DeKalb Times

City of Genoa Tree Board met May 14.

Here is the agenda provided by the board:

I. Welcome. No guests this evening.

II. Call to order at 7:05 pm /Roll call

a. Members Dina Fowler, Steve Francissen, Brett Wilhelmi, Joe Flury and Facilitator Katie Lang were present.

III. Accept agenda.

a. Motion passed; 4 Aye

IV. Old Business

a. Discussion regarding forestry advocacy, messaging, and education goals took place and included the following suggestions:

-President Fowler suggested posting a mulching technique, preventing bark from touching the trees as disease, dieback, and rotted bark results from this moist oxygen restricted environment allowing pests to attack the tree.

-Mr. Wilhelmi suggested tree factoids to keep the posts light and interesting.

-Mr. Flury provided 2 facts, tree rings indicate growing conditions the larger the ring the better the growing conditions, trees can defend themselves from insects through communication with one another.

-Mr. Francissen recommends planting trees with their mature size in mind and to choose the location wisely.

V. New Business

a. Methods of planting were discussed regarding language found in the Arbr Spec Manual.

Current “Remove the burlap and wire basket from the upper 1/2 of the root ball. Remove entirely, if possible. Backfill planting pit without placing soil on top of the root ball.”

It is determined through provided examples of failed trees, experience in the industry as well as public works planting program installation technique to remove the basket entirely, that leaving the burlap and basket on half the root ball is out of keeping with best practices.

b. Board votes: 4 Ayes in favor of updating Section C.4 (f) of Arbor Specification Manual to reflect current best practices for the vitality of the tree.

Recommendation: Remove the burlap and wire basket from the upper 1/2 of the root ball. Remove entirely, if possible. Backfill planting pit without placing soil on top of the root ball.”

c. Clearance specifications were reviewed for large trees, 13’ over roads for vehicular clearance and 8’ over pedestrian walkways. Specifications found to be sufficient requiring no modification. 4 Ayes in favor of keeping present language.

d. Operations: Supervisor of Streets and Forestry, Joe Flury reports:

i. 19 parkway trees were planted so far this Spring with 9 more to be installed next week. Most trees are being installed at new residential construction in Riverbend.

ii. Downtown trees are large 20+feet and will be installed once downtown construction phase is ready, the project is estimated to be wrapped up by the end of summer 2024. The trees are on a timed soaker hose at Public Works until then.

iii. A storm came through last week and downed large branches out of 6 Maple Trees in the older portion of town. Most were Silver Maple Trees with some Norway Maple Trees also damaged.

e. The board discussed the Double Brood Cicada season quickly approaching. Determination: “At this time the Tree Board agrees that the Cicada threat does not warrant time expenditure to wrap young trees, while some mild damage is anticipated because of female cicadas laying their eggs in smaller branchlets, the Public Works department is prepared to take corrective pruning action to manage any fallout.”

VI. Announcements: Wilhelmi asked about Jan Melton’s Tree Dedication, it was successful as reported by Katie Lang. Mr Wilhelmi also indicated that the Beaver

Colony along the riverfront trails is causing damage to many young trees and some older. President Fowler indicated that the Kishwaukee Valley Wanderers Egg Hunt was still underway in the Prairie and Woodland Trails. Flury mentioned some residents are participating in ‘No-Mow May’ to encourage bee production/ pollination by not cutting their grass.

President Fowler circled back on providing suggestions to replace the failing Callary Pear at the City’s Municipal Parking Lot next to the winery downtown.

Francissen suggests: Spring Snow Crab Apple

Wilhelmi: Sugar Maple; Katie Lang comments that mortality rates are currently surging for Sugar Maples in the area.

President Fowler suggests a Tulip Tree or Japanese Tree Lilac.

Forester Lang recommends a medium to large size tree for the space

8:15 PM Meeting Adjourns

https://www.genoa-il.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Minutes-14MAY24-Tree-Board.pdf