Much care will go into picking trees for grant project

In 2025 the City of Coshocton received a Forest Service Grant through the United States Department of Agriculture. The purpose of the grant involves stump removals, inventorying, planting, and cutting down diseased trees in the low to moderate income areas of the city.

This grant is about increasing the urban canopy in the city by planting trees, but street trees must carefully be selected for their hardiness, overall size, shape, fruits, flowers, etc. There is a list of recommended trees for use in planting in the easements between the street and sidewalks.

The mature height of small trees should not be over 30’. Medium sized trees are classified as growing 25’ – 45’ in height. The goal is to match up the proper tree with the right site. Trees will be planted in easements of at least 5’ (from curb to sidewalk) so the mature tree has room to grow and not interfere with any sidewalks.

There are other issues to consider. Underground utilities are a big one. There are gas, water, cable, and now fiber optic lines that need to be located before any digging occurs. And the above ground utility lines are more numerous in some areas than others and the mature height of trees must be considered so the branches do not grow into the lines.

Once planting areas have been determined, trees will be selected from a list of available trees that fit the sites to be planted.

More details about this tree grant will be coming. For information, you can contact Connie Miller through city hall at connie.miller@cityofcoshocton.com.