Do a Good Deed: Plant a Tree

The City of Batavia is again offering residents the opportunity to purchase a parkway tree. The available species are locally grown, quality trees that have proved to do well in city parkways. A different variety of species is offered each year as a way to diversify the tree population on the parkways. Residents are asked to submit the 2011 50/50 Parkway Tree Program Request Form no later than:

• April 1 for a Marmo Freeman Maple
• July 1 for a Chinkapin Oak, Kentucky Coffeetree, or Royal Raindrops Crabapple. An earlier response increases the opportunity to receive your first-choice species. 

Resident pays one-half of the tree cost. Trees are approximately 2-2.5 inches in diameter and 7-12 feet high at time of planting, depending on species.

The top of the tree’s root ball is planted about 3-inch above existing grade.
The City of Batavia reserves the right to adjust the location of the tree if it will interfere with underground utilities. For example, our minimum spacing is generally 40’ between trees and 10’ from driveways, manholes, and hydrants. Only lower-growth trees such as crabapples can be planted under overhead wires. 

Here are more instructions:

• Residents are responsible for watering and care of tree after planting. Care instructions will be sent prior to planting. 
• A 1-year guarantee is provided and is subject to inspection by a tree expert of the city’s choice.
• If requests exceed allocation for a particular species, you may be notified that the city is unable supply a tree for you this year.
• Eligible residents will receive a form via e-mail or regular mail in mid-April or late August (depending upon species), indicating the species they will receive.
  The form should be completed and returned by the deadline date in the instructions.
• At this time, residents will also be asked to place a stake in the parkway in the desired planting location. A City of Batavia representative will field-check the location and paint the adjacent curb; the stake can be removed once the curb is marked. If it is determined that the tree will interfere with overhead/underground utilities or it is too close to the driveway or other trees, the resident will be notified that the city cannot fulfill the request.
• Trees will be planted in late April or late October by the city’s contractor.
• Homeowners will be invoiced for the tree after planting occurs. 

2011 Tree Species Selection List

Chinkapin Oak:   2 inches diameter when planted

Large, wide-spreading tree with branches mainly upright or horizontal in form.  Fall color is yellow to orange-brown. Under-used as a street tree, but tolerates urban pollution well. Click for a photograph of a leaf. Request forms for this species must be submitted by July 1. 

Spread: 50-60 feet   

Height at maturity (approx.): 40-50 feet   

Tree cost: $240 (Resident pays $120)

Kentucky Coffeetree: 2.5 inches diameter when planted

Beautiful, large, native shade tree with attractive bluish-gray foliage that turns butter yellow in the fall.  Mature specimens have attractive grey bark.  Click for a photograph of a leaf.  Request forms for this species must be submitted by July 1.

Spread: 30 feet   

Height at maturity (approx.):  50-60 feet   

Tree cost: $300 (Resident pays $150)

Marmo Freeman Maple: 2.5 inches diameter when planted

Beautiful, oval-shaped form with ascending structure and one central leader. Hybrid of red and silver maples with yellow-orange fall color. Click for a photograph of a leaf. Request forms for this species must be submitted by April 1. 

Spread: 40-50 feet   

Height at maturity (approx.):  70 feet   

Tree cost: $230 (Resident pays $115)

Royal Raindrops™ Crabapple:  2 inches diameter when planted

Upright spreading shape, attractive cut-leaf disease resistant foliage, excellent under power lines. Spring flowers are bright pinkish red, followed by persistent red fruit.  Click for photographs of leaves and flowers. Request forms for this species must be submitted by July 1. 

Spread: 15 feet   

Height at maturity (approx.): 20 feet   

Tree cost: $210 (Resident pays $105)

Call the Street Division of Batavia Public Works at 630-454-2400 with any questions about the 2011 Parkway Tree Program.