Staff Contact: Sue Mottl, Landscape Arborist

The urban forest plays an important role in Stow's landscape. The City of Stow Urban Forestry Department is responsible for the planting, maintenance and removal of all trees in the City right-of-way as well as the review, approval and inspection of vegetative plantings and trees at new commercial, industrial and multi-family sites as required by City Council.

Trees contribute to the well-being of our community environmentally, socially and economically. For example, urban forests can moderate local climate, filter air pollutants, store storm water and reduce run-off, increase biodiversity and provide wildlife habitat.  Trees accent our buildings, define our public and private spaces, and improve our psychological well-being. 

Tree City USA

Stow has been named a Tree City USA Community by the National Arbor Day Foundation for our support and achievements in protecting trees and woodlands.  It is the 28th year Stow has received this national recognition!  Read more...

The Urban Forestry Commission

The Urban Forestry Commission is comprised of Stow resident volunteers who are appointed for 5 year terms by the Mayor and confirmed by Council.  Their purpose is outlined in the mission statement.

Mission Statement

The citizens of Stow are concerned over the rapid destruction of the urban forest through development and natural causes. It is the goal of the Stow Urban Forestry Commission to provide the public with environmental, economic, and aesthetic benefits of an actively managed urban forest now and for future generations. This will be accomplished through forward thinking leadership in urban forest management, tree planting and forest preservation.

Urban Forestry Commission Members:

• Mary Bednar
• William Carroll
• Nancy Kroft
• Gordon Matthews
• Bal Rao

Click here for 2010 Urban Forestry Commission monthly meeting schedule

Click here for Urban Forestry Commission Meeting Minutes

Street Trees

Street trees are an important part of our environment. They are aesthetically pleasing and add to the value of the property.

Every time a new home is built in Stow on a public street that has sidewalks and/or curbs, the builder is required to pay a street tree fee. This fee allows the City to plant trees in the tree lawn.

Each street is assigned a specific variety of tree. Consideration is given to growth habit, insect and disease resistance, location of utility wires, and general character of the neighborhood. Trees are generally spaced 50 ft. apart; however, special consideration must be given to corner lots, fire hydrant location, mailboxes, drive approaches and traffic regulatory signs.

Once the new home is completed, the lawn is graded and the adjacent lots have homes built on them, the City hires a contractor to plant the appropriate tree(s), which are guaranteed for one year from the original planting date against death or decline due to insects or disease. The guarantee does not cover mechanical injury (lawn mowers, weed eaters) or damage due to other causes.

Each street tree signifies the Mayor's commitment to a greener Stow.  The Urban Forestry Department plants in the fall and in the spring.  All trees are maintained by the urban foresters.  Our maintenance program includes pruning, disease control, removals, and storm damage repairs.

Coop Tree Program

We have revised the Co-Op Tree Program to assist residents in replacing street trees that are damaged, diseased, or dying. Residents will now be required to pay 50% of the replacement cost, which is currently $100.00. The City, in turn, will pick-up the remaining cost and plant the tree for the resident. This program shall go into effect starting December 1, 2006. If you have any questions regarding this program please contact the Landscape Arborist.

Important Links

Insects
* Emerald Ash Borer
* Emerald Ash Borer - Breaking News

Planting
*Tree Selection
* Avoiding Tree and Utility Conflicts
* New Tree Planting

Mulching
* Proper Mulching

Pruning
* Proper Pruning Techniques
* Pruning Young Trees
* Pruning Mature Trees
* Why Topping Hurts Trees

Arboritsts
* Why Hire An Arborist

Professional Organizations
* Tree Care Consumer Resource
* International Society for Arboriculture
* National Arbor Day Foundation

Funn Stuff For Kids
* Dr. Arbor Talks
* Treetures