sustainability, the following management practices should be implemented:
ta' Sustain the existing street tree resource through comprehensive tree maintenance, including new tree establishment and cyclical pruning.
tit Develop a replacement plan for the City's most mature trees (and top benefit producers) to replace them with trees of similar stature gradually before they
must be removed.
' Adjust tree planting in the City to expand the extent of the resource, distribute the resource more equitably amongst neighborhoods, and maintain the flow
of benefits over time. Focus on large-stature trees where growing conditions permit and good-performing species to maximize benefits.
Davey Resource Group 38 June, 2011
0 Cease to plant ash species as a street and/or public tree in response to the presence of Emerald Ash i
Borer (EAB) in the City of Elgin and the State of Illinois. The current population of ash trees (14.0% of • " i%
the inventoried tree population) should continue to be carefully monitored for signs of an EAB , • .4"' - • `:,
infestation. •
Reduce dependence on Norway maple through careful species selection to achieve greater diversity I ; 1
and guard against catastrophic losses. Currently, maples make up approximately 30 percent of
Elgin's inventoried public trees. V. ; 1
,• b, f ' T u'
Strengthen the City's network of partners and urban forest managers to work together towards the •'+ •-4` •
I'
( . 4.
common goal of an improved, more functional, and sustainable street and public tree resource. - •
Update the tree inventory database as work is performed, track work history, and evaluate
productivity to plan work and project budgets. Reinventory the entire urban forest in 7 years. •
fj
i
L
Davey Resource Group 39 June, 2011
t
r
1111111.11111.
Tree Planting
Tree planting enhances the aesthetic, environmental, and economic values of Elgin's -. ,
community forest, which in turn defines the City's character and quality of life. Trees help • . . ', •
stabilize the soil by controlling wind and water erosion. As important infrastructure components, _ • - .- , „� - - x '
trees provide many vital services to Elgin, and perhaps as important to Elgin, trees provide a =
sense of place and community. It is because of these many benefits that it is important for the - enial
-
City to have a public tree planting plan. Developing and following an efficient and effective i -r" .
planting plan will allow the City to maintain its current tree population and increase it when it is — . -
most needed and where it would be most beneficial. To maximize the benefits that trees + 0 0
provide, the City should be committed to planting the largest-growing tree that a given planting
,44 ,A4.' -
location can support without compromising its natural form. k '
1.4„. --
Tree species selection and planting location designation are important decisions for a municipal -
•
tree program. It is important to develop an overall planting strategy, and initially concentrating --.. - -
on streets with the greatest need for improvement. Support from local business owners and
homeowner associations in funding plantings can be one method of achieving a full stocking of
trees along main thoroughfares and neighborhood streets. The space available for a tree to be
planted and thrive is a major factor that dictates the type of species best suited for any given ,`
location. While the minimum grow space width is oftentimes the limiting factor for selecting which species of tree to plant, the spacing between these plantings is
also important. It is recommended to plant small-growing trees at least 20-25 feet apart, medium-growing trees at least 30-35 feet apart, and large-growing trees
at least 40-45 feet apart. This spacing will ensure that these trees have enough unrestricted space to attain their full size at maturity. In areas where overhead
utility lines are present, only small-growing trees are recommended.
The success of a continuing tree planting program will be judged by the health of the trees' post-planting and the amount of money spent on planting and
maintaining the new trees. With a small amount of planning, healthy trees with greater life expectancies can be established with minimal up-front investment and
minor maintenance costs.
Davey Resource Group 40 June, 2011
Results
Based on Elgin's Public Tree Inventory, there are 12,022 vacant planting sites and 80 stumps along the ..
streets of Elgin. Assuming that trees may be planted at each stump location upon their removal, Elgin has 1.r. 21. . .,, ,s_
a combined 12,102 vacant planting sites. Elgin's Public Tree Inventory identified 6,789 ash trees. If all ash
trees will be removed due to the emerald ash borer, this represents a maximum of 6,789 additional , 4! ITS
planting sites. With an inventory of potential planting sites, City officials know the exact location of every
I fit 11‘.-
available planting site in Elgin. Matching appropriate tree species to site conditions of a given planting
location is an urban forestry principle called "the Right Tree in the Right Place". Choosing the right tree for " I i
the right place helps keep future maintenance costs low and ensures that the initial investment of planting • . -
is well worth it. Understanding the stocking potential and the urban tree canopy potential will help guide
the City in developing a prioritization scheme for plantings. Full tree stocking is an elusive goal, since F »l
mortality of the young and old trees continues to make planting sites available. Nevertheless, it is worth
the effort because the goal of working toward full stocking can help make other less glamorous aspects of
urban forestry more palatable, especially removals. r"
To select the 'Right Tree for the Right Place", the City must first understand the tree space, tree species
diversity, and tree selection.
Tree Space
The space available for a tree to be planted in and thrive is a major factor that dictates the type of species best suited for a
given location. Potential planting sites are defined as areas suitable for tree planting within the existing right-of-way. The size Elgin's Vacant
of the site should be designated as small, medium, or large, depending primarily on the growing space available and the planting Sites
presence of overhead wires. The overall landscape and existing planting scheme should also be taken into consideration for
the spacing and sizes of recommended planting sites. Small Site = 5,321
Small Planting Site Medium Site = 1,025
Potential planting site suitable for a small-growing tree; usually 4 feet growing space is a minimum requirement to allow for Large Site = 5,676
the tree to grow into its mature form. When overhead utilities are present, only small-growing trees should be planted. To
maximize plantable space, small-growing trees should be planted an average of 20 feet apart.
Medium Planting Site
Potential planting site suitable for a medium-growing tree; usually 5-7 feet growing space is a minimum requirement to allow for the tree to grow into its mature
form. To maximize plantable space, medium-growing trees should be planted an average of 30 feet apart.
Davey Resource Group 41 June, 2011
Large Planting Site
Potential planting site suitable for a large-growing tree; usually 8+ feet growing space is a minimum requirement to allow for the tree to grow into its mature form.
To maximize plantable space, large-growing trees should be planted an average of 40 feet apart.
The City must determine which tree species will be planted in each vacant site. The suggested species list .1)
considers maintenance recommendations, adaptability to specific planting site variables, mature size, and
suitability to the restrictive conditions of the urban environment, among others. Careful planning is necessary to .. .
introduce a good level of variety into the street tree population. , �•.�:,. , .,
e •, 'r4
Tree Species Diversity . ' '..A
+ R `
Tree plantings add greatly to the aesthetic appeal of neighborhoods. However, achieving a high species :. ,, .,: ter v°�'
diversity in new plantings should be a high priority for Elgin. As stated previously, Norway maple accounts for t , '.�!' f'�`F • -
17.30 percent and green ash accounts for 13.31 percent of Elgin's total street tree population. The dangers
(diseases, insects, etc.) of planting monocultures have proven to be devastating throughout the United States. i • I 't
The goal here should be to increase species diversity throughout the City such that no one species represents
10 percent and that no one genus comprises more than 20 percent of the total public tree population. Il
Preference should be given to large trees that provide shade and are aesthetically pleasing whenever possible. ' . - , ' 1 _
Tree plantings in residential areas can be selected to match the existing types of trees growing on each street 4
(such as large-growing trees or ornamental tree species) or can be selected to develop a uniform look for aAffruptlir. ,
given street. To create unity, balance, and beauty on a street, it is advantageous to plant the same species or 1 '
species of similar form and size on both sides of the street, if possible. Keep overall species diversity in mind .
when developing any type of tree planting design, meaning a single street can have all of one type of tree • " .i
species planting but not an entire neighborhood. Often, in older neighborhoods and main thoroughfares, one .
side of the street has utility lines, which precludes the use of large trees. The primary aesthetic role that street , • 1.* . .
tree plantings can play is to visually link individual homes and businesses into a unified scene. It is this unified „ . -I * -t :, • : . ... . ,
quality that makes older neighborhoods and business developments with large, mature trees so attractive in . .
many communities. Either formal or informal planting schemes are appropriate. In most instances, medium- or
large-growing trees, spaced so that their canopies overlap, are desirable. As always, a Public Tree Planting • re
Program must have the objective of species diversity in mind at all times.
Tree Selection
Elgin is in Zone 5 of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hardiness Zone Map, which identifies the climatic region where the average annual
minimum temperature is between -10° and -20° F. All tree species selected for planting in the City should be appropriate for this zone and in areas suitable for tree
planting within the existing public right-of-way or park/public place as defined by the City.
Davey Resource Group 42 June, 2011
11111111111*
•
•
In addition to considering site characteristics, such as the availability of space, soil pH, and irrigation, species-specific features must also be evaluated. A major
consideration for street trees is the amount of litter dropped by mature trees. Species such as willow (Salix spp.) have weak wood and typically drop many small
branches during a growing season. Others, such as American sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), drop high volumes of syncarps (fruits). In certain species, such
as ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) and osage-orange (Maclura pomifera), female trees produce offensive/large fruit; male trees, however, produce no fruit. Furthermore, a
few species of trees, including black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), and honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos), may have substantial
thorns. These species should be avoided in high-traffic areas.
Seasonal color should also be considered when planning tree plantings. Flowering varieties are particularly
welcome in the spring, and deciduous trees that display bright colors in autumn can add a great deal of interest
to surrounding landscapes.
Above all, tree species should be selected for their durability and low-maintenance characteristics. These -,
attributes are highly dependent on site characteristics as well as species characteristics. Matching a species to
its favored climatic and soil conditions is the most important task when planning for a low-maintenance
landscape, that is, "right tree, right location". Plants that are well matched to their environmental and site
conditions are much more likely to resist pathogens and insect pests and will, therefore, thrive and require less
maintenance overall.
Analysis ,
Calculating the number of street trees per capita is one important measure of tree stocking. With a current
street tree population of 36,158 and assuming a human population of 110,000, Elgin's number of street trees
per capita is 0.33, approximately 1 tree for every 3 people. If Elgin were to reach 100 percent stocking level,
there would be 48,260 street trees within the City, which improves street trees per capita to nearly 1 tree for
every 2 people (0.44). Currently, the City is at a 75 percent stocking level, which is typical for a community
Elgin's size and presents an opportunity for improvement.
Stocking is a traditional forestry term for measuring the density and distribution of trees. Davey generally
recommends that the urban forest should be at least 90 percent stocked so that no more than 10 percent of the
existing planting sites remain vacant. The City of Elgin should make every effort to budget for tree planting in
the future so that it may reach the recommended stocking goal. For Elgin to reach the recommended 90 percent
stocking level, the City needs to plant 9,364 trees; this figure includes the 2,160 trees recommended for
•
removal.
Norway maples comprise approximately 14 percent of all the trees in Elgin. Put another way, approximately 1 of every 7 public trees in Elgin is a Norway maple.
Low diversity portends vulnerability to future pests that may threaten Elgin's urban forest.
Davey Resource Group 43 June, 2011
7. •
The benefits of planting a tree greatly outweigh the costs associated with planting and maintaining a tree. Table 9 shows the additional annual benefits Elgin could
expect to achieve if all 12,102 sites were planted with a tree. The costs for planting and maintaining these trees over a 40-year period are included to illustrate that
the benefits prevail over the yearly costs. It is estimated that the City will receive an additional $1,147,632.60 in annual benefits if all 12,102 sites were planted with
trees. Taking into consideration the 40-year average annual maintenance costs of$447,652.98, this results in a net benefit (benefits minus costs) of$699,979.70.
The annual costs include the initial costs of planting and yearly maintenance costs. Costs were derived assuming large statue trees would be planted. Annual
benefits were determined using i-Tree Streets Benefit Calculation. Also shown are the annual benefits and costs associated with replacing all ash trees, as well as
planting numbers that follows the recommendations of Elgin's Public Tree Management Plan.
Table 9. Annual Costs and Benefits for Large Trees
Annual Costs
Annual
Number of Trees Planted 40-Year
Benefits Year 5* Year 10 Year 20 Year 40 Average
12,102 Trees
(available planting spaces based on $1,147,632.60 $681,221.00 $356,403.00 $434,098.00 $440,996.00 $447,652.98
Elgin's Public Tree Inventory)
6,789 Trees
(Replacement of all ash trees) $670,195.80 $382,152.00 $199,936.00 $243,251.00 $247,391.00 $251,125.11
750 Trees
(as recommended by Elgin's Public $71,122.50 $42,217.00 $22,087.00 $26,902.00 $27,330.00 $27,742.50
Tree Management Plan)
Source: USDA Midwest Community Tree Guide
`Although tree and planting costs occur in year 1,this value is divided by 5 years to derive an average annual cost for the first 5-year period.
Davey Resource Group 44 June, 2011
The City of Elgin has developed a Recommended Species List for each of the five ECN Districts. This list is categorized by tree size. It is recommended that
whenever possible, a large tree be planted. The larger the tree, the larger the canopy and the greater the benefits provided to the City. Elgin's Recommended
Species List is included in Appendix A.
The objective of Elgin's Public Tree Planting Program is to fill all available planting sites in addition to fulfilling resident requests for trees. There are two ways for
residents to participate in this program: residents may request a new tree be planted by the City, or they may purchase and plant one.
The City has developed Tree Planting Packets that include a description of this program—Tree Bank Planting Request & Tree Selection Form, New Tree Care
factsheet, and Recommended Species List. The City has created Tree Planting Packets for all of the five ECN Districts. An example is included in Appendix B.
Each packet contains an individualized Recommended Species List for each ECN District. These species lists were developed to ensure species diversity within
each ECN District and the overall City.
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Davey Resource Group 45 June, 2011
t;.# - — — ,..„
Recommendations
The City should optimize all available planting sites and plant large-growing trees where possible to increase ��
the number of trees per capita and attain a goal of a one-to-one ratio. In the event that overhead utility wires t t
are present, only small-growing trees should be planted. The City should consider a plan to grow from its r��.
current 75 percent stocking level and 1:3 street trees per capita ratio. This would entail a planned program of i '�•1 {
annual tree plantings aimed at filling the amount of vacant street tree planting sites and the replacement of 1. i t4 z
removed trees, and would involve plantings beyond those requested by homeowners. Annual planting projects '
should be planned throughout Elgin with specific goals in mind, such as improving species diversity, increasing 4„.,;
overall canopy cover, and achieving a 90 percent stocking level.
y ,, w '
y p
For Elgin to reach the recommended 90 percent stocking level, the City needs to plant 9,364 trees; this figure Al'. "h
includes the 2,160 trees recommended for removal during the first 3 years of the 7-year budget. It is %I. - %.„. ,.
recommended that the City replace as many existing currently recommended for removal as is feasible. The ! r ' +
`G
7-year budget in Appendix C accounts for the replacement of existing trees removed during risk tree
maintenance activities during the first 3 years. Beginning in Year 4, a vacant site planting goal of 750 trees per
year would be approximately 20 percent of the projected routine maintenance budget estimate. If Elgin were to '
plant 750 trees per year, it would take approximately 13 years to reach 90 percent stocking levels. The number -
of trees that should be removed due to natural mortality is not figured into this estimate. Using the estimate of � "" t.'V
$210 to purchase and plant a tree, Elgin could expect to spend $1,966,440 to reach a stocking level of 90 :, ..i4+".
percent in the inventoried area. 04 .:•--s•�.a
Gr
Specific recommendations to increase tree planting and species diversity include the following: •• `I II . . •
4
$ The City should continue to utilize the Tree Planting Packets and consider implementing other public
outreach and educational programs that encourage planting trees on private property. \
0 Systematic plantings should occur within areas designated as lacking tree canopy. It is further �.c •
recommended that the City implement an "assigned species street list" that allows for species diversity on the street. This approach will create some
degree of uniformity to create visual continuity on the street and facilitate future maintenance.
0 The Recommended Tree List for Elgin should be updated periodically as new information on tree species and cultivars and suitability for planting in urban
settings becomes available.
* Replanting after removal should take place within a year if replacement is warranted.
Davey Resource Group 46 June, 2011
!t Always consider the right tree for the right place. Species should be used that are tolerant of site •
- -
conditions, have few management problems, and meet functional and aesthetic needs
Open planting sites in areas with little or no shade shall be given priority over shaded streets.
Where feasible, pavement should be removed to make spaces for trees in areas lacking shade. . t.; -
is On main thoroughfares, large trees maturing at a height greater than 30' should be planted in all `
sites unless there are primary electric lines overhead. Where primary wires are present, trees .,� )
maturing at a height of 30' or less should be planted. Plantings should be focused on main
thoroughfares and entrances to the community and should be planted in such a way as to create A'`
visual compatibility among trees. ''•j�
•
ke If a property owner doesn't want a tree in front of their property, an effort should be made to ,-
change their opinion if the site is a high-priority spot. However, if this education fails, the tree
should not be planted and the site revisited at a later date.
!it Develop a program to distribute small, bare-root trees to property and landowners. The City could provide free tree seedlings to citizens for planting on
private property. Seedlings can be prepared by City staff and volunteers and distributed at special events and through schools and libraries. The City could
also negotiate a reduced, bulk, or wholesale price at one or more nurseries for Elgin residents to purchase trees. The City could also partner with
community groups (Izaac Walton League of America, Boy Scouts of America, etc.) to help promote and distribute tree seedlings as part of the City's
ongoing Fit Forest Campaign.
Davey Resource Group 47 June, 2011
... .1-111111111111111111
Tree Maintenance and Managing Risk
Elgin's Public Tree Management Plan was completed to provide a seven-year plan of action for the inventoried ' ‘11-
tree
1'tree population of Elgin. The City commissioned a study of its public tree population to inventory and evaluate the
current condition of its trees. The inventory draws attention to immediate problems and provides the basis for ;, er'-
designing a long-term management plan. The management plan, in turn, provides guidelines for the future,
allows for more effective use of tree care funds, and allows for more accurate budget projections.
Elgin's Public Tree Management Plan provides a comprehensive action plan for Elgin's inventoried public tree • .:.• ' 9'
•
population. This plan includes an analysis of the current inventoried tree population, their individual maintenance �'�'+
recommendations, as well as long-range management recommendations for the entire population. Specific • `"•:, -
elements of the Public Tree Management Plan include: r•..
A summary and analysis of the tree inventory. ' n--- tt ! '
A description of the species composition. . •
A discussion of the general condition of the inventoried trees.., • �i r: • ' `.
Recommendations for specific maintenance needs for each tree. This concerns pruning or removals to
reduce potential safety risks, as well as developing cyclical pruning programs.
t& A seven-year budget for the public tree management program.
The City of Elgin has the responsibility to create and maintain a safe and useful urban forest for its residents. Public trees will vary from low- to severe-risk and may require
attention immediately or in the near future.The threshold of risk acceptable to Elgin is dependent on its policies and objectives currently in place.The processes in which risk is
determined,the current risk levels in Elgin,and a plan of action to reduce risk will all be revealed.
By their very nature, all urban trees have the potential to fail. In order for a tree to be associated with risk, the tree must have a target and the potential to cause damage or
injury. People or properties that may incur damage, in proximity to a tree in risk of failure, are considered targets. Busy, downtown business districts and schoolyard
playgrounds present a greater risk potential than the center of a wooded area in a park due to the increased frequency of targets.
Risk reduction in the urban forest is not a one-time task. As trees incur storm damage, become impacted by human interference or decline from natural causes, levels of risk
change. Once preventative maintenance is done and risk has been reduced, it is important for managers to realize that tree associated risk will never get lower than it was
when the last maintenance cut was made. From that point on, the tree will either maintain the newly assigned risk rating, or the risk will increase as time goes on. In order to
keep tree associated risk low, it is important for the City of Elgin to promote proper tree maintenance on timely cycles.
During the risk reduction process, trees with the highest associated risk rating should be managed before trees with lower ratings. All maintenance requirements on Severe-
Risk and High-Risk trees should be addressed before moving to the Moderate-and Low-Risk maintenance needs. Upon completion of these maintenance recommendations,
the risk associated with Elgin's urban forest will be greatly reduced. While mitigating risk in a tree by removing dead or structurally defective components, it is important to
perform routine maintenance pruning to encourage suitable form and reduce the chance for elevated risk situations in the future.
Davey Resource Group 48 June, 2011
# r....e,
To assign a meaningful and consistent value to each tree assessed, Davey used a protocol based on the USDA Forest Service Community Tree Risk Rating
System. The protocol assessed visible risk for each tree based on observations about the size of the defective part, probability of failure, probability of target
impact, and other risk factors innate to the tree species (crotch angles, structure, etc.). All Risk Rating determinations were made by Davey Resource Group's
urban foresters using ground level inspections. In this plan, the overall Risk Rating of each tree was calculated based on the following formula:
Risk Rating (3-10 total points) = probability of failure (1-4 points) + size of
defective part (1-3 points) + probability of target impact (1-3 points) + optional
subjective risk rating (0-2 points)
The following Risk Ratings were assigned:
. None. Used for planting and stump sites only(Risk Rating 0).
a. ,
4 Low. Trees designated as Low (Risk Rating 3 or 4) have minor visible structural defects or , ,a ' . '
wounds in areas with moderate to low public access. t { �
0 Moderate. Trees described as Moderate (Risk Rating 5 or 6) have defects that may be cost- . ' "'
effectively or practically treated. The majority of trees in this category exhibit several moderate .• ,,,Y y 1 "" ' r
defects affecting <40 percent of a tree's trunk, crown, or critical root zone. . ` .,►
t4 High. Trees designated as High (Risk Rating 7 or 8) have defects that cannot be cost-effectively ' k, .+"I'' f" �`
`c '1 •
or practically treated. The majority of the trees in this category have multiple or significant defects " ' t r` R''
affecting >40 percent of the trunk, crown, or critical root zone. Defective trees and/or tree parts i" (it' •
are most likely between 4-20 inches in diameter and can be found in areas of frequent �,t u� -
r,,�
occupation, such as a main thoroughfare, congested streets, and/or near schools. ,,,-4114 r r.
r
t& Severe. Trees described as Severe (Risk Rating 9 or 10) have defects that cannot be cost-
effectively or practically treated. The majority of the trees in this category have multiple and significant defects present in the trunk, crown, or critical root
zone. Defective trees and/or tree parts are most likely larger than 20 inches in diameter and can be found in areas of frequent occupation, such as a main
thoroughfare, congested streets, and/or near schools.
Davey Resource Group 49 June, 2011
Results
The majority of Elgin's inventoried tree population is in the Low- to Moderate-Risk category.
Managing risk is challenging and it requires full community support, funding, and an organized ix
method for monitoring and maintenance. Figure 9 shows the number of inventoried trees in each risk
rating category in Elgin. In December, 2009, at the time of the inventory, the majority of the trees
were evaluated as posing Low- or Moderate-Risk, with 29,936 rated Low-Risk, 15,045 rated ■Low(3 or 4)
Moderate-Risk,4,150 rated High-Risk, and 452 rated Severe-Risk. ■medium(s of 6)
Elgin Community Network Districts High(7 or s)
The City is divided into five Elgin Community Network (ECN) Districts: Downtown, Northeast Area, ■severe{9orio)
Northwest Area, Southeast Area, and Southwest Area. The highest canopy cover is found within the
Northeast Area. The southeast district contains the highest number of Severe- and High-Risk trees.
Table 10 shows the number of risk trees for each ECN District and Figure 10 depicts the comparison
of risk tree located within each ECN District.
Southeast District Figure 9. Total Trees by Risk Category
There were 11,923 trees inventoried in the Southeast District. The Southeast district has the greatest frequency of high- and severe-risk removal and pruning
requirements of the five ECN Districts with 1,366. There are a few factors that contribute to the above average frequency of high- and severe-risk trees in this district.
Bluff City Cemetery is located in this district, and there are 328 High- and Severe-Risk trees within the Cemetery, which is about 24 percent of all the High- and
Severe-Risk trees in the Southeast district. Another factor is that approximately 6 percent of the inventoried trees have a Frequent Probability of Target Impact, which
is the highest of all the other districts other than the Downtown District. Trees with a Frequent Probability of Target Impact are considered to be a higher risk and are
inherently associated with a higher risk rating.
Table 10. Risk Trees by Elgin Community Network District
ECN % Canopy #of Public #of Trees Rated as High % High- and Severe-Risk
District Cover Trees and Severe Risk Trees per ECN District
SE 19% 11,923 1,409 11.82%
SW 10% 16,889 929 5.43%
Downtown 7% 1,178 38 3.23%
NE 27% 7,962 1,134 14.24%
NW 21% 11,631 1,092 9.39%
TOTAL 16% 49,583 4,602 9.28%
Davey Resource Group 50 June, 2011
,,f
Southwest District
There were 16,889 trees inventoried in the Southwest District. Elgin Community Network(ECN) Districts City Boundary
The Southwest District has highest number of inventoried Severe and High Risk Trees
trees, but has the a relatively low percentage of High- and ;
Severe-Risk trees, with only 5.43 percent. This district has the ,Cee ,
%highest amount of Low-Risk trees, 12,483, out of the 5 districts. "' - _ ",J�
The reason for having such a high amount of Low-Risk trees is 1. +�
that over 62 percent of the trees in this district have a DBH of 6
inches or lower. A large portion of the Southwest District is new
housing developments where there is an elevated
concentration of newly planted trees.. _
at' Illihill,11114Illi ' q
Downtown District
There were 1,178 trees inventoried in the Downtown district. "°nneasrDistnd
The Downtown District has the lowest amount of High-, and 14.24%
Severe-Risk trees, with only 38 trees, which is about 3.23 Northwest Distract
percent of the tree population in this district. Although the s 3 °
Downtown District has the highest percentage of trees with Downtown
3.23%
Frequent Target Impact, 29.37 percent, it still has the lowest
percentage of High- and Severe-Risk trees. This is due to the Southeast District
fact that over 65 percent of the trees are young trees that have 11.82%
Southwest District
a DBH of 6 inches or below, which is a reflection of why nearly
5.5%
half, 44.57 percent, of the trees were recommended for a
Young Tree Train in the Downtown District. 111
Northwest District C.. Number of Severe
and High Risk Trees
There were 11,631 trees inventoried in the Northwest District.
The Northwest Districts' tree population numbers fall in the , 1 1000 - 1409
middle of the pack compared to the other five districts. The �" 1 500-999
majority of trees (58.35%) in this district are medium aged 0 o, 1 ; 0—499 Elgin City Boundary
(DBH of 7 to 24 inches). Also, over 63 percent of these trees , " '
have a condition rating of Fair. Figure 10. Severe-and High-Risk Trees Located in Elgin Community Network Districts
Davey Resource Group 51 June, 2011
# ;
Northeast District
There were 7,962 trees inventoried in the Northwest District. The Northeast District has the highest percentage of High- and Severe-Risk removals and prunes
with 14.24 percent. Over 20 percent of the tree population in this district has a DBH of 25 inches or greater and nearly 20 percent of the population has a condition
rating of Poor, Critical, or Dead. According to Elgin's Forestry staff, portions of this district have never received any block side pruning, which could attribute to the
high percentage of High- and Severe-Risk pruning and removal maintenance recommendations.
Analysis Table 11. Prescribed Maintenance by Risk Category
Managing Severe-Risk tree removals should be Risk Rating
the first step in mitigating public tree associated
risk. There are three main reasons why Low-Risk Moderate-Risk High-Risk Severe-
elevated-risk trees should be removed: (1) to Risk
reduce risks to persons and/or property; (2) to Suggested
eliminate breeding sites for insects and Maintenance 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Totals
diseases; and (3) for aesthetic reasons. A Removal 172 368 392 761 792 575 311 70 3,441
Severe-Risk tree is determined by having a risk
rating of 9 or 10. Large Tree Clean 2,575 11,093 6,170 5,203 1,957 494 64 El 24,982
Small Tree Clean 898 676 310 111 13 4 1 0 2,013
The prescribed maintenance by risk category in Young Tree Train 3,748 9,801 1,066 66 5 0 0 0 14,686
Elgin is shown in Table 11. The recommended
actions related to High- and Severe-Risk trees Natural Area
are outlined in red. Currently, there are 381 Maintenance 265 340 486 480 237 73 5 0 1,886
(0.77%) trees in Elgin that have been Totals 5,083 22,278 8,424 6,621 3,004 1,146 381 71 47,008
categorized as Severe-Risk Tree Removals.
These trees have elevated levels of risk due to either the size of the defect, the probability of failure, or the location of the tree in relation to its surroundings, or a
combination of all three of these factors. The majority of these trees are Norway maple and green ash. The prompt removal of these trees is strongly
recommended to reduce liability and maintain public safety.
There are 1,367 (2.75%) trees recommended as High-Risk tree removals. The majority of these trees are Norway maple and green ash. The prompt removal of
these trees is strongly recommended to reduce liability and maintain public safety. Routine Pruning is an activity that should take place on a cyclical basis for the
entire tree population once all Severe-, High-, and Moderate-Risk removal and pruning activities have been completed. This activity is extremely beneficial for the
overall health and longevity of trees. Through routine pruning, potentially serious problems can be avoided since the trees can be closely inspected during these
pruning cycles. Proper decisions can be made about declining trees and any trees that are becoming potential elevated risks can be managed appropriately before
any serious incidents occur.
Davey Resource Group 52 June, 2011
Currently, 14,686 (29.62%) trees in the inventoried public tree population have been
recommended for Young Tree Training. Therefore, the City would benefit greatly from the
implementation of a small-tree trimming operation. Young Tree Training is a relatively -
inexpensive operation since the trees can be pruned from the ground with minimal staff and
equipment expenditures. Young Tree Training will ensure that newly planted and immature r-r%n
trees have a strong central leader and good form as they mature. A Young Tree Training
Pruning Program (please see this section in Chapter 3 for more information) would enable , •
1,1
actions that would be extremely beneficial for the overall health and quality of Elgin's public -
trees and will protect its investment in new planting stock. • .s
r ! 1
The first priority in maintaining Elgin's urban forest is to abate or mitigate all of the Severe- or ` :. b
High-Risk trees identified during the inventory. Understanding the risk rating system will •, ..� 0
allow staff to accurately determine and analyze acceptable and unacceptable amounts of i
risk. Now that Elgin has a risk rating system in place, it can be used to make important ,10) .. . ; ".k �)
budgetary decisions. Making removal and maintenance decisions based on risk enables City ! 11 -
managers to more efficiently use available funds. The use of these funds can be focused on
the highest risk situations, effectively obtaining the highest gain in overall safety for the _ J__• .�. !w_, li
citizens of Elgin.
Every city is different in how it manages risk. Budgetary constraints, citizen acceptance, and local weather patterns are just some of the factors that enable city
managers to accept certain levels of risk. Furthermore, each specific situation may warrant a different level of risk acceptance. The managers of the City of Elgin
need to agree on their own acceptable levels of risk and manage the urban forest within those levels. Once maintenance of the urban forest is driven by this risk
rating system, managers can then demonstrate that they are acting properly to protect public safety. It can then be shown that a widely accepted industry-standard
approach was used to prioritize the maintenance of all City trees and that tax-payer money was used efficiently to do so.
Table 12 is a summary of the Seven-Year Urban Forestry Management Program and illustrates specific management recommendations and the periods of
accomplishments for the Seven-Year Plan. The complete Seven-Year Urban Forestry Management Program which includes budget estimates and specific
accounts of maintenance activities is included in Elgin's Public Tree Management Plan. Also included is the recommendations related EAB as proposed in Elgin's
Invasive Species Readiness Plan. The costs associated with treating ash trees is based on the most reliable method of treatment and estimated per DBH. The
costs associated with fighting EAB are expected to increase as new ash trees are positively identified through the yearly windshield survey.
Davey Resource Group 53 lune, 2011
t
# . .
i P-
ARRA funding has allowed Elgin to accomplish significant progress on Years 1 and 2 of the Seven-Year Urban • - i="..." '
Forestry Management Program. The Davey Tree Expert Company has completed 803 removals and 70 prunes `-' _+ \
on Severe- and High-Risk trees, and planted 1,104 trees. This is in addition to the risk reduction removals and r
prunes performed by Elgin City crews as part of their normal operating procedures. -
In review of the estimated costs for Elgin's Seven Year Urban Forestry Management Program included in the y
r
Appendix C, ARRA funding has provided $1,144,104.70 or almost one-third of the $3,647,591 estimated costs
for Years 1 and 2. v' • r '' i;
. All
ril
!i►.A
` ��
) 1 - i tt _ - 1
. .4 iy
J • ‘
...
f 1 ,
, , - ._ _ _,
-
- 5 ,17,‘
Davey Resource Group 54 June, 2011
r'
Table 12. Summary of Seven-Year Urban Forestry Management Program
Year 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Severe-and High-Risk Rating
1,293 2,989
Removals and Prunes
Moderate-Risk Rating Removals 167 986 ----
Recommendations Low Risk Rating and Stump Removals 691 ----
Based on Tree Large and Small Tree Cleans(7-year cycle) 4,224 4,224 4,224 4,224 4,224 4,224 4,224
Inventory Data Young Tree Training Program(3-year cycle) 4,895 4,895 4,895 4,895 4,895 4,895 4,895
Replacement Tree Planting 1,281 388 1,526 ----
Vacant Site Tree Planting --- 750 750 750 750
Estimated Activity Total $1,993,903 $1,653,688 $1,281,992 $848,708 $848,708 $848,708 $848,708
Ash Tree Removals 1,189 . -----
Ash Tree Treatment(Low-Moderate Probability) 3,087 3,08 . _ ,087a .iiih111 3,087 Ilimwol
EAB Ash Tree Treatment(High Probability) 1,365 1,365 1,365 1,365 1,365 1,365 NMI
Recommendations m $353,133 If $352,836 V l
Estimated Activity Total Costs will be variable as they are based on treatment type selected. Costs are also
..,- expected to rise yearly as new ash trees are positively identified.
Tree Inspections Annual Windshield Survey for Severe-and High-Risk Trees,a Monitor all Ash Trees for EAB
Ongoing Tree
New Removals and Prunes Number to be Determined Based on Windshield Survey
Inspections Replacement Tree Planting resulting from Number to be Determined Based on Removals
Leading to New Additional Removals
Tree Work Plant Health Care Prescriptions Based on Identified Needs,and Amount and Type to be Determined Based on
Windshield Surve
Estimated Activity Total Costs will be variable as they are based on results of Windshield Survey
Inventory Update(Weekly) 400 hours 400 hours 400 hours 400 hours 400 hours 400 hours 400 hours
Track and Document Work Performed and 200 hours 200 hours 200 hours 200 hours 200 hours 200 hours 200 hours
Corn•are to Annual Goals Weekl
Inventory and Plan
Complete Inventory Update of All Trees ------
Updates
Complete Public Tree Management Plan
U•• to $10,000
Estimated Activity Total $18,000 $18,000 $18,000 $18,000 $18,000 $18,000 $278,000
TOTAL ESTIMATED YEARLY ACTIVITY TOTALS $2,011.303, $1.671,688 $1.299.992 $866,708 $866.708 $866.708 1,144.708
Davey Resource Group 55 June, 2011
# '',:.„;
There is a standard process in which tree pruning and removals will take place during the risk _
t.
•
reduction period. ('( 7 -'N‘11'•
e �•" �.i
Step I '.4•'" ;z, I. ,-'
The public outreach campaign is the first of four steps in the risk reduction process. This public .:. t ,•�' ''� .
outreach campaign allows residents to gain information about the reasons the work will be done, .:ew
how it will affect their property and neighborhood, what work will actually occur and when, and ; j
• ,
what the next steps are. This information can be delivered to the citizens through different I ' 4iri
avenues such as door hangers, announcements on the City's website, orpublic presentations. ' 6
9 Yby } .;� , AC
• ,.� /
,., r
.)tep 7 1 .1 1 V / fw' ' '
The public tree inventory is used to determine the location of all Severe- and High-Risk trees. .� f 3's _ " ' fr
Before any work is done on these trees, they are re-inspected by a certified arborist, to verify the t•'yt 1` ., . -p • • I
risk potential of the tree, and verify the recommended maintenance of the tree. �it
Step 3
After re-inspection takes place, and a tree is still determined to be a High- or Severe-Risk removal or prune, the adjacent property owner is then informed of the
work being performed. Elgin informs property owners by using a door hanger. The door hanger shows what work will be performed on the trees and when the work
will be performed. There is also contact information on the door hanger if the property owner has any questions about the work being performed. A period of two
weeks will be allowed for property owner inquiries before the tree work will be performed. Also, the trees being removed will be marked with a small white dot,
spray painted at the base of the tree on the back side of the tree from the road.
Step-1
Once the trees have been marked, the property owners have been informed, and the two-week inquiry time has passed, the risk reduction work will be performed.
The risk reduction work will be performed by districts based on their priority.
Keep in mind that it is impossible to maintain an urban forest entirely free of risk. Trees fail, branches fall, and diseases break out. We still live in a naturally
imperfect world. The goal of a risk rating system is to increase public safety by identifying structural defects before a tree fails and causes damage. Trees that
present an unacceptable amount of risk should be removed, thus reducing the overall risk of the urban forest and increasing safety City-wide for the staff and
citizens of Elgin.
Davey Resource Group 56 June, 2011
Recommendations
Elgin should implement a seven-year Urban Forestry Management Program, concentrating on reducing the potential risks identified in the inventory. This means
addressing all trees identified as requiring Severe- and High-Risk Removal and Severe- and High-Risk Prune. The Plan is designed to alleviate the severe, high,
and most moderate risk rating maintenance activities during Years One and Two and begin cyclic, routine tree maintenance and young tree training in Years Two
and Three. Tree planting should be done to mitigate removals and maintain canopy cover; tree planting should be done annually.
The implementation of this urban forest management plan is an ongoing process. To accomplish this seven-year plan, work must be done every year, every month
of the year, and possibly every day of the month. Tree work must be planned, budgeted for, and completed. Fortunately, not all activities included in this Plan
require a saw or shovel. Tree inspections, inventory database updates, and plan measurement are important activities that don't require a tree crew or a huge
budget,just time, expertise, and dedication.
Tree maintenance and risk management recommendations can be summarized as follows:
0 Implement a Seven-Year Urban Forestry Management Program.
• Work toward completing the recommended tasks as outlined in the Seven-Year Urban
Forestry Management Program.
`
t' Tree staking and guying should be used only where tree size and location warrant it, and Y•:� M ,,411.11
then removed when no longer necessary.
0 Older trees of weak-wooded species should be inspected annually.
0 Trees shall be removed on the basis of safety first and foremost. Hazardous trees shall be
the highest priority. -
ti' Dead trees, trees with greater than 50 percent of the crown dead, or those that are a1� 4.
significant nuisance.
O If the tree is not an imminent hazard, notice of its removal should be given at least 2 weeks before removal. The property in front of and adjacent to the
tree and the tree itself should be posted.
O Every effort shall be made to explain the need for a tree's removal when questioned by the property owner or neighbors.
O Watering of new trees and pruning of trees of all ages are the two highest-priority maintenance activities.
0 Pruning shall take place in accordance with the priorities identified by the tree inventory or through observation by the City Forester and crew. Every
attempt shall be made to correct hazardous conditions first.
Davey Resource Group 57 June, 2011
Invasive Species Readiness
The National Invasive Species Council defines an invasive species as, "A species that is not native to the
ecosystem under consideration whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or The City of Elgin is taking a proactive
harm to human health". Invasive species can be plants, animals, insects, or diseases that are non-native and are approach by removing and replacing
typically imported or released accidentally from other regions of the world. In their native lands,these species often trees and treating a portion of the ash
have natural predators and other controls to keep populations and ecosystem damage at low, manageable levels.
However, when introduced here without natural checks and balances, their populations increase dramatically and trees under the jurisdiction of the City.
they can severely affect trees and ecosystems.
Our global economy and increased trade has set the stage for an increasing number of threats each year as more and more goods are shipped to the United States from
overseas. Given the proximity to Chicago and Lake Michigan,the City of Elgin is located very near active national and international shipping routes and facilities.This includes
packaged goods delivered and distributed via seafaring vessels, railroads, and interstate and international trucking. The threat is high that more and new invasive species
could be introduced to the region in the future.
Invasive species are a severe threat to Elgin's environment, economy,and quality _
of life. These invaders can produce serious, often irreversible impacts in the . , ,
urban forest. Often, they attack and kill not just a single species of tree, but entire r
genera such as ash (Fraxinus) in the case of Emerald ash borer, and elms -
(Ulmus) in the case of Dutch elm disease. While the aggressiveness will vary, -
many of these pests have the potential to severely diminish or eliminate a
particular genus over time. "" • -
Generally, resources are limited to adequately identify, protect, control, or
eradicate invasive species in the urban forest. Strategic planning is the best way
for a city to efficiently utilize limited resources. Pests with the highest potential for _
impact should be assigned more resources and prioritized for action.
Elgin's Invasive Species Readiness Plan discusses the current threat of invasive
species, present related issues, and make recommendations to protect Elgin's
urban forest. This section of the Master Plan will provide a summary of the
Invasive Species Readiness Plan including the results, analysis, and
recommendations. . ' \ ' 'kV 4440
Ash tree treatment recommendations and protocals developed as part of the >`
Elgin's Invasive Species Readiness Plan in included in Appendix D. .
Made from Reclaimed Ash
Davey Resource Group 58 June, 2011
Results
While there are numerous invasive pests and diseases that are threats, this plan focuses on those that
are considered a priority for Elgin at this time. Since Emerald ash borer (EAB) currently poses a serious
threat to a significant portion of the City's urban forest population, a more detailed description and
recommendations for managing this pest is discussed in this Plan. The following invasive pests and
Y •,
diseases were identified as a priority for Elgin: •
•
kg Emerald ash borer—EAB (Agrilus planipennis)
* Asian longhorned beetle—ALB (Anoplophora glabripennis) ..
* Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) t5w ,
Dutch elm disease—DED (Ophiostoma novo-ulmi) � ' 11•„�
O Oak wilt(Ceratocystis fagacearum) • " -s .Ar �` t
In addition to the pests that currently threaten Elgin's urban forest, other exotic and invasive pests are "on ,,
the horizon" and being watched closely by federal agencies. While the following three insect and disease w
A .
threats are not currently found in Illinois, they represent potential significant problems in the urban forest - •
and already have large amounts of federal and state agency resources dedicated to monitoring and � r' ,
•
preventing their spread: •
O Sudden oak death 11"116'
O Thousand cankers disease " -- _
• Sirex woodwasp
Emerald Ash Borer
There are 6,789 (13.69%) ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) in the public tree population. The recent inventory of
all public trees within the City found 179 (0.36%) ash trees that were positively identified to have EAB, and 176 (0.35%) ash trees that were observed to have
some sort of pest problem, which may be attributed to EAB. There are several options available to prevent EAB and research has shown treatments can be
successful for individual trees. However, it is important to know that chemical treatments of individual trees will have to be applied annually (some treatments are
effective for two or more years)and the costs involved could exceed the costs of simply removing and replacing the tree.
Elgin is currently located within an Emerald Ash Borer quarantine area established by the Illinois Department of Agriculture (www.illinoiseab.com). The quarantine
is intended to prevent the rapid and artificial spread of the beetle through the movement of infested wood and nursery stock through human activities. Due to the
confirmed presence of EAB in Elgin, an Invasive Species Readiness Plan was developed to assist in making critical management decisions concerning ash trees.
Implementation of the recommendations proposed in the Invasive Species Readiness Plan began in 2010.
Davey Resource Group 59 June, 2011
# ---'""NlIllIllIll.II
Asian Longhorned Beetle
The Asian longhorned beetle is a threat to 27,564 trees or over 50 percent of Elgin's public tree population. 1 ►+ '1.
Genera that are susceptible include maple (Acer), oak (Quercus), buckeye (Aesculus), birch (Betula), willows Y .
(Salix), elm (Ulmus), katsura (Cercidiphyllum), ash (Fraxinus), sycamore (Platanus), popular (Populus), and ' ' , ''1
hackberry(Celtis). \
' �; ' f . .. .:.
The discovery of ALB in Chicago and its eventual control is considered one of the success stories in urbant
forestry. After the discovery of ALB in 1998, an extensive program was created that involved the cooperation of \ ','/N '-• a A
federal, state, county, municipal governments, and the involvement of neighborhood groups, arborists, urban I ' !', •/ 4,, ,` ! '�
foresters, and media. The program included the removal of infested trees beginning in 1999, chemical °! i y! j�,�lt/ ,
treatment of others, government imposed quarantines, and a large public relations effort. • / ,+, lit41 '�,\� i
4.41/ OW 4
Gypsy Moth — t, -, :, dig,
wif
1 A `.4, ', NV%
Gypsy moth is a highly destructive pest in urban and rural forests and has defoliated over 81 million acres of �,
1924. defoliationcan weaken trees and create stress that leads to tree decline and I
trees since Repeated deo ; �
death. Oaks are the preferred host for feeding caterpillars, but many hardwood species, and even conifers, are `!�'t V
susceptible. Genera that are susceptible include crabapple (Ma/us), basswood (Tilia), birch (Betula), spruce — , 44041"
(Picea), oak (Quercus), poplar (Populus), willow (Salix), sweetgum (Liquidambar), alder (Alnus), hawthorn ;` �,I.
(Crataegus), and pine (Pinus). Up to 23 percent or 11,498 of Elgin's public tree population is susceptible to -- ,�
Gypsy Moth damage. Like EAB, there are Gypsy Moth quarantines in place that impact how materials from
Elgin are transported. NO ' ,/,,,
, ir :Iv;
Dutch Elm Disease 7 /hI
There are 2,336 elm trees at risk within Elgin's public tree population. The disease is caused by a fungus that
attacks the vascular system of elms, blocking the flow of water and nutrients, resulting in rapid leaf yellowing, tree decline, and death. There are two closely related
fungi that are collectively referred to as Dutch Elm Disease. The most common is Ophiostoma novo-ulmi, and is thought to be responsible for most of the elm
deaths since the 1970s.
Oak Wilt
This disease affects the oak genus (Quercus), and is most devastating to those in the red oak subgenus such as red oak (Quercus rubra), pin oak (Q. palustris),
shingle oak (Q. imbricaria), willow oak (Q. phellos), and scarlet oak (Q. coccinea). It also attacks trees in the white oak subgenus, although it is not as prevalent
and it spreads at a much slower pace in these trees. There are 4,466 oak trees at risk within Elgin's public tree population.
Davey Resource Group 60 June, 2011
# ,4:.
Potential Threats
Sudden Oak Death (SOD)
A recently identified disease is killing oaks in the western United States. Known as sudden oak death (Phytophthora ramorum) or SOD, it also infects the
rhododendron genus (Rhododendron). While the disease is currently found only in the western states, it has created a large amount of concern because of the
large percentage of susceptible oaks in forests and communities throughout the Midwest and eastern United States. There are 4,466 oak trees at risk within
Elgin's public tree population.
Thousand Canker Disease
Within the past decade, a complex of problems known as thousand canker disease has been killing black walnuts (Juglans nigra) in the western United States.
There are 724 walnut trees at risk within Elgin's public tree population. While landscape uses of walnut are limited, the tree has a large economic role in
midwestern U.S. forests.
Table 13. Threat of invasive Pests and Diseases to Elgin's
Sirex Woodwasp Public Tree Population
The Sirex woodwasp (Sirex noctilio) was first discovered in a woodland
setting in a mixed hardwood and pine stand in New York State in 2005. Preferred Host Genera in Percent of Number of
Pest or Disease Elgin's Public Tree Population Trees at
Its host in the United States is primarily pines and is lethal to Monterey Population at Risk Risk
pine (Pinus radiata) and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). There are 1,024
pine species at risk within Elgin's public tree population. Emerald ash borer Fraxinus 13.69 6,789
Acer, Aesculus, Betula,
Analysis Salix, Ulmus,
Asian longhorned , Fraxinus,Cercidi h llum
The five highlighted pests and three potential threats have the capacity beetle p y 55.59 27,564
to cause a large amount of tree mortality and reduce the overall health Platanus, Populus,
of Elgin's community forest (Table 13). The ability to identify, prevent, Sorbus, Celtis
and control invasive pests in Elgin will reduce the annual mortality of Quercus, Malus,
trees and will also help to maintain the health of remaining trees. Gypsy moth Liquidambar, Alnus, Ttlia, 22.94 11,498
Betula, Salix, Crataegus,
Elgin's community forest provides substantial benefits to its residents. Picea, Pinus, Populus
When invasive pests cause the decline in health, or the death, of Dutch elm disease Ulmus 4.71 2,336
significant numbers of trees, there is also a significant reduction in the
dollar value of the benefits those trees provide. The i-Tree Streets Oak wilt Quercus 9.00 4,466
analysis calculated the annual benefits provided by green ash (Fraxinus Sudden oak death Quercus 9.00 4,466
pennsylvanica) and white ash (Fraxinus americana) to be $670,196, or Thousand cankers
14 percent of the City's total tree benefits. If the predicted loss of ash disease Juglans 1.46 724
trees does indeed occur over the next several years, Elgin stands to
lose a significant portion of its total tree benefits. Sirex woodwasp Pinus 2.06 1,024
Davey Resource Group 61 June, 2011
Invasive pests typically select a particular species or genus as a primary host. If the pest is successful at eliminating the host, or significantly reducing its numbers,
the species diversity within an urban forest community can be drastically altered. Diversity is a key component in measuring the overall health of a community
forest. The recent inventory of public trees in Elgin reveals that 5,970 (16.51%) street trees are in the ash genus. An additional 819 ash trees were inventoried in
public parks. Losing an entire genus can provide opportunities for increasing diversity, but may actually reduce diversity if appropriate replacements are not made
that represent a wide array of new genus and species.
As ash trees begin to decline from EAB, or other species succumb to other invasive pests, the potential for trees that pose a high ,— -
level of risk will increase if they are not identified and removed quickly. In addition to the other problems associated with EAB and �-j' w;
other invasive pests, there will be considerable costs associated with removals and replanting. In Elgin, the long-term cost of EAB _
removals and replanting are estimated to be $4,733,965. This figure includes a cost of$2,018,365 (if all 6,789 trees are eventually .
removed) and $2,715,600 if all of these trees are replaced. Chemical treatment is a viable option to treat healthy ash trees. The
cost associated with treatment is seasonally dependent and based on the DBH of each tree.
r t
•
c 1z
Prior to EAB infestation, the average annual benefits ash trees
provided the City was $162,260.38, or 14 percent of the City's The relative size of an
total tree benefits. Emerald Ash Borer adult.
The loss of benefits due to the impact
of EAB on public trees is as follows:
Energy Savings: $162,260.38
Avoided and Sequestered Carbon Dioxide: $30,633.41
Air Quality Benefits: $36,942.16
Stormwater Runoff Reduction: $242,230.63
Aesthetics and other Benefits: $198,129.23
Davey Resource Group 62 June, 2011
Recommendations
The recently completed street and park tree inventory identified a total of 6,789 ash trees in Elgin. While there are pesticides currently labeled for use in preventing
infestation of EAB on individual trees, the costs of protecting all 6,789 ash trees with pesticides are high and some involve invasive injections into the tree's trunk.
Experts currently agree that developing a municipal program of EAB control based on pesticides alone may not be practical. Most communities are utilizing a
combination of an "ash reduction program", along with aggressive replacements with a diverse population of EAB-resistant tree species and a protocol of chemical
treatment of select ash trees.
"Programmed ash removals" include (in order of priority) dead ash trees, those currently infested with EAB, declining ash trees in poor condition, and small-
diameter ash trees. As these ash trees are being removed, medium- to large-sized healthy ash trees are chemically treated to resist EAB infestation. The intent of
treating this group of ash trees is, in effect, to delay the inevitable, and create a staggered impact of removals, rather than removing 6,789 ash trees within a two-
year period. It will also allow the environmental, economic, and aesthetic benefits of these larger ash trees to contribute to Elgin's quality of life. Eventually, these
trees, too, will need to be removed. Preserving them, for even a few years, increases the chance that a permanent control, chemical or biological, will be
developed. Ash trees may decline over a period of three to four years or more before dying from EAB. Current science supports conservation via treatment as a
sensible and effective tool for managing healthy ash trees in urban settings. In many cases, tree conservation is economically and environmentally superior to tree
removal. See the Coalition for Urban Ash Tree Conservation Emerald Ash Borer Management Statement included in Appendix E.
Davey Resource Group 63 June, 2011
The following recommendations should be implemented to protect Elgin's urban forest from current and future invasive and exotic pests:
i� Continue removals of ash trees designated as risk trees and replant a diverse species.
4 Adopt a policy to replace public ash trees at a 1:1 diameter at breast height(DBH) ratio to increase canopy cover.
Consider treatment of viable healthy ash trees.
!� While treating and focusing on the current known pests, the City of Elgin should also continue to monitor for invasive and exotic pests that have the
potential to impact other species. Diversifying Elgin's urban forest will help to combat the effects of new pests.
!� Support the Coalition for Urban Ash Tree Conservation's Emerald Ash Borer Management Statement and ash tree conservation.
Coalition for Urban Ash Tree Conservation
- Emerald Ash Borer Management Statement-
. www.emeraldashborer.info/files/conserve_ash.pdf
Signed: January 6, 2011
We, the undersigned, strongly endorse ash tree conservation as a
fundamental component of integrated programs to manage emerald ash
borer (EAB) in residential and municipal landscapes. Cost-effective,
environmentally sound EAB treatment protocols are now available that can
preserve ash trees through peak EAB outbreaks with healthy canopy
intact. Used in association with tree inventories and strategic removal/
replacement of unhealthy ash, tree conservation will help retain maximum
integrity and value of urban forests. This integrated approach to urban EAB
management is supported by university scientists with expertise in EAB
management, commercial arborists, municipal foresters, public works
officials, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Davey Resource Group 64 June, 2011
Urban Wood Utilization
Elgin currently has a steady stream of wood waste from public trees generated by such activities as ••
routine pruning, removal requests, and storm damage clean-up. In the short term, additional wood waste
in Elgin may be generated at a more rapid rate and at a higher quantity than previous or typical levels. ,
This increase is due to a number of factors: •
0 A higher emphasis on risk management resulting in a more rapid and steady rate of mature tree 1
pruning and removal.
11.1
0 The confirmed presence of the invasive and destructive pest, Emerald ash borer(EAB).
The threat of other exotic and invasive pests and diseases which are present in the region.
In the past, many challenges existed when it came to dealing with what many called "urban wood waste".
While some challenges do still exist, many have been overcome as a result of new technologies, and an •
ever-growing market for the use of urban wood generated through the removal of dead and High-Risk
trees, and those that succumbed to insect and disease infestations.
The market for wood residues is growing rapidly for many reasons. Environmental awareness and a desire to operate sustainably have fueled an increase in the
level of research about urban wood and its uses, and created a demand for wood products from urban trees. New technologies allow faster, more efficient, and
more useful wood processing, and allow a closer look at wood as a clean fuel for plants to generate electricity. Economics and the sheer volume of this renewable
and multi-use natural resource also have driven an increase in the focus on creative wood utilization. Data from the USDA Forest Service indicate that in the year
2000, the weight of urban tree residues exceeded the weight of timber harvested from the U.S. National Forests by 20 percent (McKeever, Skog, 2003). This
difference is increasing every year as urban areas continue to grow in size. The USDA Forest Service predicts that urban land (and its associated urban forests)
will nearly triple in size by the year 2050 (Nowack, Walton, 2005).
The Urban Wood Utilization Plan prepared for Elgin provides an estimate of the potential amount of wood •
to be generated and assessed several options for utilizing this material in a sustainable and responsible The USDA Forest Service indicates that in
way. Its purpose is to move Elgin towards a more sustainable and responsible utilization of urban wood
residues. the year 2000, the weight of urban tree
residues exceeded the weight of timber
The Urban Wood Utilization Plan discusses Elgin's current urban wood waste practices, presents related harvested from the U.S. National Forests
issues, and makes recommendations to promote the City's overall goals of adopting responsible and
sustainable waste management practices throughout the community, enhancing and expanding recycling by 20%'
efforts of government agencies, encouraging reuse of materials whenever possible, and promoting the
purchase of products made from recycled materials. This section of the Master Plan will provide a summary of the Urban Wood Utilization Plan including the
results, analysis, and recommendations.
Davey Resource Group 65 June, 2011
•
Results
Like many communities, Elgin has struggled to find a sustainable method of dealing with what is perceived as wood waste. Currently, wood residue that is
generated from public tree maintenance and curbside pick-up from private property is collected and transported to places that are located outside the City limits.
"Green"waste is in the form of logs, small-diameter woody debris, leaves, and non-tree related materials such as grass and other yard waste.
There are costs associated with the collection and disposal of this material. The City reports the following quantities and costs associated with collection and
disposal of tree-related green waste:
Yard Waste and Leaf Collection Cost
Yard waste collection costs are not itemized by the City's current waste contractor, but they are estimated to be approximately $960,000 per year based on a
percentage of the total annual waste collection contract running approximately$5 million.
Fall Leaf Disposal Cost
The City's street-side pick-up program collects 22,000 cubic yards of leaves. There are 14,800 households (57 percent of the City) designated for "on-street leaf
collection" where residents can rake leaves to the curb during designated times of the year. Leaves are then picked up by a private waste hauler on designated
dates. Residents in the remaining areas of the City are required to bag their leaves for pick-up by a private waste hauler. The dump fee for leaves picked up street-
side is $6.80 per cubic yard and totals $149,600. Residents are not charged a fee for the collection of leaves during the designated "on-street" leaf pick-up times.
Bagged Leaf Disposal
The City collects 16,000 cubic yards of leaves from bags that residents deposit at the curb. There are
11,500 households (43 percent of the City) in the "leaf bagging area" where residents are required to bag
their leaves in paper yard waste bags for collection on designated dates by a private waste hauler. The ;i
dump fee for this program is $6.80 per cubic yard and totals $108,000. There was no cost reported for the
collection of these bagged leaves. Residents are not charged a fee for the collection of leaf bags during •
the designated pick-up times. •
t ��
Logs and Chips from Public Tree Work —I wag ``
Small-diameter woody residue that is generated by City crews from publicly owned trees is chipped on ,, = rte'•
site and then hauled to a landscape service company located one hour away. The City estimates that the - - g. ': � —ma al
.•--- a....�
cost for two crew members and a chip bed truck for a two-hour round trip to dispose of material at the
privately owned landscape business at $200 per trip. An estimated 260 trips occur each year and totals
approximately $52,000 per year. Chips are no longer made available to City residents due to the lack of
an adequate site for storage and processing.
Davey Resource Group 66 June, 2011
Logs are loaded and delivered to a firm that accepts the logs at no charge. All of the logs are ground into shredded mulch. There are no sawmills nearby that the
City has used as a source to sell construction grade or high-quality logs. Tree work performed on public trees by private contractors is hauled away by the
contractor and disposed of or used as they choose. No records or data are available to indicate other volumes of material generated by private firms removing and
pruning trees on private property, and utilities clearing trees and limbs from utility rights-of-way.
Green Waste from Private Property Collected by the City
Figures are not available to estimate the amount of or costs associated with green waste from private property that includes logs, chips, leaves, grass, and other
yard waste. Residential yard waste can be placed in bags that are picked up by a city-contracted, private waste hauler between April 1 and November 30.
Additionally, the City allows residents to place small bundles at the curb with brush and twigs that are less than 2 inches in diameter. Bundles need to be less than
5 feet in length and 2 feet in diameter weighing less than 45 pounds. Christmas trees are collected seasonally as well.
Green Waste from Private Property Collected by Tree Services and Landscape Contractors
There are no estimates of the amount of material generated by private contractors doing work on private - •
property within Elgin. Most, if not all, of this material is hauled to areas outside of the City limits and ends .�
up as tub-ground mulch.
k - ..-
A very conservative estimate of the City's cost of disposing of green waste in Elgin is currently $310,400 ' . • ;` f = ' ` :t./
(approximately $2.93 per capita). The total cost is likely much higher if the cost of collecting yard waste, Vii.
•
leaves, twig bundles, etc. is considered. (Collection costs are estimated to be $960,000 annually or $9.06 ' '' � '� +, .�
per capita.) These costs will increase dramatically as the City begins to deal with an increased number of
tree removals from the focus on risk management and EAB mitigation. All of the material is collected by, `
or ends up in the hands of, private enterprises that dispose of them in regional landfills or are capable to , s,
process the wood and re use the materials as marketable goods. : :. + Y •
. ;
•While the costs mentioned above are direct costs to the City based on negotiated private contract fees, 4
city labor, fuel, and equipment costs, there are also lost opportunity costs associated with the current
system of simply disposing of these perceived "wastes". A number of markets are rapidly emerging that will eliminate the perception that wood generated from
urban forestry activities is simply a waste by-product and replace it with the reality that wood residue is actually a valuable commodity. One key to sustainable
urban wood utilization is recognizing all potential markets and building the capacity to be able to deliver the desired commodity(in this case wood and wood fiber)
to those markets. Without this recognition, significant and profitable opportunities are lost and sustainability is not achieved.
Davey Resource Group 67 June, 2011
Analysis
Building a truly sustainable system for dealing with wood residue in Elgin will eventually require a "
commitment to treating wood residue as a commodity, or resource, that can directly benefit Elgin . ,
residents and potentially create a revenue stream for the City. Treating wood residue as a resource ., s
- -
corresponds well with the City's Recycling and Waste Management Working Group's interest in `/ "4%4 ~r
"encouraging the reuse of materials wherever possible" and "promoting responsible and sustainable ,.,1; + "
waste management practices throughout the community". Depending on the eventual use of the wood •
residue, there may also be a large impact on alternative energy issues as well. Electric generation plants
that utilize biomass are being planned and built at a frenzied pace, and urban wood residue provides a •
large component of the required fuel.
In order to achieve this level of sustainability, the City will need to understand the costs associated with - .
collecting and disposing of a "waste product" versus the cost of collecting a "resource" that can create •
new products from recycled wood, biomass for energy, landscape mulch, and compost. Nearly all of
Elgin's wood residue is currently collected and delivered to processors without any revenue in return.
While organized programs that sustainably utilize urban wood residue are in their infancy, several models
now exist in communities that have made the shift from dealing with urban wood residue as a waste product to effectively marketing and utilizing it as a revenue
generating resource (Bratkovich, et. al., 2008).
There are many reasons to consider developing a sustainable wood residue program (Solid Waste Association of North America, 2002). Landfill costs and space
savings are primary considerations. In the past, wood residues often ended up in landfills. Environmental benefits occur when wood residue is used to fuel
bioenergy plants and replace coal as a primary fuel. Current boiler technologies burn wood much cleaner, resulting in less air pollution. Natural resource benefits
include the ability to use wood residue that might otherwise be left as waste in timber harvests and urban forest management.
Barriers exist that create hurdles for communities or regions to develop sustainable wood residue programs. Many of these hurdles, or issues, currently exist in the
NW Chicago suburbs. Some of these hurdles include the lack of the following: quality wood; a sufficient quantity of wood; existing markets; adequate inventory
data; utilization plans; and community support(Bratkovich, 2008). Items relevant to Elgin are addressed below:
Wood Quality
Urban trees grow in conditions that may not produce long, straight boles that produce the most wood volume and the highest quality logs (MacFarlane, 2007).
Urban trees tend to be shorter with more defects than forest-grown trees. Some of these shortcomings can be overcome by providing adequate training to tree
service companies and other "urban tree harvesters" to ensure that trees are removed in a way that ensures tree trunks are cut into standard lengths that are
readily accepted by sawmills and buyers of high-quality timber, and that trees with high-quality logs can be recognized by those removing the tree. Converting
urban trees to high-quality lumber provides the high potential for recovering costs, but only a select few trees will have quality logs. Material that is not utilized as
sawlogs or veneer can be chipped or tub-ground to produce products such as biofuels, mulch, and compost.
Davey Resource Group 68 June, 2011
.T
r .
Wood Quantity
• ,.:
Most small- to medium-sized communities have a difficult time generating a consistent stream of wood in aA.',r,� .44 +'#,. • , '
sufficient quantities that can be used for anything other than tub-ground mulch or compost. Advances in ;�P'�rre, .• '�
wood processing technology have created the ability to utilize more of each tree, and to make more trees ;' ,, t
/�t� 't
available for processing (MacFarlane, 2007). Developing partnerships with nearby communities can ''! j
,,e
increase available quantities and may provide a more consistent stream of wood residue that would justify ',+ r lir4
investments in wood processing facilities or bioenergy facilities. ' t }i= i
i 1. i t
The amount of wood residueenerated within Elgin, and the cost to deal with this residue, is risingw.
9 9 t I,.•! II ty, 11 It" ,
dramatically as tree removal and pruning numbers increase as the City begins to address identified risks
associated with trees that have significant defects or face serious decline. Tree removal numbers will
i
increase again when the City proactively and reactively removes trees infected with EAB. •.
Wood Residue Volumes Associated with Risk Reduction
�.�'% ...••. L. Trees with significant risk indicators should be removed or pruned to reduce risk. The highest priority trees will
;4, • `fitcriKk s` '`�.I`` be addressed first and lower priority trees will be addressed later. As the plan for risk reduction is implemented,
trees with elevated levels of risk will be removed and will add greatlyto the stream of wood residue being
• ;;`,.►•� `_ i.• • . .1 •t generated. The potential exists for over 4,602 trees to be removed or pruned as part of a risk reduction strategy
T.},,4''!'� , --- ...!1.1z..• -;.'0' . that will greatly improve public safety, and increase the overall health of Elgin's urban forest. Of this total, 1,748
`V.. .'
,c t;PIN
Y trees are recommended for removal and are rated as Severe-Risk or High-Risk. The remaining 2,854 are
t'
-t• ...• recommended for pruning.Additionally, there are 1,693 removals suggested for trees that have risk ratings less
-"T` than 7.
If all of the trees with a risk rating greater than 7 are removed (1,748 trees), a total of 6,784.11 cubic yards of
1- wood chips can be expected.This volume of wood chips is expected to weigh approximately 1,696 tons.
Wood Residue Volumes Associated with EAB Mitigation
ii Additional removals are expected in order to deal with the expected and growing mortality of ash trees from
emerald ash borer (EAB). Experts are currently recommending several protocols for communities to deal with
the devastating impact of EAB and the impending loss of ash trees. Protocol options are discussed at length in the Invasive Species Readiness Plan. A matrix of options
has been developed to maximize public safety by removing trees that are already infested with EAB, preserve best candidate ash trees with chemical treatments, and
defer treatment to certain ash trees that will be re-inspected annually. There are a total of 1,817 ash trees recommended for removal based on EAB management
recommendations.These removals will create an additional 1,206.19 cubic yards of wood chips and add 301.54 tons of wood chips to the expected wood residue.
The total wood residue expected if all the High-Risk removals (1,748) and EAB removals (1,817 trees) are combined estimated a total of 7.990.30 cubic yards. The
combined weight of generated chips would equal 1,997.57 tons. These are volumes expected from removals in the short term (during 2010 and 2011).
Davey Resource Group 69 June, 2011
•
Wood Residue Volumes Associated with Annual Mortality
Every population of living things has an expected percentage of the population that will die each year. This annual mortality will vary with municipal tree populations,
but a 2 percent loss each year is considered normal.
If a 2 percent mortality is expected to occur each year within Elgin's tree population, additional wood residues will be generated on a regular (long-term) basis. The
recent tree inventory indicated there are currently 49,583 trees in Elgin. A total of 3,565 trees will be removed and replaced in 2010 and 2011. Assuming a 2 percent
mortality rate each year (spread evenly across the diameter classes), there will be an expected loss of approximately 992 trees that will generate 1,519.19 cubic
yards of wood residue each year weighing approximately 379.80 tons.
Wood Residue Volumes Associated with Severe Weather and other Natural Events -A
As indicated, the City's wood residues will increase dramatically as tree removal and pruning occur from
risk reduction and EAB management. There is also a potential increase for wood residue generated from _ - .;t
severe weather and other natural events. Ice storms and wind storms can create large volumes of wood ;.
generated from both public and private trees. Droughts and flooding can unexpectedly increase the number .+ _ •_ "
of removals. While these cannot be predicted, the inevitability of such events occurring should be
considered and planned for. The volume of wood debris would be dependent on the amount of damage ' • 'V.
and a percentage of the trees that would be lost. The total amount of aboveground biomass within Elgin's • e •
street trees is estimated to be 75,959.55 cubic yards weighing approximately18,989.89 tons.
a ..
Available Markets for Wood Residue
,
Many communities have programs in place that utilize urban wood residues as a commodity that can be
sold. Some grind the wood residues and offer materials to residents free of charge, while selling the rest to
nearby landscape contractors and others in the landscape or nursery trade. Markets are limited, but close / •
by. Others are more innovative and have developed programs that "set aside" logs that can be sold at a
much higher price than the tub-ground material. These urban programs are similar to the forest management industry's "chip-n-saw" operations in many rural areas
of the country where trees are utilized as logs with the remaining materials chipped for use in the pulp industry or as biofuels. Markets for these products may be
geographically more challenging, and there are issues with developing a knowledge of the product that a municipality is trying to sell. An individual with knowledge
of forestry and/or arboriculture needs to be on staff or on retainer. Any program that seeks to increase the utilization of wood residue will require an increase in
knowledge about the potential products and markets.
Utilization Plans
Depending on the type of program that Elgin creates for sustainable use of urban wood residues, there will be considerable study required that includes a detailed
market analysis of expected wood volumes from the region beyond the City limits (if needed), ability to create a cooperative network of stakeholders, economic
feasibilities, and public acceptance. Such a plan can utilize the base data created by the recently completed inventory of public trees, and the background
information about potential markets and products contained in this Plan.
Davey Resource Group 70 June, 2011
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Recommendations
Elgin faces many issues concerning creating and maintaining a sustainable urban wood utilization
program. However, options and resources currently exist that the City is recommended to consider.
These options include maintaining the current program of transporting wood residue to others and
continuing to absorb the costs; increasing networking opportunities with nearby communities and related „ -1.1.....
aM i rf
market stakeholders; developing a city-owned collection yard (potentially with processing capabilities); i1 ' 1-,,,,„�i 1 .
and developing a community bioenergy facility. These options are discussed in detail in the Urban Wood :{: v.
Utilization Plan.
The City should assemble a committee or utlilze Elgin's sustainablity working groups to further discuss ,
and research the practicality of these options and prepare a plan for implementation. •
•
_+r-
Iii
Davey Resource Group 71 June, 2011
e
Urban Forestry Education and Outreach
Public education is the true key to reaching the goals of an urban forestry program and obtaining a sustainable urban forest. Only by educating citizens, City
officials, developers, and all contractors working within the City will Elgin be able to achieve urban forest preservation and proactive management goals.
Ordinances and guidelines alone will not guarantee success.
Elgin's urban forestry outreach program was developed as a result of funding received from ARRA. The program is designed to assist the City convey to the
residents, businesses, and all stakeholders the importance and benefits of the public urban forest and natural resources so that they can be managed in a more
efficient and sustainable manner. To make the public education program a success, the City of Elgin, should seek the cooperation and participation of
Neighborhood Groups, other local non-profit groups, local businesses, and each individual citizen. Elgin's overall community outreach program includes the Fit
Forest campaign, organized community events, and the Community Forest web page.
The Fit Forest _
The Fit Forest is a multi-faceted, educational campaign meant to inspire everyone to "go for the green" and grow a healthy, safe
community forest in Elgin today, tomorrow, and for generations to come. The City of Elgin wants citizens, businesses, and visitors The Fit Forest
to embrace the theme of the campaign b "working out" together togrow a Fit Forest bytrimmingthe branches, toningthe trees,
Y � 9 9
powering the planting, running the waters, exercising the ecosystem, and fortifying the future. Push piontifto •m,,the hronches
Run the wafers • Exercise the ecosystem
Elgin's Fit Forest campaign provides community forest education and tools to preserve and improve the health and safety of the Fortify M+e Mu^
trees through:
1 S •/
Performing proper tree maintenance
.41/w. .1a2,.aa
* Achieving tree risk reduction
• Suporting tree planting
* Maximizing tree benefits
* Controlling invasive pests and diseases
* Reusing and recycling wood waste
* Improving the ecosystem
ha .
As part of the Fit Forest campaign, special events are held and City officials reward residents and businesses for their green efforts LG I N
by presenting certificates of merit and Fit Forest gold medals to wear or display proudly on their trees. Everyone is encouraged to HE CITY IN THE SUBURBS
get moving and be part of the greening of Elgin by picking up tools and tree care and planting information at the Fit Forest website,
from the Public Works Department, or at special events.
Davey Resource Group 72 June, 2011
# - - .:ta.)...4.7''
3 !l
Community Events
Elgin has held several community events promoting the Fit Forest campaign. These events included: Arbor Day ,� - _ ,
Celebration, Public Works Open House, Green Expo, GreenTown conference, and the 2010 9/11 & Community ry
ti ,
Block Party. All events included dissementation of Fit Forest educational materials, including factsheets, - • r=
wristbands, temporary tattoos, informational magnets - the goal being to get the message to both children and • . 't';''' --A., •
adults using a variety of promotional items. The Arbor Day Celebration included City speakers and involved a j
children in planting trees at their school. The Public Works Open house gave citizens the opportunity to ask . iirt::
Y
questions of Certified Arborists, see tree maintenance equipment up close, and included activities for children. o
The 9/11 & Community Block Party was held at Festival Park and was a City-wide event involving citizens and �•`" -
visitors, City elected officials, District and State legislators, USFS regional and federal staff, and City and Davey - ; A. ' ; I ` , � 11,-,
staff.The days activities included: : a
. ,
0 Kids"tree climb"
0 Mobile climbing wall _ ---
O Tree/fun fitness walk along hike/bike trail . - _
0 Raffle for free tree or other tree-related gift(s) _
O Fit Forest"ceremony"where designated officials speak about the importance of trees and presented medals to worthy/notable recipients
O Ceremonial tree planting
0 Booth with Fit Forest banner and Fit Forest oversized,outdoor medals-staffed by City and Davey personnel and volunteers; distribution of factsheets, USFS
educational materials; EAB samples;Tree Benefit Calculator business cards, bracelets, tattoos,tree planting requests sheet/forms
The purpose of all events is to share the importance of growing a healthy and safe community forest in Elgin today,tomorrow,and for generations to come.
a1 Arm
te'----= _
.7____= .====. iii
........______Ai .____
•____
._____
Davey Resource Group 73 June, 2011
Community Forest Web Page
Keeping residents informed and creating a sense of understanding and awareness about the health of their community forest
will greatly assist with completing planned municipal activities. Spurred by the "Fit Forest" campaign, the City has created a 50.`
website that describes more about the development of a sustainable forest and includes information about City programs and
policies, and recent community forest management activities. ELGIN w..--
Elgin's
w,.�__._
Elgin's Community Forest web page was also developed to share the accomplishments of the ARRA program. The web
page, www.cityofelgin.org/trees, contains free tree information and other great resources including:
# ARRA Program Description
Factsheets _�-"`"'°'"
!� Community Meetings - "�: = W
* Project Progress .......
* Links to Other Resources
Recommendations
Elgin has much data to use to publicize the importance of growing a healthy and safe community forest in Elgin today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
Using the momentum of the Fit Forest Campaign, Elgin should continue to reach out and educate the citizens, City officials, developers, and all contractors
working within the City. Specific recommendations include the following:
* Use i-Tree benefits results to demonstrate the environmental impact and value of trees.
* Continue using the Fit Forest theme, messaging, and customized promotional and educational items at community events.
* Encourage and coordinate with other City leaders and stakeholder groups, such as the ECN Districts, Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, public library
system, etc., to post Fit Forest messages and other educational materials on their websites, at their offices, and at their events.
!� Advertise species planting lists to control species diversity and limit invasives.
* Explain that removing hazard trees and tree parts increases public safety, but also in the case of a removal, increases tree planting opportunities.
* Educate the community about the negative impact invasive flora and fauna have on the urban forest and community ecosystem as a whole.
* Promote special programs such as tree giveaways or sales, Public Works Week, and Arbor Day.
l� Direct residents to tree-related ordinances and codes and help them understand the use and benefit of these regulations.
Davey Resource Group 74 June, 2011
-111111.11111111111111111111.
0 Encourage additional private tree planting and appropriate maintenance as an effective strategy '" - ` • .1S :
for increasing canopy coverage. - '''°'LLr t�a
Vis. t:
* Provide financial incentives such as tax incentives, rebates, and/or trees for planting provided at 4•
a'"zz'
no or reduced cost. Small, bare-root trees could be obtained at a nominal cost and given to '
homeowners and private landowners. '.'` ', f r
s.
0 Keep residents and surrounding communities informed as Elgin moves to develop a sustainable ,4.'_
•., r
wood residue program. Consider developing a factsheet on wood waste reduction as part of the kit t.z
Fit Forest Campaign. W.' �"
11, .
O Encouragepublic participation and input in forest management in Elgin through workshops, ,
9 P P P 9 9 9 P um � . � III
feedback surveys, and forming special project/issue committees.
w
0 Produce brochures to facilitate public education about urban forestry. ,?si.
0 Sponsor hands-on demonstration tree planting and maintenance activities on streets around .
schools to facilitate schools to facilitate public education for all ages.
O Through public outreach, encourage acquisition of donations, grants, and other funds to increase outside funding to sustain Elgin's urban forest.
til Maintain Tree City USA status and annual Arbor Day celebrations.
* Ensure through education and outreach efforts that all stakeholders appreciate the value of Elgin's trees.
t Improve coordination and communication regarding Elgin's tree regulations, policies, and planting and preservation standards and guidelines.
t a
' 4 - .
114 -41..
The Fit Forest
Elgin goes for the green!
Davey Resource Group 75 June, 2011
Natural Resource Inventory Of Elgin Planning Boundary
A Natural Resource Inventory that included an urban forest canopy analysis and an assessment of the natural resources was completed to identify priority areas
for protection within the Elgin Planning Boundary. The following is a summary of the completed Natural Resource Inventory.
To analyze the urban forest canopy cover within the Elgin Planning Boundary, Davey obtained current, leaf-on, one-meter National Agricultural Imagery Program
(NAIP) color imagery acquired by USDA in summer 2009 (www.fsa.usda.gov). Acquired during the agricultural growing season, NAIP imagery provided the base
layer for the semi-automated extraction process.
To identify priority areas for protection, Davey analyzed canopy and pervious areas from the resulting land cover data within the Elgin Planning Boundary,outside of the City
of Elgin municipal boundary and west of Fox River. Five natural resources were identified as priority factors for determining priority areas: canopy,floodplains,soils, riparian
corridors,and wetlands.
ArcGIe)was used to union the selected natural resource data within the Elgin Planning Boundary to create the priority area for protection data. Attributes were recorded
within the composite data for each natural resource priority factor. A total composite score was generated and a composite map created for a visual interpretation of the
overall scores. Areas that included all five priority factors were identified with a maximum score of
5, indicating an area of highest priority for protection. Table 14. Urban Forest Canopy Cover Analysis
Urban Forest Canopy Cover Analysis Land Cover Acres Percent Cover
Based on the urban forest canopy analysis, canopy cover comprises approximately 19 percent, or Pervious 17,064 74%
4,264 acres,of the area within the Elgin Planning Boundary,west of the Fox River(Table 14). Canopy 4,264 19%
Natural Resource Assessment Impervious 1,534 7%
Additional analysis was performed to evaluate and prioritize the natural resources within the Elgin Water 156 1%
Planning Boundary. Areas identified as canopy cover and pervious surfaces were used as the
baseline study area for the Natural Resource Inventory. To evaluate the quality of the resources Table 15. Natural Resource Inventory Results
and identify areas where multiple features intersect and, therefore, provide increased benefits,
additional secondary source data were included in the analysis—floodplains, soils, riparian Natural Resource
corridors, and wetlands. Where multiple features intersect, the value of the resource increases. Inventory Scores Acres Percent Cover
These higher scoring areas provide multiple functions and benefits and should be considered a Low(0 to 1) 18,605 87%
high priority for protection and preservation. A summary of the scores is presented in Table 15 and
Figure 11 illustrates the results of the assessment. Medium (2 to 3) 2,704 13%
High (4 to 5) 167 1%
Davey Resource Group 76 lune, 2011
. _____
# ,_
•
.. .;
Potential scores range from 0 to 5 and
_ were assigned to each area based on
'� 1 the presence or absence of the
following factors:
•I'f •' `•' .I.. dA r-4 0 A" - Canopy Cover If canopy cover was
�,�
�' te
present, a value of 1 was assigned to the
i area.
4
, Floodplain: Areas located within the
�� -
- o o �i • • : mapped FEMA floodplain were assigned a
0 t value of 1.
Soils: Areas where soil types were
_ ' " ® indicative of slopes greater than 4 percent
r '. or demonstrated erosion potential were
Jam_\_. a o "i- -i,, i assigned a value of 1.
--,,,,._,,./is-
'" ' `�, �'! 1 Riparian Corridor: The riparian corridor
_ 7 I was defined by a total width of 50 feet,
,r ro
centered on streams and other water
); II features. A value of 1 was assigned to all
....\ . v,..,. Natural Resource Inventory areas located within the riparian corridor.
. 4-j:::. :1
,---,
Priority Areas for Protection
N Wetlands: A value of 1 was assigned to
I High
• areas were identified as wetlands in the
National Wetlands Inventory data.
Planning Area Boundary
0 05 1 2
1 . i . . . 1I ,,,
City orElginBoundary
Miles
Figure 11. Natural Resource Inventory Assessment of the Elgin Planning Boundary
Davey Resource Group 77 June, 2011
# -L.:c-,.
Natural Resource Ecosystem Restoration Plans and Implementation
Natural resource inventories and ecosystem restoration plans were prepared for six I -� � � 0 ;_ It;priority parks and a stormwater basin identified by the City of Elgin. These priority parks "� It;
included College Park, Eagle Heights Park, Burnidge Woods Park, Wing Park, Lords , _ �,�!
Park, and Trout Park, and a 2-acre stormwater basin located at the intersection of -—" '-- ---�1 ,t - li;i
McLean Boulevard and Holmes Road. The following is summary of the Natural Resource , ( I. -- �► .' - ;;II
Ecosystem Restoration Plans and a brief discussion of the projects selected for / �,. .4 �' Ed-
-
implementation. 1 l j , s'r TM' ' •ti`Iir ❑ -- !!i
1.
i i
Natural Resource Inventories and Ecological Restoration ! ''` m
Plans i„ '/ =�,�\ • : l' m._-_T i
Davey conducted a field-based, natural resource inventory of all six parks, including the ! -?J/ _ '' MN=
stormwater basin. General site conditions were documented at each park and the storm —_+ t';','F ' . `--+.. Mp._...._ a ►
water basin. Global positioning systems (GPS) were used to collect data and provide ,. —
accurate mapping of specific areas of interest. Data collected included the following: #4; 11111:4:4.7—.:5.1.7.7=-_-.,r-- I
,4 _:.__:=._... Z.1
* Vegetation community mapping and species list for each community.
!d Mapping of invasive vegetation species.
* Documentation and mapping of rare, threatened, or endangered species vegetation species.
0 Mapping of existing wetlands, streams, and seeps. __
* Mapping of hazardous trees near trails.
0 Inventory of existing trails, benches, utilities, culverts, and other physical structures. & �j - --
* Mapping of areas suitable for various types of ecological restoration. _ a.— r .
Using the data collected, Natural Resource Ecosystem Restoration Plans were prepared for each of the -- ,
parks and the stormwater basin. Each set of plans included a site location map, site-specific data collected 1
in the park, existing vegetation lists where applicable, and photographs. The plans for each park also
documented recommended methods to implement proposed restoration tasks, cost estimates for the
recommended implementation activities, and future maintenance and monitoring needs for the
implementation activities.
Davey Resource Group 78 June, 2011
Implementation
A variety of ecological restoration opportunities and associated projects were selected for implementation.
These projects include:
McLean Boulevard Storm Water Basin
u .
:A[
0 Earthwork was contracted at the basin by the City of Elgin to facilitate greater storm water —
treatment functions of the basin. '"'4114°
��!� The vegetation community of the basin was converted from turfgrass to a native vegetation
community which included seeding and planting herbaceous species, shrubs, and trees.. 'Y
Trout Park
4 Removal of invasive. herbaceous, tree and shrub species focused in Trout Park River's Edge and �••
along Trout Park Boulevard. ._ • - • -�' "'
Lords Park
4 Removal of select invasive species from the natural area at the park.
4 Installation of rock weirs to slow the flow of water through the concrete channel in the storm water basin and divert water onto the basin floor during
smaller storm events.
$ Planting of native herbaceous vegetation on the basin floor to enhance pollutant removal from storm water diverted onto the basin floor.
College Park
0 Removal of undesirable woody vegetation from the kames as part of restoration of the bur oak savanna plant community.
4 Herbicide treatments on the kames to remove undesirable herbaceous vegetation species from the bur oak savanna plant community.
4 Implementation of a prescribed burn on the kames.
4 Drill seeding planting native herbaceous species plugs and shrubs on both kames and planting bur oaks on the small kame.
4 Installation of a boardwalk and park signage to make the park more accessible and inviting to the public.
!� Development of a long-term restoration management plan for the bur oak savanna community on the kames.
Burnidge Woods Park
!� Removal of hazardous trees and limbs adjacent to park trails and removals of invasive woody shrubs and vines.
Davey Resource Group 79 June, 2011
Appendix A
Recommended Planting List
Davey Resource Group June, 2011
w
0
IIVThe Fit Forest
.4 ...C, Elgin goes for the -i i,ortl
Elgin's Recommended Planting List
Elgin Community Network
Tree Size Species Downtown Northeast Northwest Southeast Southwest
American Elm (Ulmus americana) x x x x
American Linden (Tilia americana) x x
American Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) x x x
Black Oak(Quercus velutina) x x
Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) x x
Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) x
Chestnut Oak (Quercus prinus) x x
Chinkapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii) x x
Common Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) x x
Large Common Hackberry(Celtis occidentalis) x x x x
Cucumbertree Magnolia (Magnolia acuminata) x x
Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) x
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) x
Hardy Rubber Tree (Eucommia ulmoides) x x
Hybrid Elm (Ulmus x) x x x x
Japanese Pagodatree (Styphnolobium japonicum) x x
Japanese Zelkova (Zelkova serrata) x x x
Kentucky Coffeetree(Gymnocladus dioicus) x x
Littleleaf Linden (Tilia cordata) x x x x
London Planetree(Platanus x acerifolia) x x x x x
Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) x x
Northern Red Oak(Quercus rubra) x x
Elgin Community Network
Tree Size Species
Downtown Northeast Northwest Southeast Southwest
Paper Birch(Betula papyrifera) x x
Pin Oak(Quercus palustris) x
Red Maple (Acer rubrum) x
River Birch (Betula nigra) x x
Scarlet Oak(Quercus coccinea) x
Shingle Oak(Quercus imbricaria) x
Large Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii) x x
Silver Linden (Tilia tomentosa) x x x
Smoothleaf Elm (Ulmus carpinifolia) x x x x
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) x
Swamp Chestnut Oak (Quercus michauxii) x
Swamp White Oak(Quercus bicolor) x x
Thornless Honeylocust(Gleditsia triacanthos inermis) x x x
Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera) x x
White Oak(Quercus alba) x
Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis) x
American Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) x x
American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) x
Amur Maackia (Maackia amurensis) x x
Callery Pear(Pyrus calleryana) x
Carolina Silverbell (Halesia tetraptera) x
Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia) x x x x x
Corktree Amur(Phellodendron amurense) x x x
European Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) x x x x
Medium
Goldenraintree (Koelreuteria paniculata) x
Hedge Maple(Acer campestre) x x x
Katsuratree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) x x
Persian Parrotia (Parrotia persica) x
Red Horsechestnut(Aesculus x carnea) x x
Sweet Birch(Betula lenta) x x
Turkish Filbert (Corylus colurna) x x
Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea) x x
American Red Plum (Prunus americana) x x
Elgin Community Network
Tree Size Species Downtown Northeast Northwest Southeast Southwest
Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera) x x
Chinese Fringetree (Chionanthus retusus) x x x
Cockspur Hawthorn (Crataegus crusgalli) x x
Common Chokecherry(Prunus virginiana) x x
Common Pawpaw(Asimina triloba) x x
Corneliancherry Dogwood (Cornus mas) x
Downey Serviceberry(Amelanchier arborea) x x x x
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) x x
Flowering Crabapple (Malus spp.) x x
Small Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) x x x x
Green Hawthorn (Crataegus viridis) x x x x
Japanese Flowering Cherry(Prunus serrulata) x x x x x
Japanese Tree Lilac(Syringa reticulata) x x x x x
Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa) x x x x x
Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum) x x x
Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia) x
Sargent Cherry(Prunus sargentii) x x x
Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangiana) x x
Shadblow Serviceberry(Amelanchier canadensis) x x x
Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) x x
Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum) x x
.
Appendix B
Planting Packet
Davey Resource Group June, 2011
E LG I N City of Elgin thp Fit loris!
clan oars i«mP
THE CITY IN THE SUBURBS Tree Planting Request Packet
Thank you for your interest in Elgin's tree bank planting program. New trees will
sustain our neighborhood forests and provide you and your property with
valuable benefits for many years. There are two ways to participate in this tree
planting program. You may request a new tree be planted by the City, or you
may purchase and plant one yourself.
City Planted Tree
If you want the City to plant a tree, please fill out the enclosed Tree Bank
Planting Request & Tree Selection Form. There is no direct cost to you; however,
tree planting requests are processed in the order they are received and
according to the resources available. Tree planting requests will be inspected by
the Public Works Department and prioritized accordingly. The City purchases its
trees directly from a local nursery, which allows us to provide a much greater
selection of trees at better prices and of higher quality.
All trees planted by the City will be fully mulched and watered at the time
of installation. As the recipient of a new tree, you are encouraged to water and
provide easy, basic care for the tree for several years after it is planted. For
information on the maintenance responsibilities, please refer to the enclosed
New Tree Care factsheet.
City tree planting is generally performed twice per year, once in the spring
and once in the fall. The application deadline for the spring planting program is
April 15th and for the fall planting it is September 15t . After answering a few
simple questions on the application form, you may then choose the type of tree to
be planted from the enclosed Recommended Species Lists.
Resident Planted Tree
If you want to purchase and plant a tree or trees yourself, the City very
much appreciates your effort. Did you know that if you receive an approved
permit, you may be able to use the purchase price of the tree as a charitable
deduction on your federal income tax?
To plant a tree yourself, please complete and return the enclosed Tree
Planting Permit Application. There is no fee for this permit. After you evaluate
your planting site, please select the species you want to plant from Elgin's
Recommended Species Lists. City staff will contact you to discuss the project
and help you plant the right tree in the right place.
Thank you very much for your interest in Elgin's tree planting program. If you
have any questions or concerns, please contact: the Land Management Division
of the Elgin Public Works Department at 847-931-6069 or e-mail
elginpw@cityofelgin.org.
Forestry Division♦1900 Holmes Road♦Elgin, IL ♦60123 •Phone: 847-931-6069
Fax: 847-931-5983 ♦www.cityofelgin.org
New Tree Care
the Fit 10R".1r
Elgin goes for the !
Congratulations on Your New Addition!
The City of Elgin has just planted a new street tree in the treebank
near your home. It is a/an
This tree was selected especially for your street because of its beauty,
suitability to the site, ease of maintenance, tolerance to insect and
disease threats, and the many benefits provided as it matures.
The City will maintain this tree now and during its life, but you can help
ensure it gets off to a good start and grows into a valuable asset for the
neighborhood. r
Here's how you can help:
This Year
• Please keep mowers and string trimmers away from the
trunk!
• If you can, water the tree weekly with about 10 to 15
gallons of water that is applied slowly with a hose or
buckets. Watering can be skipped if more than 1 inch of
rain falls during the week. * *
• Request help or ask questions about caring for the tree by * * * ulcavrarsov
contacting the Public Works Department.
Next Year Vdlir
• Refresh mulch up to the 3 inch maximum depth if needed.
• Control weeds in mulch bed, and remember to avoid
damaging the truck with mowers and string trimmers.
• Carefully remove dead and broken branches.
• Water every two weeks if needed.
• Report any problems or concerns to Public Works
J '►
Newly planted trees do not require extensive or expensive care while E LG I N
they become established. However, your extra care will ensure the tree
stays healthy and matures. The reward for your efforts will be a
healthy, attractive tree which will be a valuable asset to your property, THE CITY IN THE SUBURBS
give you years of beauty, and provide the neighborhood with many
benefits.
Contact: City of Elgin Forestry Division of Public Works 847-931-6069 elginpw(a�citvofelgin.org
This tree planting project was funded in part through a grant awarded by the Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry, U.S. Forest Service.
The Fit Forest is a collaboration to grow a healthy community forest in Elgin today, tomorrow and for generations to come.
•
City of Elgin - Forestry Division
E LG I 1\1 Tree Bank Planting Request & Tl,� Fors
Tree Selection Form "qin Fit Fit for the I
Fora
THE CITY IN THE SUBURBS'
(Requests for spring planting due by April 15th; fall
requests due by September 15th)
Date:
Name (Print):
Address:
Phone During the Day:
All planting requests will be evaluated by Forestry staff and prioritized based on need and available budget.
1. Planting Area Characteristics
Utilities: Are there overhead wires (electric, telephone, cable, etc.) above the planting site?
Please disregard any service wires going to your house; we are referring to any pole-to-pole wires
typically by the street. ['Yes ❑No (Please check one)
If you checked "Yes", you may only choose trees from Species List 3-Small.
Tree Bank Width (check one size; width is from curb to sidewalk):
❑ 8 feet or greater; or no sidewalk is present- Choose from Species List 1-Large
❑ 6 to 8 feet -Choose from Species List 2-Medium
❑ 4 to 6 feet - Choose from Species List 3-Small
2. Tree Species Selection (please complete all three choices using the appropriate Species List):
First Choice:
Second Choice
Third Choice
All selections should be from Elgin's recommended species list and all efforts will be made to plant
the tree species of your choice. Final species selection is subject to availability from local nurseries
and suitability to the site conditions.
3. Location Preference (please select one option):
The City can select the location
The forestry staff will inspect the planting site and can determine the best place for the tree to thrive.
I would like to select the location
If you have a preference, then in the area below, please indicate where you would like the tree to be
placed on the tree bank. Please draw the street (or streets if you live on a corner), sidewalk, existing
trees, and any other landmarks or distinguishing features that would help us to place the new tree
where you would prefer.
North
HOUSE
4. Please note any special instructions, comments or questions you may have:
Please Return Form To:
Forestry Division♦1900 Holmes Road•Elgin, IL♦60123 •Phone: 847-931-6069
Fax: 847-931-5983 ♦www.cityofelgin.org
•
► City of Elgin - Forestry Division
r i
E LG I N Tree Planting Permit Application ihe Fit l or st
tgtn par,for tnr.
Ihrol
THE CITY IN THE SUBURBS'
Date:
Name (Print):
Address:
Phone During the Day:
1. Planting Area Characteristics
Utilities: Are there overhead wires (electric, telephone, cable, etc.) above the
planting site? Please disregard any service wires going to your house; we are referring
to any pole-to-pole wires typically by the street. ['Yes ❑No (Please check one)
If you checked "Yes", you may only choose trees from Species List 3-Small.
Tree Bank Width (check one size; width is from curb to sidewalk):
❑ 8 feet or greater; or no sidewalk is present - Choose from Species List 1-Large
❑ 6 to 8 feet - Choose from Species List 2-Medium
❑ 4 to 6 feet - Choose from Species List 3-Small
2. Tree Species Selection (please indicate your choice using the appropriate Species
List of Recommended Trees for Elgin):
Species Selected:
3. Location:
Please indicate where you would like to plant the tree(s) on the tree bank. Please draw
the street (or streets if you live on a corner), sidewalk, existing trees, and any other
landmarks or distinguishing features that will help us understand where you intend to
plant on the public right-of-way.
North
HOUSE
4. Please note any special comments or questions you may have here:
Forestry Division staff will review the application, inspect the site, and contact you with
approval to plant or with questions about the project.
Return This Form To:
Forestry Division♦1900 Holmes Road • Elgin, IL ♦60123 ♦Phone: 847-931-6069
Fax: 847-931-5983 ♦www.cityofelgin.org
Elgin's Seven-Year Urban Forest Management Program
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43•
1.544 30 117100 30 111 7085 37 III 700 30 171 24 30 1117 30 577 100 30 117750 5123900
51 TO 3 3037 1635,150 3937 6335,04 3,937 54544 3,537 5535,104 3,047 6535,04 3,937 553,40 3,537 553616 $3,751,019
16 80 1516 86 1517 87 15,6 3516 7. 5516 6516 86 5516 13312
46• 115 ' 4 51.470 98 11410 16 11410 4 51470 10 $1470 96 51 470 16 51.470 5424
9C $2615 80501. 00 •. 4 42110 12617 52610 97 52615 118275
NAM TN.CNN 1 II $91) 117? 3557) 5517 3517 3517 5517 04109
14.► 7024' 1. 7.567 , S65 tI t 3- tl $0' It 165 111 165 t1 515 11 405 645'
2535 103 7 0 50 0 10 0 50 0 10 0 80 0 00 0 16 50
3101 50 1, 7 14 10 10 50 w 1,
37-42' 1119 7 0 4 0 50 0 w 0 50 0 50 0 50 0 50 50
43'• 3,4 5160 5160 S7,+, 514 114 1 5160 1 1150 $172.
- 701.• 357 65,135 305 55,338 . 387 15,336 a) 55,338 191 31136 207 65,335 191 15,335 1 185,34
NAN 7N, 1-3' $00 32 76 375 520 315 520 3176 375 025 175 520 115 520 3.176 315 5285 716 515 520 1528 644
71.90p A N019 44' 130 a 1063 331216 1043 531.290 1043 131 290 1043 13114 1043 133215 1043 $31290 1043 53124 5219030
CSOM 1-12' 515 15100 _ 15 100 _ 55100 55 700 15 700 15 755 55 750 539 34
,44.,7.73
10001. - 405 3112,510 ' 4145 5116510 4,010 5112,510 4.865 5111.510 4,105 5112,510 4.055 1112,510 495 0112,510 5157,570
0.100..,4Py oa• 5110 61491066
1150 1167060 1384450
Menlo,Re00$ 4150 1.201 5162150 610 6103.14 1625 122840 6524250
.,.;.TO • 1,281 6333,40 688 417684 1,521 514,744 • 40 • 10 0 40 • 50 6510,710
9606 600. P0•c3n.5, 1115 700 102 500 750 102 5085 750 162 500 750 102 500 3330 006
7160.19 1150 750 511214 750 5112.54 750 5112500 750 11125500 45040
Tots• 60 0 $0 1 00. 44 4
$1011 .01135000 6, 000
0
00511113043213101 12510 39 =III. 13.484 MEM 12,322 MM. 9,669IMIM 9.869NMI 9'809 Ill= 9.869 MEE 77.621
CON 61884 100.1 _ $1,163,903 _ $1,653,661 _ ♦1,561,112 MIMI 3140.7911 016.2596 - $840,708 $949,709 18.320411
Appendix C
Seven-Year Urban Forestry Management Program
Davey Resource Group June, 2011
Elgin's Seven-Year Urban Forest Management Program
(..7,41.0 Casts for 7aan Act., YEAR1 YEAR1 KM KY14 YEAR5 SEARS YEAR
621.119 Drama.Oast Cos,. 6011.... TWI Cool •4110,.11 1011 Cow 946 Tr. 1.1 Cow 165 Twos T641 Cost IN1w05 T6141 Cwt •40 Ts. Total C401 15of Trow 2.1C23111 "".C."
1-3' US 0 30 50
44. 1106 0 50 w
3220 29 56.380 56 110
.3-or $355 05 115.145 515.615
30.4111111 19-24• $525 101 $53025 551 025
Rm..
2430' $01 196 /88116 565175
11140 93 571 820 VI 820
3117 51470 22 132.340 132 340
43'•
11 850 16 529000 129900
1 5.3.101 381 5297.326 0 w 0 50 0 w 0 54 0 05 0 $4 1217.045
125 50 - SC $0
tor I 4105 0 50 30 1.150 .
53 150
2220 0 1 196 141120 543110
03-16• I 3356 0 11 295 1104.725 3 9104 725
168811111101110.41 1525 375 $196515 50 $198 875
25-37 $945 263 1222 235 0 50 • 1222 235
•
11 140 134 3152 160 0 30 152 P.
31-07 31410 50 173.300 0 10 173 500
at 41850 24 fu 400 0 50 544 400
20, 743.4.7 115 1680.172 521 1150.995 0 w 0 54 0 w 0 54 0 $4 5646165
I.) 525 $2 206 10 150 55 150
4F 105 0 50 210 522.050 12060
7.17' 5210 0 50 327 171940 571 982
111r $355 0 $0 243 116.265 166,285
115541.1511.
/ate 5525 110
557 150 0 50 557 750
256307 5545 38 $32,110 0 11 12110
31-367 SI 142 18 $20520 0 $0 520520
17.47 , 51470 0 11 13 50 11
4J• 51 850 , 11 850 0 30 57 850
• TO s 0 13 III $112,231 NG 1121,115 0 w 0 to o $4 0 $0 $211,635
525 322 38252 $452
463 $105 155 517,325 I 131.325
$22 46 $10 120 $10120
1s-or , 5355 6 52.130 - 1130
111 R41 RO.* 1924' 5525 i 5525 $526
25-37 1645 0 50 3 I 1 4 50
51 140 0 10 $2
37.47 $1470 0 50 $3
41• $1 550 2 32 50
2 10444.7 a SO 0 12 540 19.153 0 w 0 1 0 13 0 50 511,154
520 50
44' 530 0 w 32
512' 10 1 375 575
311r ' 1120 6 3720 5720
511646 R.Pun 19.24. 3170 9 3,0x1
51 530
25-37 5225 20 54500 I , I 14,500
11.36• 5305 11 53 355 1 $3 355
3747 7 $5 9 13.420 - - a - - - 53.420
4.1• 5590 10 55 900 55 900
143.4.7 2$ 519.511 2 w o w 0 w 0 w 0 w a I w 114.500
120 0 S0 _ 22
46' $30 4 120 , 1 , 5120
525 511 925 a 011 925
13llr $120 � 11
9 0,680 1414,614
319118411 C1448 19-24' 3110 4 599 280 599 280
25630' 1225 695 1156,315 1155311
11.36' 5305 429 5124 785 _ -_- - -- 3124 745
37-410 1310 181 121,060 571 000
•
5590 91 $53 690 1 353 690
54104. 41 0 10 2461 5557,516 0 54 a w 1 0 w 0 SO 0 w 1551,115
M 14 584 $54
4-0' ' 511 19 5285 $295
329 A 35 31 015
WS' - 547 79 1193 I , 1 3589)
Sl7.0111.8no.a1 19-24' 315 24 $1 502 1'
2537 113 13 51.079 I 1 11019
3161 31 alB
6
0
3137 3119 5 1196 1595
4]• 3160 4 142 1,646
,..,To 0 0 14 0 w 151 17,006 0 14 0 10 0 04 0 $0 $1,110
- 320 31 500 79 51 580 79 II 580 13 $1580 79 11580 79 $1522 51 580 $11 000
4-7 130 210 19.400 216 MVO 216 $4400 210 10432 216 7 18 496 , 216 11460 215 36.460 $45.3113
5751 5 1
$94875 1265 394875 1 5 1
$91815 $94875 1
594875 $0 1 5 164
4015 394875 125
3.1,3,.w Llwn 1117 120 963 1 1117.660 9 1117.030 943 1111.960 7 91 6 60 94
1111.9463 , 5111900 943 1117 63 1111,900 1125.120
•9.4 7923' 1110 655 1111150 655 5111350 1 655 5111350 655 $111350 955 1111350 655 $111350 6 $111350 5779450
25-37 1225 441 $99,225 321 599.245 441 101.225 441 199.225 441 149.225 1 Ni 199.225 441 , 199.225 9891575
1305 202 $61610 202 591610 ' 202 561612 202 $61610 202 11610 202 $61610 202 561610 5411210
31-42' 136 V 325,060 00 129.06 $0 525,060 32 525.06 06 $2546 6 125080 05 121.06 1175.56
43 5590 30 517 0014 30 317 700 10 $17 700 30 5171x0 30 517 740 30 117 700 30 517122 5123 920
a.,..,..,.,Totals/ 3.931 9535.110 3037 5535.832 3.931 $15,010 3.037 1535,650 2,031 501,21 3,937 313.111 3,931 $631,111 1,751,121
1 86 1516 66 1516 86 $515 68 1516 5510 5516 88 9516 $3612
463' $15 64 51470 06 $1470 90 11,473 96 31.470 91 57,400 96 11.470 91 11.410 110.250
- 9229 90 $2610 90 $2810 SC 52610 90 52810 90 12010 90 12610 w 12610 $18210
11,41 T.640.7 13'17 141 5511 11 112 117 1517 1511 II
II6611 11 111 1819
2944 19'24' 665 1 565 1 545 1 15 11 565 111 75 1 145 1 565 L55
25-37 113 0 $0 0 14 50 0 50 0 $0 0 14 0 50 $4
31-1' 0707 0 50 0 50 30 2 50 0 50 0 50 0 SO $0
3137 5119 0 60 0 10 10 0 50 0 30 0 50 0 30 1
4]. 9162 1 3160 1 3160 1160 1 3164 1 1160 1 $160 1 1160 31 120
T4 . 21 15,336 217 55,336 2 1 $5,331 257 15,336 291 1.335 241 15,334 257 15,11 331.332
Young Tow 520 3719 575.520 3776 175.520 37 6 $75520 3 776 375520 1 176 175520 3 776. 575524 3 770 575520 3525540
Tr..750,0409 4-7 PO 1043 531 230 1043 _ 11,290 1043 51,210 1043 $31 290 1043 $31290 1043 $31290 1643 $31,290 1219030
7-110 375 55100 55 700 55 100 r 15 700 55 700 55 700 55 700 139 30
2103.4.7 4545 $112,510 4695 5112,510 4,695 5112515 4,555 5112,510 4,325 $112570 4,805 5112.510 4,505 5112.510 $717.510
6.PO4c.nw9432.0
,. $110 1 281 5180910 01 354
1756 $161762 1452
710614 $150 1281 $192150 325 1103,200 1 926 $22860 5524250
_ 1004421 121 5333.060 w $176460 1.538 1332,705 0 12 0 54 0 14 a 54 1544,100
Y.utt Sb 0665.8,63 5110 750 582 520 750 182 500 750 562 500 750 582 500 11301010
51. ' 7.5.19 $150 750 5112530 750 112 500 750 5712.500 750 5112 500 150 000
. 0 110 54 0 w 750 1195.000 750 1550031115050 750 1195.000 $710.000
60114117 Grano 20181 72.019 MEI 010" MI= 62'322 .11=113.865 9.543 9'566 9.669 MIN 101.021
Cost G..Total - 1.953,903 _ 114541.1/ _ 51.2/5,911 101.101 _ 1114.25 _ /541,154 _ sutras mason
\'
Appendix D
Ash Tree Treatment Recommendations and Protocols
Davey Resource Group June, 2011
Elgin Ash Tree Treatment Recommendations—May 27, 2010
Diameter Class (inches)
1-3 4-6 7-12 13-18 19-24 25-30 31-36 37-42 43+ TOTAL
Excellent 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
O Very Good 0 0 6 0 1 0 1 0 0 8
ci Good 241 151 353 243 63 6 5 0 0 1,062
o Fair 470 503 1,897 1,190 416 169 76 18 8 4,747
Poor 83 119 220 184 131 98 54 6 5 900
c
O Critical 4 4 8 12 16 9 2 2 0 57
U
Dead 2 3 3 2 3 2 0 0 0 15
Total 800 780 2,487 1,631 630 284 138 26 13 6,789
Trees Recommended To Be Removed: 2,337
1) Trees in the "Poor", "Critical", and "Dead" condition class are recommended for removal. A total of 972 trees are recommended for removal and replacement.
2) The remaining 1,365 trees are <7" DBH and recommended for removal and replacement.
Candidate Trees for Chemical Treatment (Low-Moderate Probability of Treatment): 3,087
1) Defer action until next annual inspection cycle. The intent here is to defer removal of large block of trees within the matrix of"Fair"condition class between 7"-
18" DBH. These 3,087 trees are considered to be "low-moderate priority"for chemical treatment.
Candidate Trees for Chemical Treatment(High Probability of Treatment): 1,365
1) All trees in this category will be re-inspected in Spring, 2010, to verify suitability for treatment or removal. Candidates for chemical treatment will exhibit"Fair"
condition or better, no more than 20% dieback, and located in an appropriate site (i.e., not under overhead utilities). One of the following actions will be taken:
ACTION 1—Removal. Some trees will be removed because their condition has declined to warrant removal, or new infestation of EAB is detected.
ACTION 2—Chemical treatment utilizing a preferred protocol that combines efficacy, public safety, applicator safety, and minimal risk to the tree. At this time, it
appears that a combined application as follows is recommended:
Summer 2010, Systemic Insecticide Treatment—Apply 12 grams/inch dbh of dinotefuran as a soil injection treatment (Davey Institute, 5/29/2010). Soil
applications can begin in mid-June. Once the trees are treated in Summer, 2010, they can be switched to an annual imidacloprid soil injection in Fall, 2010.
Fall 2010/Spring 2011, Systemic Insecticide Treatment—Apply 1.8 grams/inch dbh of imidacloprid as a soil injection treatment or as a low-volume basal soil
injection treatment or as a soil drench treatment (Page 42, 2010 Davey PHC Booklet). If the trees are larger than 15 inches in diameter, research has shown that
using a higher rate of imidacloprid gives added protection (Davey Institute, 5/29/2010). Currently, Xytect is the only product labeled for use in Illinois using the
higher rate. Soil applications can begin in Fall, 2010, but need to be completed by April 15. Imidacloprid can also be trunk injected during spring until May 7.
Contact Insecticide Treatment—Follow soil injection treatment with two contact insecticide treatments. Apply 2 quarts/100 gallons of permethrin borer treatment
(Page 42, 2010 PHC Booklet)to cover the trunk and branches. Application must occur between late May and mid-June. A second application should occur about
3 to 4 weeks after the first application.
Appendix E
Coalition For Urban Ash Tree Conservation
Davey Resource Group June, 2011
Coalition for Urban Ash Tree Conservation
- Emerald Ash Borer Management Statement -
www.emeraldashborer.Info/flles/conserve_ash.pdf
signed 06 Jan 2011
We the undersigned strongly endorse ash tree conservation as a fundamental component of integrated programs to
manage emerald ash borer (EAB) in residential and municipal landscapes. Cost-effective, environmentally sound EAB
treatment protocols are now available that can preserve ash trees through peak EAB outbreaks with healthy canopy
intact. Used in association with tree inventories and strategic removal/replacement of unhealthy ash, tree conservation
will help retain maximum integrity and value of urban forests. This integrated approach to urban EAB management is
supported by university scientists with expertise in EAB management, commercial arborists, municipal foresters, public
works officials, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Emerald ash borer has killed millions of ash trees since its . ' " *' i !`' '�; ! k
discovery in 2002 and the number of dead ash is increasing � ''ief ' r�, .f !��(
rapidly. Ash species are abundant in planted and natural - A';4 y' ./ ' 1 .J 'fi %,1
areas of urban forests, representing 10 -40%of the canopy 7,,, 1 ;� t r. . f
t;. '
cover in many communities. .! �it , �, • .�' i' • 4
Ash trees provide substantial economic and ecosystem ",F "R.` .,,!t`, '
benefits to taxpayers, ranging from increased property . , �-
; '
value, to storm water mitigation, to decreased energy ;,, l i
demands (http://www.coloradotrees.org/benefits.htm). ;'`'#" :_1 !'
. �
Consequently,widespread ash mortality in urban forests �"
and residential landscapes is having devastating economic - it_
and environmental impacts. Indeed, EAB is predicted to
cause an unprecedented$10-20 billion in losses to urban Untreated ash trees after EAB peak,Belvedere Dr.,Toledo,OH,June 2009.
forests over the next 10 years.
(http://ncrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/irnl/2010/nrs 2010 kovacs 001.pdf) However,despite availability of cost-effective treatments,
many municipalities,property managers, and homeowners
After its initial discovery, regulatory agencies attempted to continue to rationalize tree removal as the only viable
eradicate EAB through removal and destruction of all ash management strategy for EAB. This is based on erroneous
trees in infested areas. Unfortunately, this proved beliefs that tree removal slows the spread of EAB,or that
unsuccessful and was soon abandoned. treatment is not effective, economical, or environmentally
sound. Current science supports conservation via treatment as
Since then, university scientists have developed and a sensible and effective tool for managing healthy ash trees in
refined treatment protocols that can protect healthy ash urban settings. In many cases, tree conservation is
trees from EAB and help conserve the urban forest. economically and environmentally superior to tree removal.
'"' - e`'- Based on research conducted by university scientists, and
. careful review of the potential impacts on human health
and the environment, the Environmental Protection
- 1,' f' Agency (EPA) has registered three systemic insecticides
` , 1, for control of EAB-dinotefuran is registered for basal
k I i trunk bark or soil application,emamectin benzoate for
. trunk injection only, and imidacloprid for soil application
" � l. ii
or trunk injection.
..i ip. ` — ' "` When applied using formulations,products, and protocols
. At_ • - ., _,.. ., documented as effective by university research, these
'-' - = treatments can provide environmentally sound control of
- - EAB,sufficient to maintain a functional and aesthetically
pleasing ash canopy.
Ash trees before EAB devastation--Belvedere Dr.,Toledo,OH,June 2006.
Treatment is most appropriate after EAB infestation has A program of sustained treatment will be needed to
been detected within 15 miles,and is most effective when conserve trees through peak EAB infestation. However, as
applied before trees are infested. However, treatment can the local EAB population declines due to death of
also save ash trees with a low level of EAB infestation. untreated ash, it is possible that treatment frequency may
Spring is the ideal time for treatment, but soil application be reduced. Research on this question and other aspects
in fall can be effective in some situations. of EAB management is ongoing,requiring practitioners to
stay current.
Different treatment regimens will be optimal under
different situations --no one treatment plan or application Up-to-date information about EAB insecticides,
method is best under all circumstances. application protocols, and effectiveness can be found at:
http://www.emeraldashborer.info/files/multistate EAB Insecticide Fact Sheet.pdf
In summary, urban ash conservation can be less costly than removal, especially when the significant
environmental and economic benefits of established trees are considered (www.treebenefits.com,
http✓/extension.entm.purdue.edu/treecomputer/). Furthermore, ash conservation can circumvent the
substantial environmental impacts caused by wholesale deforestation of the urban landscape, as well as
the documented public safety risks associated with standing dead ash trees and their removal.
-- Signed - 06 Jan 2011 --
Jim Bell,Parks Superintendent Daniel A.Helms,PhD Michael Robinson,VP;Mgr.Midwest Div.*
City of Elgin, IL Prof.,Dept.of Entomology The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company
The Ohio State University;Wooster,OH
Shawn Bernick, Director of Research* Clifford S.Sadof,PhD
Rainbow Treecare Scientific Advancements Ray lacobucci,Regional Technical Manager Prof.,Entomology
TruGreen;Lewis Center,OH Purdue University;West Lafayette,IN
Joe Boggs,Asst.Prof.
OSU Extension/OSU Dept.of Entomology Dana Irwin,Sr.Director-East Svc.Delivery Craig Schaar,Forestry Inspector*
The Ohio State University Scotts LawnService City of Toledo,OH
J.Bradford Bonham,DVM* Deborah G.McCullough,PhD David Smitley,PhD
Municipal consultant(OH) Prof.,Depts.of Entomology and Forestry Prof.,Dept.of Entomology
Michigan State University;E. Lansing,MI Michigan State University;E. Lansing,MI
Joe Chamberlin,PhD;Development Mgr,SE
Valent U.S.A.Corporation Fredric Miller,PhD ^ Chad Tinkel,Manager,Forestry Operations*
Prof.,Horticulture City of Ft.Wayne, IN
Richard S.Cowles,PhD Joliet Junior College;Joliet, IL
Agricultural Scientist Chris Williamson,PhD
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Michael J.Raupp,PhD Assoc.Prof.,Dept.of Entomology
Prof.&Ext.Specialist,Dept.of Entomology University of Wisconsin;Madison,WI
Mike Galvin,Deputy Director*— University of Maryland;College Park,MD
Casey Trees,Washington,DC James Zwack,Dir.Technical Services
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Larry Hanks,Consulting Arborist*— •-.-- x. ._ *ISA-certified arborist
Pampered Properties,Georgetown,KY _ _ ^ISA Board-Certified Master Arborist
—ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist
v •
1.4
Standing dead ash,Belvedere Dr.,Toledo,OH. Curbside ash removed due to EAB, Belvedere Dr. Ash trees under treatment,Lake Forest,IL,2010.
Coalition for Urban Ash Tree Conservation EAB Management Statement Signed--06 Jan 2011