City of Trees. Boise Community Forestry

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1 City of Trees Boise Community Forestry

2 Les bois! Les bois! In 1833, the Frenchborn surveyor, Captain B.L.E. Bonneville, led an exploratory party westward through the barren high-desert of the Snake River Plain. After weeks of arduous travel, they came upon the (now named) Boise River and exclaimed, Les bois, les bois, voyez les bois! (translated: The trees, the trees, look at the trees! ). The town that sprung up in the valley thirty years later was named Boise, the City of Trees. Long before Idaho received its statehood in 1890, pioneers began the task of planting trees throughout Boise for the purposes of improving community appearance, growing food (orchards), and providing cool shade in an otherwise harsh desert environment. Today, the large expanse of trees growing in parks and along public streets, the Boise River Greenbelt, and residential properties stand as a testament to Boise s continuing efforts to sustain the green infrastructure that began over a hundred years ago. Thousands of trees grace our city thanks to the foresight of Boise s earliest pioneers and more recently to the ongoing commitment of city residents with assistance from Community Forestry. What is a Community Forest? All vegetation, both public and private, growing in urbanized areas is known as a community forest. The management and care of the trees in the urban forest is called Community Forestry. Trees are an integral part of our urban ecosystem. Similar to other infrastructure, such as roads and powerlines, Boise depends on trees to provide many benefits that enhance our daily lives. In fact, a tree with a 50-year lifespan provides nearly $60,000 in ecological benefits over its lifetime. What are Public Property Trees? Public property trees are predominantly found on rights-of-way and in parks. Rights-of-way are strips of land set aside for public uses, such as streets, sidewalks, utilities, and trees. Rights-ofway within Boise City limits are Ada County Highway District and Idaho Department of Transportation properties. The widths vary from street to street. In the photo (above right), the outlined area is right-of-way. Generally, the space between the sidewalk and the curb is a good indicator of right-of-way; however, in the absence of a sidewalk, right-of-way likely extends beyond the street edge. Contact Community Forestry to determine whether or not a tree is on the public right-of-way and if there is adequate space available to plant a tree ( ). Boise Community Forestry The Community Forestry Unit of the Boise Parks & Recreation Department is responsible for the management of Boise s trees. Our programs and services are directed at the PUBLICLY owned portion of Boise s community forest, which includes street, city park, Greenbelt, and city-owned cemetery trees. Boise s community forest consists of a diverse array of coniferous and deciduous trees, amassing over 75 different species. These public trees total over 40,000 with more than 200,000 trees on private properties within the city. Boise has very few native trees, so like many community forests in the inland northwest region, Boise s community forest is created, not naturally occurring. These forests require special management and renewal in order to preserve their future. A ten year management plan is in place to guide the expenditure and care of the community forest in Boise. The plan was developed by members of the community as well as Community Forestry staff. This plan, updated every five years, has the approval of Boise City Council and the Board of Parks & Recreation Commission.

3 Before You Work On Your Trees Know These Regulations In 1952, the City of Boise adopted an ordinance designed to protect and preserve trees located along public rights-of-way and in other public areas. Owners of private An Easy Guide to Tree Ordinance Regulations property adjacent to public rights-of-way share with the city a responsibility for the maintenance and care of these public trees. The Power of Trees Trees provide many important benefits for the economy, the environment, and for US! In Boise, trees are an invaluable source of shade and beauty, welcoming residents and visitors alike to our city! If You Want To... Plant a tree in public rights-of-way. Prune a tree in public rights-of-way. Your Responsibilities Call Community Forestry prior to planting for a FREE permit and inspection. Call Community Forestry prior to pruning for a FREE permit, inspection, and a list of City of Boise licensed tree service providers (also on website). Community Forestry s Responsibilities A Forestry Specialist will inspect the site for potential planting locations, appropriate species, and inform you of available planting programs. A Forestry Specialist will inspect and assess the health of the tree and make specific pruning recommendations. Economic Benefits Trees Save You $$$$$! Significantly reduces utility billing Increases marketability of property Attracts new customers & businesses Reduces maintenance & energy costs Remove a tree in public rights-of-way. Call Community Forestry for a FREE inspection before removing any public property tree. A Forestry Specialist will inspect and assess the health of the tree and determine if removal is warranted. If not warranted, removal will not be permitted. Report a tree emergency that is a public hazard on public property. Call Community Forestry immediately ( ) or Police Dispatch ( ). Community Forestry staff is available 24 hours a day to respond to tree emergencies on public property. Treat pests on a tree in the public rightsof-way. You are responsible for any pest control on rights-of-way trees and a permit is NOT required. We will answer any questions concerning the pest control. Know more about trees. Prune or remove any private tree. Prune or remove an Elm tree (Ulmus spp.) on my private property. Call Community Forestry. Call Community Forestry for advice and a list of City of Boise licensed tree service providers (also on website). Pruning or removing an Elm tree must be conducted by a City of Boise licensed tree service. We will answer your tree related questions to the best of our ability. We do not have jurisdiction over private property trees, except Elm trees (see below), unless they present an immediate public hazard. We cannot otherwise inspect private property trees. A Forestry Specialist will make appropriate recommendations. Environmental Benefits Offers shade & acts as wind breaks Improves air & water quality Provides wildlife habitat Stabilizes soil & prevents erosion Decreases flooding events & sedimentation Take an action that might negatively impact the tree, above or below ground, in public rights-of-way. Have work done on a tree under a powerline in public rights-of-way. Call Community Forestry for a FREE inspection. Call Community Forestry for a FREE inspection. A Forestry Specialist will assess the impact the work will have on the health of the tree and make appropriate recommendations. A Forestry Specialist will make an inspection and contact Idaho Power Company if required. Please contact Boise Community Forestry Unit, , forestryinfo@cityofboise. org, or visit our website if you need further clarification or assistance. A complete copy of Boise City s Tree Ordinance along with other pertinent information will be mailed to you upon request. Social & Psychological Benefits Calms & slows traffic Reduces noise & glare Provides privacy Improves wellness & attitude Increases job satisfaction, coping ability, & physical activity Decreases crime rate & stress Aesthetics

4 Since 1976, Boise has been awarded the Tree City USA recognition annually by the National Arbor Day Foundation! The criteria for such a distinction are the implementation of the following: 1. A Tree Board or Department 2. A Tree Care Ordinance 3. A Community Forestry Program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita 4. An Arbor Day Observance & Proclamation Forestry Programs Tree Planting Trees make a difference! Community Forestry provides three options for new and replacement plantings: our nursery program, planting by permit, and ReLeaf Boise. We need your help to continue Boise s proud tradition as a Tree City USA and live up to its name as the City of Trees. Trees for public rights-of-way can be purchased directly from Community Forestry, which are grown at the city s Laura Moore Cunningham Memorial Nursery and installed by members of the Community Forestry staff during the regularly scheduled fall and spring planting sessions. You may also buy trees at your own expense from any tree retailer and plant yourself or hire a nursery professional. Prior to purchasing, please call Community Forestry, , for a free planting permit and inspection. Tree Pruning Pruning is the most important tree maintenance activity. It reduces crisis management situations and improves the overall health, safety, and beauty of Boise s community forest. By Boise Tree Ordinance Title 9, Chapter 16, routine pruning is the Being a Tree City USA means more than flying a flag or displaying a road sign, it is a foundation for effective, well-organized tree care programs. Through cooperative efforts, Boise is pursuing the goals of Tree City USA. Community Foresters are working toward replacing trees and filling empty planting sites while making energy-conscious placements and reducing public hazards. ReLeaf Boise is an annual program that provides qualified homeowners with FREE trees for planting in their rights-of-way only. These trees are planted in the spring by volunteers in spaces that are sufficiently irrigated. The number of trees available is limited and Community Forestry chooses the appropriate species to plant for each site. responsibility of the adjacent property owner. However, the Boise City Council does provide limited funding for pruning programs. Community Forestry relies on three pruning resources: Contract pruning Community Forestry staff Volunteer Tree Steward program. Home owners may also acquire a free permit to hire a Boise licensed tree service to prune trees at their expense.

5 Our pruning program systematically cycles through the entire city section by section; the current tree pruning cycle is about seven to eight years. This work is done on public rights-of-way and park property and consists of hazard reduction and clearance pruning. This pruning is performed only on those public property trees that pose the most serious hazard as determined by a Community Forestry Specialist. public rights-of-way at no cost to the adjacent home owner. If it is not warranted, removal will not be permitted. If a home owner feels removal might be warranted please call Boise Community Forestry for a free inspection of the tree. When a tree is going to be removed, a public notice will be posted to the tree prior to removal to provide an opportunity for questions and comments. The actual removal of the tree may not occur until well after the number of days has passed. Why Hire a Certified Arborist? Private property owners dealing with tree matters should contact an arborist; someone specialized in the area of tree care and who practices arboriculture, the art, science, technology, and business of tree care. Community Forestry recommends the services of certified arborists, individuals who have at least three years of experience in arboriculture, have passed a comprehensive examination composed by the nation s leading experts on tree care, and who actively continue their tree education. Community Forestry licenses tree services within Boise City limits. These businesses must be owned and supervised by a certified arborist, have proof of insurance, and have had demonstrated that their work meets Community Forestry s satisfaction. For more information on hiring a certified arborist, please visit our website parks/forestry. The Tree Stewards are a group of trained volunteers who assist with juvenile tree pruning and tree planting throughout the city under the supervision of the Community Forestry staff. Tree Removal By Boise Tree Ordinance Title 9, Chapter 16, Boise City is responsible for the removal of dead, diseased, or hazardous trees from Disputes, Jurisdiction, and Compromise Occasionally, disputes arise between neighbors over trees on private property. For example, leaves might fall from a tree into a neighbor s yard or swimming pool or branches and roots from a tree may cause problems for the property next door. Community Forestry has no jurisdiction over trees on private property unless they pose a hazard to public property. Therefore, the Community Forestry staff cannot offer assistance in settling these disputes or offer legal advice. Forestry strongly recommends that neighbors compromise and come to a mutual agreement or solution. If this is not possible, seek legal assistance.

6 Norway Maple Acer platanoides How Community Forestry Helps the City Grow Through tree-based projects, programs, and services Community Forestry works hard to uphold Boise s name as the City of Trees with the cooperation and support of the public, local businesses, and city council. What We Do Manage all publicly owned trees (including replacement plantings, inspections, removals, and hazard reduction and clearance pruning, etc.). Grow our own trees in the city nursery for planting on rights-of-way and in parks (about annually). Respond to fallen limbs (limb calls); and available 24 hours a day to respond to tree emergencies on public property. Inspect rights-of-way and park trees for health and safety concerns, including Dutch Elm Disease on both private and public trees. Provide free tree technical information and educational programs for homeowners, local businesses, and other organizations. Coordinate Arbor Day tree planting and educational programs. Work with the International Society of Arboriculture to provide certification and continuing education for arborists. License private tree firms. Create partnerships with local businesses and organizations to assist in tree projects. Community Forestry Programs & Projects Programs Tree Stewards ReLeaf Boise Arbor Day Adopt-A-Tree Education Inexpensive wood products available (i.e. mulch, wood chips, firewood, and tree sales) Children s tree programs coming soon! Projects Tree care and maintenance Tree mulching, preparing tree wells for new bark chips, and provide tree protection from beaver damage Planting trees along the streets and in Boise s parks and cemeteries Improve wildlife habitat and riparian planting along Greenbelt Educational programs Or contact Community Forestry to create one of your own!

7 Community Forestry Tree Resources on the Web Community Forestry Idaho Department of Lands forestry/home Ada County Extension National Arbor Day Foundation International Society of Arboriculture Tree Link Center for Urban Forest Research American Forests Trees Are Good The Right Tree in the Right Place University of Washington College of Forest Resources research Tales from Urban Forest forests.org We can discuss any concerns with you and have a variety of FREE literature available to assist you. Sample literature: Complete Tree Ordinance Boise Community Forestry Management Plan List of City of Boise Licensed Tree Service Providers Tree Care Information Tree Steward classes ReLeaf Boise and other arboriculture pamphlets, Arbor Day information, and more found on the Community Forestry website. A Guide to Other Common Tree Questions For Questions Concerning Organization Phone Number Fruit trees Call Ada County Extension Trees under powerlines Call Idaho Power Donation for City Christmas tree Call Downtown Boise Association Sidewalks, visibility ( i.e. stop signs, etc...), or tree or shrub obstructions Call Ada County Highway District Boise City Code Enforcement Bechtel Crabapple Malus ioensis plena Wood cutting permit Call Boise National Forest

8 Community Forestry Unit 4969 W. Dorman St. Boise, ID Office: Fax: TDD/TTY: Hours of Operation 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday Closed on Holidays Emergency/After Hours Printed on recycled paper. References pertaining to the information found in this brochure are available upon request Boise Parks & Recreation 09/06