HomeMy WebLinkAboutTerrace Trees memoTO: Oshkosh Common Council
FROM: Sustainability Advisory Board
RE: Terrace Trees
DATE: 12/6/2010
It is of the opinion of the Oshkosh Sustainability Advisory Board that it would be to the City's advantage to
modify Chapter 26 of the municipal city code to include terrace tree planting in cases of street widening,
street reconstruction and new street construction. The objective of amending the current chapter as it
stands is to create an aesthetically pleasing landscape with a unified appearance, while enhancing overall
community health, and fulfill Goal D under Natural Resources in Chapter 8 of the City's Comprehensive
Plan.
Reasons for amending the current chapter include:
It's What the Community Wants
• The majority of participants in the Oshkosh Vision Survey indicated that they wanted to see a
community with more trees, wider terraces and unified streetscapes.
• One of the goals in Chapter 8 of the City's Comprehensive Plan is to "[p]romote an aesthetically
pleasing natural environment throughout the city "; with one of the actions giving guidance to update
Chapter 26 to include options for tree terrace planting.
• Several initiatives have been taken in recent years to provide terrace trees in the community such as
the Taking Root donation program, and requirements for new subdivisions to include terrace trees.
There are Significant Benefits to Increasing the Tree Population in Oshkosh
• Trees remove carbon dioxide and other air pollutants
• Trees catch rainwater, thereby assisting with stormwater management
• Trees reduce the costs of heating and cooling in structures by shade and protection from wind
• Trees can raise property values
• Trees can increase frequent shopping and sales to local businesses
• Trees enhance the quality of life for residents
Other Communities Have Laid the Foundation for Terrace Trees, With Appleton Providing the Best
Example:
• The Parks and Recreation Committee has the authority to plant trees in terraces on existing streets,
street reconstruction, and in new street construction, with the cost borne by the City
• Space requirements include:
40 -60' lateral spacing
o 60' from approach side of intersections
o 30' from exit side of intersection
o 10' from driveway aprons
o 10' from water shut off valves
o 10' from gas line T's
o 20' minimum from street lights
• Other Wisconsin communities, including the City of Menasha, Janesville, Beloit, and Campbellsport
have progressive terrace tree planting programs.
For the City of Oshkosh to further its sustainability efforts, increase quality of life and to address the benefits
stated above, the Oshkosh Common Council, in conjunction with other applicable entities, should amend
Chapter 26 of the municipal code to include planting of terrace trees in cases of new road construction,
street widening and road reconstruction.
Sources:
www.treespayusback.pdf
www.appleton.org /i /p /municode.pdf
oshkoshareacf.org
http: / /www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us (for municipal code and Comprehensive Plan)