Approved Tree Species List

Trees planted on city property are chosen from an Approved Species List 2012 that is updated annually.   City arborists approve all plantings and visit each site to ensure that the species to be planted is approrpriate.  Some considerations are…                      

Species should adapt to site conditions

example:  some tree species do not thrive in compacted urban soils

image from dot.ny.gov

Size at maturity  

especially important under power lines

 

Form and structure 

example:  vase shaped trees are appropriate on sidewalks;  trees with multiple trunks or spreading forms are usualy not

 

Debris 

example:  oaks that produce large acorns or trees that drop fruit are generally not used where people walk

 

Diversity in the urban forest

a variety of species, genera and families will limit pest and disease potential

 

 

Citizens who wish to plant a street tree should obtain a permit, available at http://www.richmondgov.com/PublicWorks/UrbanForestry.aspx