Huntington Woods Budget Trims Tree Plantings

Huntington Woods officials had to make some tough decisions to balance the 2011-12 budget, including eliminating tree replacements, but they assure residents the move will not compromise the city's canopy.

The budget, which was approved in May, reveals that general fund revenues are projected to decline from $5.71 million this fiscal year to $5.58 million in 2012-13. The city also expects to see state road funds continue to drop. That is significant because those dollars traditionally have been tapped for tree planting and maintenance, said Claire Galed of the .

"During the past three years, we've seen a decline of approximately 10 percent in funding from the state" for road funds, Finance Director Tony Lehmann said. 

During the next fiscal year, Huntington Woods will receive $227,000 from the state toward its major road fund, or 95 percent of that budget, and $97,692 toward its local road fund, or 72 percent of that budget, he said. The city will have to make up the balance. The funds are used to cover every aspect of roads, as well as to replace trees.

"With dwindling funds, some of the things that are less critical to people's safety and the long-term integrity of our roads take a second place," Lehmann said.

So Huntington Woods will shift its efforts from planting to keeping its existing tree stock healthy.

"We usually at least replace every tree we take down that's diseased or hit by lightning," City Manager Alex Allie said when he presented the budget in April. Unfortunately, during the next year, the city known for its trees will not be able to do so, he added.

Instead, Huntington Woods will work to prioritize which trees need attention, putting dead trees that need to be removed and those that need to be trimmed to stay healthy at the top of the list, Galed said.

Grant funds have been used in the past to buy new trees, but Galed warned that taking that route now could weaken the city's tree stock, as those monies don't usually cover the cost of planting and maintenance.

"Just planting trees does not create a healthy urban forest," she said.

But it's not all bad news.

"We're delighted to work with homeowners who'd like to plant an easement," said Galed, who added that anyone interested in doing so should contact the Public Works Department to ensure the plant they've chosen will contribute to diversification of the city's tree stock. Homeowners also are advised to call Miss Dig to stake their underground utility lines before any digging.

She said the changes will not affect Huntington Woods' status as a Tree City USA, an honor bestowed by the Arbor Day Foundation on 3,400 communities throughout the United States.

"To be honest, we are very 'treed' as a community," Galed said. "We have a lot more than is the norm nationwide, and we should be proud."