Urban Forestry Tree Commission

BO AR D M EM BE R S Joy Winbourne – D2, Chair Alexander Elton – D5 Joseph Johnson – D1 Robin Karoway-Waterhouse – D3 C ON T A CT URBAN FORESTRY TREE COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA • 50 Officer Manny Familia Way • Worcester, MA 01605 Thursday January 8, 2026 @ 6:00 PM • Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 PM Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery • Phone: 508-799-1190 Administrative Office – Meeting Room A • Email: 50 Officer Manny Familia Way Worcester, MA 01605 Worcestertrees@worcesterma.gov • Website: www.worcesterma.gov/parks/trees The Urban Forestry Tree Commission meeting will be held in-person at the date, time and location listed above. Meeting attendees will additionally have options to participate remotely by joining online or by The Urban Forestry Tree Commission is phone: committed to ensuring that its public meetings are accessible to all. If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in the meeting, • Use the following link to join the meeting via computer: please reach out to the staff contact listed. While boards and commissions do their best to 1) Go to www.teams.com accommodate you, certain accommodation may 2) Enter Meeting ID: 276 702 446 477 95 not be available if requested within short notice of 3) Enter Password: bh7hh6EH the scheduled meeting. Requests for American Sign Language interpretation must be made 10 4) Join the meeting now business days or more in advance of the meeting. Hay disponibles servicios de interpretación y • Call 1-469-998-7682 (Access Code: 817 041 406#) otras adaptaciones con solicitud previa. ‫ﺗﺘﻮﻓﺮ اﻟﺘﺮﺟﻤﺔ اﻟﻔﻮرﯾﺔ وﻏﯿﺮھﺎ ﻣﻦ وﺳﺎﺋﻞ اﻟﺘﯿﺴﯿﺮ ﻋﻨﺪ اﻟﻄﻠﺐ اﻟﻤﺴﺒﻖ‬ Note: If technological problems interrupt the virtual meeting component, the meeting will continue in-person. अनवु ◌ाद र अ6य आवसह अ'-म अनरोधपचत ◌ु उपल5ध हु6छ। Application materials may be viewed by appointment at: Interpretação e outras adaptações estão Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery, disponíveis mediante solicitação prévia. 50 Officer Manny Familia Way Worcester, MA 01605 between 8:00 a.m. Përkthimi dhe akomodime të tjera janë në – 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. dispozicion me kërkesë paraprake. Kasa nkyerɛaseɛ ɛne akwanya afoforɔ da hɔ For more information concerning this meeting, please contact the ma wɔn a wɔn bɛ bisa ato hɔ. Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery, Forestry Operations by Phiên dịch và các hỗ trợ khác có sẵn theo email at worcestertrees@worcesterma.gov or phone at 508-799-1190. yêu cầu trước. Please send written comments 3 business days or more in advance of the meeting. If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in the meeting, please reach out to the staff contact listed. While boards and DI V IS IO N S TA F F commissions do their best to accommodate you, certain accommodations may not be available if requested within short notice of the scheduled Robert C. Antonelli Jr. meeting. Requests for American Sign Language interpretation must be Commissioner/Tree Warden made 10 business days or more in advance of the meeting. Brian Breveleri, Supervisor of Forestry Para más información sobre esta reunión, comuníquese con el John Grady, Foreman Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery, Forestry Operations por Mily Pacheco, Staff Assistant III correo electrónico al correo worcestertrees@worcesterma.gov o por Melissa Richford, Principal Clerk teléfono al 508-799-1190. Envíe sus comentarios por escrito 3 días hábiles o más antes de la reunión. Si necesita adaptaciones razonables para participar en la reunión, comuníquese con el contacto del personal indicado en la lista. Aunque las juntas y comisiones hacen todo lo 1 U P CO MI N G M EE TI N GS posible para atenderle, algunas adaptaciones podrían no estar FEBRUARY 4, 2026 disponibles si se solicitan con poca anticipación a la reunión programada. Las solicitudes de interpretación de lenguaje de señas MARCH 11, 2026 estadounidense deben hacerse 10 días hábiles o más antes de la reunión. APRIL 8, 2026 MAY 6, 2026 1. Call to Order – 6:00 PM JUNE 3, 2026 2. Attendance (Roll Call) 3. Acceptance of Minutes (December 10, 2025) 4. Public Participation (Agenda Items) A person may speak for no more than three (3) minutes in total on any item appearing on the agenda. 5. Commissioner Report a) NA 6. Old Business The individual / organization / group who has placed an item on the agenda may speak for no more than five (5) minutes in total on the item they have submitted. a) Request of Commissioner Winbourne for the Commission to set goals for the Commission b) Review of City Ordinances 7. New Business Agenda items must be submitted three (3) business days before each Commission meeting with subject line “Agenda Item” to Worcestertrees@worcesterma.gov and reply satisfactorily to any required follow-up requests sent by the Parks and Recreation Commission. The individual / organization / group who has placed an item on the agenda may speak for no more than five (5) minutes in total on the item they have submitted. a) Request of Commissioner Karoway-Waterhouse to discuss the updated tree list b) Request of Commissioner Karoway-Waterhouse to confirm date of Trustees of Reservations to speak to the Commission on Beech Leaf Disease. c) Request of Commissioner Winbourne to review and plan the 2026 meeting schedule d) Pleasant Street Discussion 2 8. Tabled Business To take an item off the table, a motion must be made by a member of the Commission, seconded and approved by a majority vote of the members present. The item can then be discussed at the next meeting a) Request of Commissioner Winborne to discuss current board organization. 9. Meeting Adjourned (Roll Call) 3 Tree Ordinance Research and discussion points for 2026 Meetings Objective of this document: Below is the compilation of ideas and research compiled by commissioners of the Worcester UFTC as they research and consider changes to propose to the Worcester Tree Ordinance and Best Management Plans. Overarching themes ●​ Key values to consider while updating the ordinance (modified from Cambridge, MA) ○​ Trees are shared resource ○​ Trees provide tangible benefits to the city ○​ Large trees provide greater benefits and take longer to regrow ○​ The process should be simple and objective ○​ Not all trees are equal. ○​ The process should be equitable ○​ Replanting in kind is preferred, but not all sites and project types are equal ●​ Below is a list of topics that have come up in discussions that do not have easy answers and require careful consideration to not create unintended negative consequences ○​ How to make sure there is follow up to enforce the ordinance ○​ Strengthening protections during construction and development while making changes enforceable. ○​ Protecting trees on private property while also not turning people off to the idea of trees on public property ○​ Providing more specific guidelines while not being too rigid or creating potential loopholes or unintended consequences. Making sure lines up with language in other city ordinances (see Robin’s notes on cautionary tales from NY town). ○​ Make it simple enough to enforce and part of that is to not to overwhelm ■​ Make it so it can be implemented by the person that is enforcing the ordinance ■​ To stay ambitious, have short and long term goals; focus on priorities. ○​ Make it more available to the average person (while maintaining being a legal document with necessary legal jargon) ■​ Cambridge, images on how to define DBH for tree ■​ Provide the links to other legal documents so easy for a person to look up ●​ 1 Tree Ordinance Research and discussion points for 2026 Meetings Table 1. Below is a table of the major issues we have identified that should be considered and discussed in an updated Tree Ordinance with information on the current status in tree ordinance and ideas for changes from Commission research on what other cities are doing in tree ordinance updates. There is a column for prioritizing the order in which we address these topics Ranking Issue(s) Current Ideas for changes Significant No Significant Tree Define significant tree Tree Language language only added & addressed in Replacement replacement cost being Cost comprised of by DBH (If tree is 50cm/3cm = number of trees to plant) replacement cost ratio of Higher ratio for replacement of large 1:1 of DBH (every inch trees lost is replaced with Cambridge provides examples in young new trees) ordinance of ‘mitigation payments’ No Heritage Tree Create Heritage Tree designation for language or ‘Exceptional exceptional trees defined as any Trees’ language tree >30 inches or uniquely significant due to age, species, or location. Require public hearing, only removed if dangerous, require 3:1 replacement or a Tree Fund contribution. City maintains Heritage Tree Registry (Commissioner JJ) No specific numbers Provide specific # when defining significant tree and replacement recommendations both in cost and tree size and specific replacement location Private Trees are not Have this apply to private trees as under consideration well as public trees. Replacement Cost calculator provided Provide more specifics on Cost but value determined by calculating cost beyond # the Tree Warden replacement trees (cost per replacement tree); Have that be determined by the BMP so can be updated as data/science becomes available to guide practice Have replacement cost fund in a 2 Tree Ordinance Research and discussion points for 2026 Meetings separate “Street Tree Fund” that is used only for buying, planting and maintaining trees in the City (Boston). Fees (beyond Currently state $300 1)​ Move to it being decided by replacement plus the replacement the commission on a yearly cost) cost set by Tree basis (RA recommendation Warden. what they do on ConCom) 2)​ State a fee at time of ordinance and that it can’t be increased by comm yearly more than X% Tree fund Replacement cost. Not Do we want to generate a fund that other fund available. goes beyond replacement cost? That could help fund canopy expansion and proposed discounts? What would that look like? See notes below on examples from other cities Such a fund could be used to support planting, maintenance and education Discounts 50% if putting in Do we want to consider other driveway; get cars off discounts? Cambridge has 0% streets because don’t replacement costs if on one of have a lot of driveways several financial help programs. Incentives None Consider incentives to encourage planting of trees on private property? Manual or none Have in the ordinance a manual or BMP BMP guide that a commission updates (so it doesn't get outdated); construction guidelines - something the city can refer to. Definitions Define park and public Define other terms such as caliper, (currently trees capital improvement project, city section b in tree, DBH, Removal, Replacement ordinance) Caliper, Significant Tree, Heritage Tree (as done in Boston ordinance). Article 5 § 13.The role Define the roles and responsibilities and responsibilities of of the tree warden, senior urban the commission are forestry and landscape planner, as outlined well as the commission (as done in Boston ordinance). 3 Tree Ordinance Research and discussion points for 2026 Meetings Mandating expertise? E.Providence abd Boston does this (landscape art.; arborist); could make it more challenging to find members Update the responsibilities of the commission. Boston for example has a commission reviewing planting proposals with ability to comment during any City permitting review process. This would require more cross-over with planning. Other definitions to See Atlanta, GA for most consider comprehensive list Purpose Consider updating to more explicitly (section a) state values and goals for canopy protection and expansion in the City. Enforcement “The commissioner of Topic relates to fees discussed (section l) the DPW&P shall have above. the power to enforce this section” Consider CTLA-based tree valuation and penalty matrix and add flowchart for enforcement actions and permit revocation processes (Commissioner JJ) 4 Tree Ordinance Research and discussion points for 2026 Meetings Table 2. Below is a table compiling the topics to discuss as it pertains to ordinances outside of the tree ordinance that influence canopy cover in the city of Worcester. This includes regulations for subdivisions and zoning ordinances. See powerpoint provided by Michelle Smith of planning for March 12 2025 Commission meeting for reference on these topics. Ranking Issue(s) Current Ideas for changes Subdivision 1 tree per lot within the Regulations front yard (first 20 feet from the ROW) Trees planted every 50’ in the front yard (first 20’ from the ROW) Zoning 1 tree per 10 interior Ordinance parking spaces in surface lots with 16+ spaces. Interior parking doesn’t abut a landscape buffer (perimeter) 3-5’ landscape buffer (depending on use and zoning district) is required to screen surface parking/loading that abuts a street or a side lot line abutting a residential use or park. The buffer requires 1 tree every 20-25’ center Parking/loading/drivewa ys require a 3-5’ permeable setback from property lines Interior trees may be waived by the PB; all other trees require Special permit from the PB or Zoning board for appeals Biodiversity guidelines for development projects (goal presented by Smith) 5 Tree Ordinance Research and discussion points for 2026 Meetings 6 Suggested Tree Species and Example Cultivars for Worcester, MA Development and Forestry- Urban PROHIBITED Forestry Tree Commission - [this PLANT LIST Located document may be modified] Last Update: at Bottom of Dec. 2025 Document * = native to eastern North America USDA Height x Taxon name Common Name Zone Habit Width (ft) Notes More Info: narrow narrow; symmetrical; evergreen; *Abies balsamea balsam fir 3 to 6 pyramidal 70 x 25' fragrant Missouri Botanical Garden narrow; straight trunk; branches Rocky Mountain white extend to ground; strong winds may North Carolina State Abies concolor fir 3 to 7 pyramidal 70 x 30' damage taller trees; evergreen Extension Rocky Mountain white narrow blue needles; urban conditions; retains Abies concolor 'Blue Cloak' fir 3 to 7 pyramidal 30 x 15' lower limbs; evergreen Dawes Arboretum Explorer spire-like crown; good lawn, park tree; narrow less tolerant of urban pollution; *Abies fraseri Fraser fir 4 to 7 pyramidal 50 x 25' evergreen Missouri Botanical Garden smaller stature; screen; ornamental; compact less tolerant of urban pollution; Abies koreana Korean fir 5 to 7 conical 30 x 12' evergreen Missouri Botanical Garden Abies koreana 'Silberlocke' (syn. compact smaller stature; ornamental; less 'Horstmann's Silberlocke') Korean fir 6 to 7 conical 30 x 18' tolerant of urban pollution; evergreen Missouri Botanical Garden narrow narrow; dense; evergreen; attractive Abies nordmanniana Caucasian fir 4 to 6 pyramidal 50 x 25' dark color; urban conditions Missouri Botanical Garden branches extend to ground; specimen; Abies pinsapo Spanish fir 6 to 7 pyramidal 75 x 30' evergreen Missouri Botanical Garden narrow; good in windy conditions; narrow prevents soil erosion; majestic; North Carolina State Abies procera Noble fir 5 to 6 pyramidal 100 x 12' evergreen Extension hybrid of A. griseum and A. nikoense; Acer 'Ginzam' GINGERBREAD™ hybrid maple 4 to 8 oval 30 x 20' cinnamon bark, orange/red foliage Dawes Arboretum Explorer Acer buergerianum trident maple 5 to 9 rounded 30 x 30' small spaces; street, yard tree Missouri Botanical Garden small spaces; foliage bright yellow- Acer buergerianum 'Michael Steinhardt' golden trident maple 5 to 9 columnar 10 x 6' orange in summer Dawes Arboretum Explorer good street tree; does not drop messy Univ. of Florida Division of Acer buergerianum 'Streetwise' trident maple 4 to 9 oval 45 x 40' fruit or flowers Forestry very narrow; erect branches; silvery narrow bark; hybrid of A. rubrum and A. *Acer × freemanii 'Armstrong' Freeman maple 3 to 9 pyramidal 70 x 15' saccharinum Missouri Botanical Garden 1 *Acer × freemanii 'DTR 102' AUTUMN fast growing; hybrid of A. rubrum and J. Frank Schmidt & Son FANTASY™ Freeman maple 4 to 8 broadly oval 50 x 40' A. saccharinum Co. strong central leader; superb scarlet- green to burgundy-yellow fall color; hybrid of A. rubrum and A. *Acer × freemanii 'Marmo' Freeman maple 3 to 9 oval 70 x 45' saccharinum Missouri Botanical Garden solid structure; ascending branching; fast-growing; fall color; street tree; *Acer × freemanii 'Scarsen' SCARLET narrow hybrid of A. rubrum and A. SENTINEL® Freeman maple 3 to 8 columnar 45 x 25' saccharinum Missouri Botanical Garden low-branched; dense; can be sheared Acer campestre hedge maple 5 to 8 rounded 35 x 35' into hedge Missouri Botanical Garden tight shape, few seeds; reputation as Acer campestre 'Panacek' METRO GOLD® hedge maple 5 to 8 columnar 35 x 20' tought street tree J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co. Acer grandidentatum 'Schmidt' ROCKY J. Frank Schmidt & Son MOUNTAIN GLOW® bigtooth maple 4 to 8 oval 25 x 15' small spaces; intense fall color Co. highly ornamental; red, peeling bark; Acer griseum paperbark maple 4 to 8 oval 30 x 25' specimen Missouri Botanical Garden non-invasive substitute for Japanese multitrunk maple; part-shade; cold-hardy; many North Carolina State Acer japonicum fullmoon maple 5 to 7 vase 30 x 30' cultivars Extension Acer miyabei 'JFS-KW3AMI' RUGGED J. Frank Schmidt & Son RIDGE® Miyabe maple 3 to 7 oval 55 x 40' street tree; ornamental bark Co. street tree; park tree; dense branching Acer miyabei 'Morton' STATE STREET® Miyabe maple 4 to 7 oval 45 x 35' for shade The Morton Arboretum *Acer pensylvanicum snakebark maple 3 to 7 irregular 25 x 20' part-shade; natural areas Missouri Botanical Garden wet areas; lawn or park; roots not *Acer rubrum red maple 3 to 9 oval 70 x 50' good for sidewalks Missouri Botanical Garden *Acer rubrum 'Autumn Spire' red maple 3 to 9 columnar 50 x 30' ascending branches; seedless Oregon State University compact *Acer rubrum 'Bowhall' red maple 4 conical 40 x 15' sturdy narrow street tree; fall color Oregon State University strong symmetrical branching; *Acer rubrum 'Franksred' RED SUNSET® red maple 3 to 9 oval 50 x 40' outstanding fall color Missouri Botanical Garden lawn, street, park; seedless; U.S. *Acer rubrum 'Sun Valley' red maple 4 to 7 rounded 35 x 25' National Arboretum intro Missouri Botanical Garden specimen; lawn, park; beautiful fall *Acer saccharum sugar maple 3 to 8 rounded 80 x 60' color. Missouri Botanical Garden narrow narrow; dense branching; heat *Acer saccharum 'Barrett Cole' APOLLO™ sugar maple 4 to 8 columnar 30 x 10' tolerant; fall color Oregon State University rapid growth rate; straight leader; *Acer saccharum 'Green Mountain' sugar maple 4 to 8 oval 60 x 45' strong crotches Missouri Botanical Garden *Acer saccharum 'JFS-Caddo2' J. Frank Schmidt & Son FLASHFIRE™ sugar maple 5 to 8 rounded 45 x 40' heat tolerant; brilliant red fall color Co. 2 *Acer saccharum 'John Pair' sugar maple 5 to 9 rounded 30 x 30' smaller stature; heat/drought tolerant Oregon State University Acer triflorum three-flowered maple 4 to 7 rounded 30 x30' part-shade; small landscapes Missouri Botanical Garden urban conditions; flaming orange-red Garden Center Marketing Acer truncatum 'WF-AT1' MAIN STREET® Shantung maple 4 to 8 rounded 30 x 20' fall color Magazine *Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Autumn multitrunk showy flowers, edible berries; bird Brilliance' serviceberry 4 to 9 vase 25 x 25' favorite; brilliant orange fall color Missouri Botanical Garden multitrunk smaller stature; yellow flower buds; *Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Princess Diana' serviceberry 4 to 9 vase 20 x 15' red fall color; bird friendly Missouri Botanical Garden *Amelanchier alnifolia 'Obelisk' FIRST narrow tight spaces; profuse flowering; bird J. Frank Schmidt & Son EDITIONS® STANDING OVATION™ Saskatoon serviceberry 2 to 7 columnar 15 x 7' friendly Co. multitrunk showy flowers, edible berries; bird *Amelanchier laevis Allegheny serviceberry 4 to 8 vase 40 x 40' favorite; lawns, borders, natural areas Missouri Botanical Garden single trunk; strongly upright; excellent small street tree; bird friendly; early The Purdue Arboretum *Amelanchier laevis 'Cumulus' Allegheny serviceberry 5 to 8 rounded 25 x 10' flowers Explorer narrow part-shade; purple leaves; needs Betula 'Crimson Frost' hybrid birch 4 to 7 pyramidal 40 x 25' moist soil; specimen Missouri Botanical Garden narrow strong leader; good caliper J. Frank Schmidt & Son Betula 'Penci-2' ROYAL FROST® hybrid birch 4 to 7 pyramidal 40 x 25' development; purple-bronze foliage Co. *Betula alleghaniensis yellow birch 3 to 7 irregular 75 x 75' long-lived; natural areas; wildlife value Missouri Botanical Garden heat tolerant; insect and disease resistance; superior foliage to the *Betula nigra 'BNMTF' DURA-HEAT® river birch 4 to 9 rounded 40 x 35' species Missouri Botanical Garden rounded, *Betula nigra 'Cully' HERITAGE river birch 4 to 9 multitrunk 70 x 60' one of the most disease-free birches Missouri Botanical Garden *Betula nigra 'Little King' FOX VALLEY® river birch 4 to 9 irregular 10 x 12' small spaces; salmon-brown bark Missouri Botanical Garden part-shade; variegated leaves; small North Carolina State *Betula nigra 'Shiloh Splash' river birch 4 to 9 irregular 15 x 10' spaces Extension *Betula papyrifera 'Renci' RENAISSANCE REFLECTION™ paper birch 2 to 7 pyramidal 70 x 25' fast-growing; lawn, park The Morton Arboretum North Dakota selection; stress- *Betula papyrifera 'Varen' PRAIRIE tolerant; low-maintenance; winter North Dakota State DREAM® paper birch 2 to 6 irregular 50 x 40' interest University Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata' European hornbeam 4 to 8 oval 40 x 30' part-shade; common in commerce Missouri Botanical Garden *Carpinus caroliniana American hornbeam 3 to 9 rounded 35 x 35' part-shade; low-maintenance Missouri Botanical Garden Nursery Management *Carpinus caroliniana 'J.N. Strain' American hornbeam 3 to 9 oval 15 x 10' heavy shade; small stature Magazine *Carpinus caroliniana 'JFS-KW' NATIVE J. Frank Schmidt & Son FLAME™ American hornbeam 5 to 9 oval 30 x 20' heavy shade; tight form; bright fall color Co. Carpinus japonica Japanese hornbeam 4 to 9 rounded 30 x 30' shady sites; lawns, natural areas Missouri Botanical Garden 3  large properties, parks, natural areas; *Carya cordiformis bitternut hickory 4 to 9 oval 80 x 50' considerable fruit drop Missouri Botanical Garden straight trunk; strong wood; large properties, parks, natural areas; North Carolina State *Carya glabra pignut hickory 4 to 9 rounded 80 x 40' wildlife value Extension *Carya ovata shagbark hickory 4 to 8 oval 90 x 70' ornamental; wildlife value Missouri Botanical Garden specimen; park; hybrid of C. Catalpa × erubescens 'Purpurea' purple catalpa 5 to 9 rounded 50 x 50' bignonioides and C. ovata Oregon State University tolerant of wet and dry soils; flooding; *Catalpa speciosa catalpa 4 to 8 rounded 70 x 50' street, lawn, park Missouri Botanical Garden narrow, evergreen; tolerant of heat and Calocedrus decurrens incense cedar 5 to 8 columnar 50 x 10' humidity; windbreak Missouri Botanical Garden Cedrus atlantica Atlas cedar 6 to 9 pyramidal 60 x 40' evergreen; specimen Missouri Botanical Garden narrow tight spaces; ascending branches; Royal Hort. Society Find-a- Cedrus atlantica 'Fastigiata' Atlas cedar 6 to 9 pyramidal 25 x 12' evergreen Plant part-shade; lawn, street tree but has *Celtis occidentalis hackberry 2 to 9 rounded 60 x 60' some seed-drop Missouri Botanical Garden *Celtis occidentalis 'JFS-KSU1' PRAIRIE narrow very narrow for tight spaces; heat, J. Frank Schmidt & Son SENTINEL® hackberry 4 columnar 45 x 12' drought, cold tolerant Co. part-shade; street tree, specimen; fallen autumn leaves smell of Cercidiphyllum japonicum katsura tree 4 to 8 rounded 60 x 60' cinnamon Missouri Botanical Garden Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Morioka Weeping' weeping katsura 5 to 8 weeping dome 20 x 15' parks; specimen; vibrant fall color Iseli Nursery Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Rotfuchs' RED FOX purple katsura 4 to 8 oval 40 x 25' maroon foliage; low canopy; dioecious Oregon State University shady sites, street tree; early nectar *Cercis canadensis eastern redbud 3 to 9 rounded 35 x 35' provider Missouri Botanical Garden *Cercis canadensis 'Ace of Hearts' eastern redbud 5 to 9 rounded 12 x 15' small stature; little pruning Missouri Botanical Garden *Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy' eastern redbud 5 to 9 rounded 30 x 35' purple and orange fall color Missouri Botanical Garden rounded, *Cercis canadensis f. alba 'Royal White' eastern redbud 4 to 9 multitrunk 25 x 25' white-flowered form Missouri Botanical Garden profuse flowers, sterile, no seed-drop; Cercis chinensis 'Don Egolf' Chinese redbud 6 to 9 compact vase 12 x 12' U.S. National Arboretum intro Missouri Botanical Garden very tight spaces; strongly upright branching; profuse flowering; yellow Chionanthus retusus 'Tokyo Tower' Chinese fringe tree 6 to 9 columnar 15 x 6' fall color Missouri Botanical Garden showy flowers; wildlife value; parks, *Chionanthus virginicus white fringe tree 3 to 9 rounded 20 x 20' natural areas; streams; ponds Missouri Botanical Garden *Cladrastis kentukea yellowwood 4 to 8 rounded 50 x 55' lawns; parks Missouri Botanical Garden *Cladrastis kentukea 'Sweetshade' yellowwood 4 to 8 rounded 45 x 50' lawns; parks Missouri Botanical Garden 4 *Cornus florida 'Cherokee Princess' flowering dogwood 5 to 9 pyramidal 30 x 30' early heavy bloom; winter interest Conserve Connecticut *Cornus florida 'Comco No. 1' CHEROKEE BRAVE flowering dogwood 5 to 9 pyramidal 30 x 35' showy: red bracts fade to white Gardenia.net narrow J. Frank Schmidt & Son *Cornus florida 'Jean's Appalachian Snow' flowering dogwood 5 to 9 pyramidal 20 x 15' highly resistant to dogwood anthracnose Co. better disease resistance than Cornus florida; showy flowers; parks, lawns, Cornus kousa kousa dogwood 5 to 8 vase, rounded 30 x 30' natural areas Missouri Botanical Garden Cornus kousa 'Blue Shadow' kousa dogwood 5 to 9 oval 10 x 6' small stature; blue-green foliage Garden Center Marketing Cornus kousa 'Wolf Eyes' kousa dogwood 5 to 8 rounded 20 x 20' smaller stature; mottled bark Monrovia excellent resistance to dogwood cornelian-cherry anthracnose/borer; good foundation Cornus mas dogwood 4 to 8 rounded 25 x 20' plant; early spring bloom Missouri Botanical Garden rounded, *Corylus americana American hazelnut 4 to 9 multitrunk 16 x 13' wildlife value; natural areas; screen Missouri Botanical Garden rounded, Cotinus coggygria smoketree 5 to 8 multitrunk 15 x 15' specimen; lawns, parks Missouri Botanical Garden thornless; tolerant of sites with poor *Crataegus viridis 'Winter King' green hawthorn 4 to 7 vase 30 x 30' drainage and compacted soils Mt. Cuba Center specimen; parks, lawns, screen; Cryptomeria japonica Japanese cedar 5 to 9 pyramidal 60 x 30' evergreen Missouri Botanical Garden narrow highly ornamental; unusual; lawns, Davidia involucrata 'Sonoma' dove tree 6 to 9 pyramidal 25 x 15' parks Iseli Nursery Eucommia ulmoides hardy rubber tree 4 to 7 rounded 60 x 50' pest-free; street tree, lawns, parks Missouri Botanical Garden rounded or multitrunk beautiful park tree; late summer *Franklinia alatamaha Franklin tree 5 to 8 vase 20 x 15' flowers; good fall color Missouri Botanical Garden long-lived; street, lawn, park tree; urban conditions; commercial buildings; males preferred due to North Carolina State Ginkgo biloba maidenhair tree 3 to 8 pyramidal 80 x 40' slippery/smelly fruit Extension Ginkgo biloba ‘JFS-UGA2’ GOLDEN COLONADE® maidenhair tree 4 to 8 oval 45 x 25' good street tree; narrow; fruitless J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co. narrow strongly vertical; fruitless; street tree, Ginkgo biloba 'JN9' SKY TOWER™ maidenhair tree 3 to 8 columnar 20 x 10' commercial buildings Missouri Botanical Garden J. Frank Schmidt & Son *Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Christie' HALKA™ thornless honeylocust 4 to 8 rounded 40 x 40' heavy caliper; symmetrical Co. *Gleditsia triacanthos 'Draves' STREET narrow narrow; not a profuse bloomer/less KEEPER® thornless honeylocust 4 to 8 pyramidal 45 x 20' messy; golden fall color; street tree The Dawes Arboretum lawns, parks; tolerates poor soils; *Gymnocladus dioicus Kentucky coffeetree 3 to 8 irregular 80 x 55' urban conditions Missouri Botanical Garden 5 *Gymnocladus dioicus 'Espresso-JFS' seedless; elm-like shape; heat, ESPRESSO™ Kentucky coffeetree 3 to 8 vase 50 x 35' drought, cold tolerant J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co. *Halesia carolina Carolina silverbell 3 to 9 rounded 35 x 35' street tree; shady sites Missouri Botanical Garden pink bell-shaped flowers; smaller than *Halesia carolina 'Arnold Pink' Carolina silverbell 4 to 8 rounded 30 x 20' species Millican Nurseries yellow flowers Feb/Mar; parks, lawns, Hamamelis × intermedia 'Arnold Promise' hybrid witch hazel 5 to 8 vase 15 x 15' natural areas Missouri Botanical Garden red flowers Feb/Mar; parks, lawns, Hamamelis × intermedia 'Diane' hybrid witch hazel 5 to 8 vase 12 x 15' natural areas Missouri Botanical Garden *Hamamelis vernalis Ozark witch hazel 4 to 8 vase 10 x 15' small tree; flowers Mar/Apr Missouri Botanical Garden yellow flowers Nov/Dec (last native plant to bloom); parks, lawns, natural *Hamamelis virginiana witch hazel 3 to 8 vase 20 x 20' areas Missouri Botanical Garden Heptacodium miconioides seven-son flower 5 to 9 vase 20 x 10' narrow; winter interest; peeling bark Missouri Botanical Garden evergreen; specimen, foundation; red berries persist through winter; bird narrow friendly; need male and female for *Ilex opaca American holly 5 to 9 pyramidal 30 x 20' berries Missouri Botanical Garden narrow *Ilex opaca 'Jersey Knight' American holly 5 to 9 pyramidal 30 x 20' male pollinator for 'Jersey Princess' Missouri Botanical Garden female; superior berry production; narrow needs male pollinator like 'Jersey Rutgers Agricultural *Ilex opaca 'Jersey Princess' American holly 5 to 9 pyramidal 30 x 20' Knight' Research Station parks, natural areas; poor street-tree *Juglans nigra black walnut 4 to 9 oval, rounded 100 x 100' due to nut-drop; wildlife value Missouri Botanical Garden evergreen; narrow; bright blue berries *Juniperus virginiana eastern red-cedar 2 to 9 narrow conical 65 x 25' in autumn; screen, windbreak Missouri Botanical Garden narrow *Juniperus virginiana 'Taylor' eastern red-cedar 4 to 9 columnar 20 x 4' tight spaces; screen, windbreak; male Missouri Botanical Garden North Carolina State Kalopanax septemlobus castor-aralia 4 to 7 rounded 60 x 60' large but low-maintenance Extension *Liquidambar styraciflua 'Hapdell' HAPPIDAZE® sweet gum 5 to 9 oval 80 x 60' fruitless/no mess Missouri Botanical Garden *Liquidambar styraciflua 'Silver King' sweet gum 5 to 9 oval 20 x 10' fruit; specimen; park, lawn The Dawes Arboretum medians, tight spots, screens; best planted in poor soils and tough spots to slow growth and maintain narrow *Liquidambar styraciflua 'Slender habit. If planted in ideal conditions, North Carolina State Silhouette' sweet gum 5 to 9 columnar 60 x 6' tree grows too rapidly and splits. Extension showy flowers, winter interest; lawn, *Liriodendron tulipifera tulip tree 4 to 9 conical 90 x 50' street, park; early nectar provider Missouri Botanical Garden 6 *Liriodendron tulipifera 'Aureomarginatum' MAJESTIC BEAUTY® tulip tree 4 to 9 pyramidal 80 x 50' green leaves with yellow margins Missouri Botanical Garden *Liriodendron tulipifera 'JFS-Oz' EMERALD medium stature; dominant central J. Frank Schmidt & Son CITY® tulip tree 4 to 9 oval 55 x 25' leader Co. narrow *Liriodendron tulipifera 'Little Volunteer' tulip tree 4 to 9 pyramidal 35 x 20' small stature; very straight form Prides Corner Farms Maackia amurensis 'JFS-Schichtel1' MAACNIFICENT® Amur maackia 3 to 7 vase 30 x 22' exfoliating bark; street tree J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co. narrow yellow flowers have a light lemon oil Magnolia 'Butterflies' hybrid magnolia 5 to 9 pyramidal 20 x 15' aroma; profuse bloom for 7-9 days Missouri Botanical Garden narrow Magnolia 'JURmag1' BLACK TULIP® hybrid magnolia 5 to 9 pyramidal 20 x 10' dark purple flowers; tight spaces Gardenia.net narrow narrow; fragrant, tulip-shaped, creamy Magnolia 'Yellow Lantern' hybrid magnolia 4 to 8 pyramidal 30 x 15' yellow flowers Missouri Botanical Garden two-toned white/pink flowers less multitrunk susceptible to frost; hybrid of M. kobus Magnolia × loebneri 'Leonard Messel' Loebner magnolia 5 to 9 vase 20 x 18' × M. stellata Missouri Botanical Garden straight trunk; tulip-like flowers; cucumber-like fruits, respectable gold *Magnolia acuminata cucumber tree 3 to 8 pyramidal 70 x 35' fall color Missouri Botanical Garden *Magnolia grandiflora 'Bracken's Brown pyramidal to evergreen; winter-hardy; large white Beauty' southern magnolia 6 to 9 rounded 30 x 25' flowers Missouri Botanical Garden distinct reddish new growth; good specimen tree; avoid excessively wet Magnolia salicifolia 'Wada's Memory' willow-leaved magnolia 5 to 8 conical 40 x 30' sites; part-shade. Gardenia.net multitrunk *Magnolia tripetala umbrella tree 5 to 8 rounded 30 x 30' part-shade; lawns, parks Missouri Botanical Garden in Massachusetts, tends to grow 15- 20' tall; showy red fruits, lawns, *Magnolia virginiana sweet bay magnolia 5 to 10 rounded 35 x 35' foundation; good for wet spots Missouri Botanical Garden fern-like foliage; interesting bark, great Metasequoia glyptostroboides dawn redwood 4 to 8 conical 100 x 25' park tree; deciduous conifer Missouri Botanical Garden Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Golden Oji' golden-yellow through summer; great GOLD RUSH™ dawn redwood 5 to 8 conical 100 x 25' park tree; deciduous conifer Missouri Botanical Garden straight trunk; showy fall color; berries attractive to wildlife; need male and *Nyssa sylvatica tupelo 3 to 9 rounded 50 x 30' female to produce berries Missouri Botanical Garden *Nyssa sylvatica 'David Odom' narrow straight central leader; bright red fall J. Frank Schmidt & Son AFTERBURNER® tupelo 4 to 9 pyramidal 35 x 20' color; street tree Co. *Nyssa sylvatica 'WFH1' TUPELO narrow narrow; urban conditions; spectacular The Purdue Arboretum TOWER™ tupelo 4 to 9 columnar 50 x 15' fall color Explorer American hop- *Ostrya virginiana hornbeam 3 to 9 rounded 40 x 30' street tree; part shade Missouri Botanical Garden 7  narrow, highly ornamental; flowers *Oxydendrum arboreum sourwood 5 to 9 oval 50 x 25' later than most trees; fall color Missouri Botanical Garden good street tree; exfoliating Parrotia persica Persian ironwood 4 to 8 pyramidal 40 x 30' bark/winter interest Missouri Botanical Garden narrow Nursery Management Parrotia subaequalis Chinese parrotia 5 to 8 pyramidal 25 x 25' small stature; heat/drought tolerant Magazine urban conditions, evergreen; wind Picea abies Norway spruce 2 to 7 pyramidal 60 x 30' screen; narrow Missouri Botanical Garden irregular mottled bark; unusual specimen for Pinus bungeana lacebark pine 4 to 8 multitrunk 50 x 35' park/lawn; evergreen Missouri Botanical Garden narrow evergreen; specimen for smaller Pinus cembra Swiss stone pine 3 to 7 pyramidal 40 x 20 landscapes Missouri Botanical Garden narrow Pinus cembra 'Stricta' Swiss stone pine 3 to 7 pyramidal 25 x 6' very narrow; evergreen Dawes Arboretum Explorer Pinus parviflora Japanese white pine 5 to 7 irregular 50 x 50' evergreen; park tree Missouri Botanical Garden evergreen; wildlife value; gnarled look; North Carolina State Univ. *Pinus rigida pitch pine 4 to 7 irregular 60 x 50' can drop limbs; park, natural areas Ext. *Pinus strobus eastern white pine 3 to 8 irregular 80 x 40' evergreen; long-lived; wildlife value Missouri Botanical Garden narrow narrow spaces; ascending branches; *Pinus strobus 'Fastigiata' eastern white pine 3 to 8 columnar 40 x 10' evergreen; attractive to birds Missouri Botanical Garden common street tree; urban conditions; hybrid cross between American Platanus × hispanica (syn. Platanus × sycamore (P. occidentalis) and acerifolia) London plane tree 4 to 8 rounded 100 x 75' Oriental planetree (P. orientalis) Missouri Botanical Garden smaller version of species; parking lot Platanus × hispanica 'Morton Circle' islands, medians; good replacement Nursery Management EXCLAMATION!® London plane tree 4 to 8 pyramidal 60 x 45' for ash Magazine good for wet conditions/mitigate storm runoff; one of the most massive trees *Platanus occidentalis American sycamore 4 to 9 rounded 100 x 100' in North America Missouri Botanical Garden good pollinator tree; susceptible to *Prunus virginiana chokecherry 2 to 7 oval 30 x 20' black knot Missouri Botanical Garden *Prunus virginiana 'Schubert' CANADA distinctive red summer foliage; popular Oregon State University RED (syn. 'Canada Red') chokecherry 2 to 7 oval 30 x 20' street tree; good pollinator College of Agriculture soft green needles turn gold in fall; Pseudolarix amabilis golden larch 4 to 7 conical 60 x 40' specimen, parks; deciduous conifer Missouri Botanical Garden Rocky Mountain narrow more cold-hardy than species; Oregon State University Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca Douglas fir 4 to 6 pyramidal 100 x 20' evergreen College of Agriculture narrow tight spaces; drought resistant; J. Frank Schmidt & Son Quercus 'Nadler' KINDRED SPIRIT™ hybrid oak 4 to 9 columnar 30 x 6' tolerant of urban soils Co. narrow narrow; excellent winter hardiness; Quercus × warei 'Long' REGAL PRINCE® hybrid oak 4 to 9 columnar 60 x 25' resistant to wind and ice; Missouri Botanical Garden 8 *Quercus alba white oak 3 to 9 rounded 80 x 80' street, lawn tree; wildlife value Missouri Botanical Garden drought resistant; long-lived; wildlife *Quercus bicolor swamp white oak 3 to 8 rounded 60 x 60' value Missouri Botanical Garden *Quercus bicolor 'Bonnie and Mike' narrow tight spaces; ascending branching; J. Frank Schmidt & Son BEACON™ swamp white oak 4 to 8 columnar 40 x 15' street tree Co. *Quercus bicolor 'JFS-KW12' American J. Frank Schmidt & Son Dream® swamp white oak 4 to 8 pyramidal 50 x 40' slightly smaller version of species Co. brilliant red fall color; long-lived, *Quercus coccinea scarlet oak 4 to 9 oval 75 x 50' durable, low-maintenance Missouri Botanical Garden *Quercus macrocarpa burr oak 3 to 8 rounded 80 x 80' majestic; good for wet areas Missouri Botanical Garden *Quercus palustris pin oak 4 to 8 pyramidal 70 x 60 popular street/landscape tree Missouri Botanical Garden *Quercus palustris 'Pringreen' GREEN narrow tight spaces; strong central leader; PILLAR® pin oak 4 to 8 columnar 60 x 15' street tree Missouri Botanical Garden dense strongly ascending habit; better narrow mildew resistance compared to Quercus robur 'Wandell' ATTENTION!™ English oak 5 to 8 columnar 45 x 15' 'Fastigiata' Garden Center Marketing specimen; street, lawn tree; wildlife *Quercus rubra red oak 4 to 8 irregular 75 x 75' value Missouri Botanical Garden specimen; street, lawn tree; wildlife *Quercus velutina black oak 3 to 9 irregular 60 x 60' value Missouri Botanical Garden only host for Luna moth; excellent yellow, purple, red fall color; park, *Sassafras albidum sassafras 4 to 9 pyramidal 60 x 40' lawn, natural areas Missouri Botanical Garden narrow Sciadopitys verticillata Japanese umbrella-pine 5 to 8 pyramidal 30 x 20' evergreen; specimen; lawns, parks Missouri Botanical Garden narrow part-shade; heat/drought tolerant; North Carolina State Univ. Stewartia monadelpha tall stewartia 6 to 8 pyramidal 25 x 25' good street tree; red exfoliating bark Ext. Stewartia pseudocamellia Japanese stewartia 5 to 8 pyramidal 40 x 30' ornamental; cup-shaped white flowers Missouri Botanical Garden Styphnolobium japonicum Chinese scholar tree 4 to 8 rounded 75 x 75' street tree; great park tree Missouri Botanical Garden long-lived; tolerates range of soil conditions, standing water, salt; low- maintenance, easy fall cleanup; North Carolina State Univ. *Taxodium distichum bald cypress 4 to 9 pyramidal 70 x 30' deciduous conifer Ext. *Taxodium distichum 'JFS-SGPN' GREEN J. Frank Schmidt & Son WHISPER® bald cypress 5 to 9 pyramidal 55 x 30' vigorous growth; deciduous conifer Co. *Taxodium distichum 'Skyward' LINDSEY'S narrow narrow spaces; stiffly ascending J. Frank Schmidt & Son SKYWARD® bald cypress 5 to 9 columnar 25 x 10' branches; deciduous conifer Co. narrow evergreen; fast-growing; hybrid of T. Thuja 'Green Giant' hybrid arborvitae 5 to 8 pyramidal 60 x 18' plicata x T. standishii Missouri Botanical Garden narrow evergreen; specimen; foundations, *Thuja occidentalis 'Nigra' American arborvitae 3 to 7 pyramidal 30 x 10' screens; avoid windy sites Missouri Botanical Garden 9  narrow Oregon State University Thuja plicata western red cedar 5 to 7 pyramidal 70 x 25' evergreen; lawns, parks College of Agriculture ornamental; street tree; good *Tilia americana American linden 2 to 8 oval 80 x 50' pollinator Missouri Botanical Garden Oregon State University *Tilia americana CONTINENTAL APPEAL® American linden 4 to 8 oval 50 x 28' less "worn" appearance in summer College of Agriculture *Tilia americana 'McKSentry' AMERICAN particularly symmetrical, resistant to J. Frank Schmidt & Son SENTRY® American linden 3 to 8 pyramidal 45 x 30' Japanses beetle; straight trunk Co. handsome but less tolerant of urban *Tilia americana 'Redmond' American linden 2 to 8 oval 70 x 45' conditions Missouri Botanical Garden lawn, street tree; more tolerant of various conditions than native T. Tilia cordata European linden 3 to 7 pyramidal 70 x 50' americana Missouri Botanical Garden faster growing, more open crown than J. Frank Schmidt & Son Tilia cordata 'Baileyi' SHAMROCK® European linden 4 to 7 pyramidal 40 x 30' 'Greenspire' Co. J. Frank Schmidt & Son Tilia cordata ‘Halka’ SUMMER SPRITE™ European linden 4 to 7 oval 20 x 14' natural semi-dwarf; street tree Co. Ulmus davidiana var. japonica 'JFS- resistant to Dutch elm disease; North Carolina State Univ. Bieberich' EMERALD SUNSHINE® Japanese elm 5 to 8 vase 35 x 25' tolerant of heat/drought Ext. unique "rainbow" form; urban conditions; thrives in heat; drought Ulmus parvifolia ‘Emer I’ ATHENA™ lacebark elm 5 to 9 rounded 45 x 50' tolerant Athena Trees resembles American elm; resistant to Dutch elm disease; exfoliating bark; Ulmus parvifolia 'Emer II' ALLEE™ lacebark elm 4 to 9 vase 70 x 55' lawn, street tree Missouri Botanical Garden resistant to Dutch elm disease; urban The Purdue Arboretum Ulmus parvifolia 'UPMTF' BOSQUE® lacebark elm 5 to 9 oval 60 x 40' conditions Explorer graceful; resistant to Dutch elm Zelkova serrata Japanese zelkova 5 to 8 vase 80 x 80' disease; lawn, street, park Missouri Botanical Garden PROHIBITED TREES: Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala (syn. Acer ginnala) Amur maple Acer platanoides Norway maple Acer pseudoplatanus sycamore maple Ailanthus altissima tree-of-heaven Albizia julibrissin mimosa Alnus glutinosa European alder Elaeagnus umbellata autumn olive Frangula alnus glossy buckthorn Morus alba white mulberry 10 Phellodendron amurense Amur cork tree Pinus thunbergii Japanese black pine Pyrus calleryana flowering pear Rhamnus cathartica common buckthorn 11 Pleasant Street (Route 122) Improvements – UFTC Briefing 1. Overview This briefing summarizes issues within the Pleasant Street (Route 122) Alternatives Analysis Memo (Oct 2020, Rev. Jan 2021) that the Worcester Urban Forestry Tree Commission (UFTC) should monitor, including tree impacts, root-zone disturbance, vegetation clearing, and areas with a high likelihood of invasive-plant colonization. 2. Priority Issues for UFTC Review · • Sidewalk widening and reconstruction along the west side (full length) and selective new sidewalk installation along the east side—likely root-zone disturbance in both cases. · • Explicit tree removal zone between Baxter Street and Joppa Road (“multiple trees would need to be removed”). · • Retaining wall construction near Mower Street and grade changes affecting existing vegetation. · • Guardrail removal/reset and slope regrading at several points along corridor. · • Drainage swale regrading near Tatnuck Country Club detention basin. · • Vegetation trimming/removal for sight-distance at Mower St/Mower St. · • Removal of multiple median islands—potential loss of shrubs/trees and disturbance of soil. · • Tree-adjacent impacts expected near utility pole clearance areas requiring sidewalk flare-outs. 3. Invasive Plant Risk Indicators · • Soil disturbance along slopes, shoulders, and guardrail lines—high colonization risk for knotweed, bittersweet, mugwort, and buckthorn. · • Culvert/headwall adjacency zones—typical knotweed and phragmites footholds.  · • Detention basin overflow swale washout near Tatnuck Country Club—a common site for wetland invasives. · • Tree removal zones that may convert to full-sun environments prone to woody invasive establishment. · • Bus stop expansion areas—bare soil around transit pads often colonized by invasive broadleaf weeds. 4. Table: Tree/Vegetation Impact Zones Location Impact Description UFTC Action Needed Baxter St → Joppa Rd Sidewalk feasible only with Tree inventory; review short retaining wall; multiple removal plan; ensure public trees removed hearing if shade trees Near Mower St New 140’ retaining wall; Root-zone protection plan grade changes Assabet Ln Median island removal Confirm if woody vegetation present Mower/Mower intersection Vegetation trimming & Confirm species; ensure no fence relocation protected trees Tatnuck Country Club swale Regrading needed due to Monitor for invasive wetland washout plant colonization Utility pole pinch points Sidewalk flares may require Verify tree proximity and excavation risk to roots 5. Map Placeholders • Insert Figure 2 (Project Limits) – Mark tree-impact zones. • Insert Figure 4 (Sidewalk Constraints) – Highlight culvert/headwall invasive risk zones. • Insert cross-section Figures 8–10 – Identify vegetation conflict