Tree group goes out on a limb

Members of the Sandusky tree commission recently shed light on a local forestry fiasco.

A presentation at a city commission meeting focused on the many dead and diseased trees in Sandusky, as well as the fact theres currently not enough staff or resources to address the issue.

It has resulted in a backlog of more than 300 trees requiring attention.

To help solve this problem, the tree commissions members are working to implant solutions in city commissioners heads.

Planting ideas At a recent public meeting, tree commission members:

Clued people in on what the board does. The volunteer organization studies, plans, advises, reports and recommends tree-related action to the city commission.

Emphasized the importance of urban trees. Trees reduce energy use, improve air quality and improve community livability.

Stressed the lack of funding. Tree management falls under horticultural services, which also oversees greenhouse, mowing and other forestry operations. The departments budget decreased 6 percent, from $841,500 spent in 2013 to $787,000 budgeted for 2014. There is only one certified arborist to address trees.

Presented other tree issues. Trees planted in wrong spots has uprooted sidewalks, crowded boulevards and threatened public safety with branches dangling closely to power lines.

Spoke about the committees desire to catalog all trees, such as types and locations, in Sandusky.

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Tree group goes out on a limb