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1. How deep should the mulch be around my trees?

Mulch around a tree should be spread like a donut, not a volcano. Never allow mulch to touch the tree’s bark, and do not pile it higher than 3 to 4 inches. Mulch too deep decreases the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, which can lead to fungal and bacterial diseases. Very deep mulch may also prevent rainwater from reaching the soil and tree roots. It is best to mulch with wood chips or other coarse organic material.

2. Who do I contact with tree-related issues?

If your tree is on city-owned property, such as tree lawns, rights-of-way, city park grounds, contact the Urban Forestry Manager at 440-899-3484.

If your tree is on your private property it is important to have a Certified Arborist who is a registered contractor in Bay Village evaluate your tree.  

To report a hazardous tree, contact the Service Department at 440-871-1221 during business hours, Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. At all other times, call the Police Department non-emergency line at 440-871-1234.

If you have questions or concerns about a tree on adjoining private property we highly recommend having a conversation with your neighbor before taking any action. Finding a mutually beneficial outcome and engaging in civil discourse if always the best course of action.  Trees provide us all immense benefits but can also be hazardous or detrimental. A friendly conversation and the advice of a Certified Arborist will be immensely helpful.

3. What is a Certified Arborist and why should I always use them?

Certified Arborists are credentialed by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).  To earn an ISA Certified Arborist credential, you must be trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of arboriculture, and adhere to the ISA Code of Ethics. To be eligible for the ISA Certified Arborist exam, an arborist must have one or both of the following:

• Three or more years of full-time, eligible, practical work experience in arboriculture
• A degree in the field of arboriculture, horticulture, landscape architecture, or forestry from a regionally accredited educational institute

When you use a Certified Arborist, you can be assured they have the training and knowledge to effectively evaluate and care for your trees.

Find an arborist or verify an arborist’s credentials here.

4. What types of trees are recommended for Bay Village?

It is very important to do some research to find trees that are not invasive, and ideally native to our region.  There is no shortage of excellent, high-quality options at local nurseries.

A good resource for recommended tree species is The Tree Selection Guide from the Cleveland Tree Coalition.

The Lake Erie Allegheny Partnership (LEAP) for Biodiversity is also an excellent resource for native plant information.

Don’ t forget to note where above and below ground utilities exist so you can provide your tree the greatest possible space to grow.  Large growing trees provide us the greatest benefits so think about the largest possible tree for your available space.  Contact the Ohio Utility Protection Services to locate your underground utilities.

5. Where can I buy trees?

The Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District sells a variety of native plant seed packets, plants, and native trees including conifers and broadleaf tree species.  Additional information and an order form for their annual tree sale, which takes place in February and March, can be found here.

6. What are the benefits of having trees?

The National Tree Benefit Calculator is a great tool to better understand the benefits trees provide.

There are many benefits to having trees and caring for their health.

• Trees positively affect the health of a city’s residents.
• Trees create feelings of relaxation in addition to providing privacy and a sense of security.
• Property values of homes landscaped with trees are higher than those of non-landscaped homes.
• Trees can reduce heating and cooling costs, thereby reducing our dependence on coal and natural gas.
• Trees improve our air quality by reducing carbon dioxide, dust, and other potentially harmful gasses.  
• Trees create an impression of the character of our city, and make it a more livable and friendly place to be.  People walk and jog more on streets with trees, and residents have shady, cooler places to play or relax in the summer which increases interaction with neighbors.
• Trees provide habitat and food for birds and other animals.
• By reducing surface runoff of water from storms, trees decrease soil erosion and sedimentation of streams.

7. What are those numbered metal tags on my street trees?

The metal, numbered ID tag on a city tree is its identification number. City trees are logged in a mapping database called Arborscope so the city can track their condition and maintenance schedule.

If you need to report a problem with a city tree, it is helpful to include that ID number as well as an address or location.

8. When can I prune my oak trees?

Oak trees should only be pruned between October and March to prevent oak wilt. Reputable tree companies will not prune oak trees during the summer months.

More information on oak wilt.