Medina will replace downtown trees

Press Release, Medina Tree Board

MEDINA – Ten years ago, when downtown Medina was ripped up for a road reconstruction project, old mature trees were removed and replaced with new trees in tree pits in downtown sidewalks.

Those new trees have never developed as expected, said Chris Busch, the Tree Board chairman.

“The existing trees included a couple varieties of crab apple, flowering pear, and a few other miscellaneous species, none of which were growing as would normally be expected and none of which were providing the desired impact in the streetscape,” he said.

So those trees will be taken out and replaced beginning Wednesday morning with several larger shade trees which would provide the desired canopy effect. The larger trees will eventually require selective pruning and shaping, but the overall effect will be stunning, Busch said.

The village worked with Tree Board consultant Andy Pleninger of Urban Forestry LLC of Palmyra to study the tree pits and make recommendations for the bigger trees.

The crabapples and other trees being removed from the Main Street site will be replanted in one of the local village parks.

Busch said the benefits of having a healthy green canopy in a business district are both multiple and tangible, and an underdeveloped canopy is literally robbing a business district of potential profits. Many studies have shown that the greening of business districts increases community pride and positive perception of an area, drawing customers to the businesses.

Pleninger made several species recommendations, with the Tree Board eventually settling on two- ‘Prairie Pride’ Hackberry and Skyline Honeylocust – both of which are trees that can thrive under tough urban conditions.

“In a relatively short number of years,” said Pleninger, “the shade trees will begin providing more environmental benefits such as shading the sidewalks, moderating temperatures and wind speeds.”

Medina Mayor Andrew Meier said a healthy, green canopy is important in a successful business district.

“These new trees will soften and compliment our historic streetscape,” Meier said. “They will dramatically enhance the walkability of the district.Whether the realize it or not, people tend to enjoy being in a well-landscaped business district.”

The Village of Medina is a Tree City USA and a multiple Tree City Growth Award recipient.