This year the Urban Forestry Committee has informally chosen an ash tree located at 941 Wealthy St SE.  It is the largest ash tree that we have treated for protection against the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in our street tree inventory.  There are only five larger treated-ash which are located in Riverside Park and Indian Trails Golf Course.  But this tree is special because it has survived tough street conditions, including being hit by a car, root cuttings for sidewalk repair and street reconstruction, compacted soils, road salt, and of course EAB. 

The community has also invested in this tree prior to the City’s EAB treatment in 2010.  Residents hired Bartlett to fertilize the tree in 2003 and 2004 because of concerns about the impact of street construction.  Bartlett was then hired by the resident to provide preventativetreatments for EAB in 2007, 2008, and 2009.  We will be conducting a second round of EAB treatment on this tree in the spring.

 Bartlett utilized a tree appraisal procedure from the “Guide for Plant Appraisal” prepared by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers and published by the International Society of Arboriculture to value the tree at $33,104.  This tree also provides functional benefits equaling $223 each year. ​ 

Tree Sale

Usually conducted in late March early April, the  annual Spring Tree and Shrub Sale is where you can get amazing deals on native trees and shrubs while supporting a great cause and doing your part to help our community reach our urban forest canopy cover goal of 40%.

Funds raised through this yearly tree sale go to support future community tree plantings and tree education programs throughout the state and in our own community.

The sale has over 40 species of trees and shrubs to choose from with prices ranging from $18 for shrubs, like lilacs and hydrangeas, to $50 for specialty trees, like Snow Fountain cherry and Regal Prince oak. The trees and shrubs are selected by experts for their ability to prosper in rural and urban settings. It’s just that easy to get a great deal on trees and support a wonderful cause. You can also support Grand Rapids Parks by donating a native tree or shrub. Just include an extra tree on the order form and let us know when picking up your tree that you would like one planted in a park, and we’ll do the rest!

The Tree Sale is a simple and inexpensive way to contribute to a greener Grand Rapids,” Dotti Clune, chair of the City’s Urban Forestry Committee, said. “When you plant the right tree in the right place, you can beautify your yard, save energy, improve air and water quality, and increase the value of your property.”

Refer back for details on how to place your order for next year’s Tree Sale!​ 

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