Educational Resources.

  • Hamilton Urban Forestry Story Map - learn about the many different species and cultivars that make up Hamilton's urban forest. This story map includes detailed descriptions, pictures, and maps of where individual species/cultivars can be found around town.

  • Hamilton’s Street Tree Resource - The City of Hamilton manages 14,163 street, park, and golf course trees in public rights-of-way and City-owned green spaces. There are additional unmanaged trees located within rights-of-way, such as natural areas and privately planted trees. This urban forest resource analysis focused on the 14,163 managed trees.

  • Ohio Tree ID - The City of Hamilton Urban Forestry and the ODNR are partnering to teach you how to identify and gain appreciation for some of Ohio's common trees. We will focus on one tree species over a period of two weeks so you can become familiar with that tree species. We encourage you to share your own photos and ID tips and tag us with @OhioTreeID. Thank you for joining us on this adventure!

  • Trees Are Good - brought to you by the International Society of Arboriculture

  • USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Plants Database - standardized information about the vascular plants, mosses, liverworts, hornworts, and lichens of the U.S. and its territories

  • Tree Planting App - see where trees were planted in the public right-of-way since 2009

  • Why Cities Need Trees - learn why trees are important to cities in this TED-Ed video

  • Urban Forest Poster - follow the QR codes to learn about specific animal species that support a healthy urban forest

  • Tree Poster - follow the QR codes to learn about specific tree species approved for planting in public rights-of-way and city-owned green spaces.

  • Pollinator Poster - follow the QR codes to learn what trees to plant to attract specific pollinators.

  • Birds, Butterflies/Moths, Insect Pests & Diseases Poster - follow the QR codes to learn about birds, butterflies and moths that depend on trees, as well as insect pests and diseases of trees.

  • Fungi, Diseases, & Insects Poster - follow the QR codes to learn more about fungi, diseases, and insects

  • Fall Colors Tree Web Map - learn more about the City’s trees and their autumn colors

  • Landscape Guide for Businesses, Developers, and Home Owners - use this guide to design your landscape

  • Small Growing Trees URLs - find more information on small-sized trees

  • Medium Growing Trees URLs - find more information on medium-sized trees

  • Large Growing Trees URLs - find more information on large-sized trees

 

Frequently Asked Questions.

 

Can the City of Hamilton Municipal Arborist look at trees in my yard?

The Municipal Arborist will review trees on private property by appointment only. Inquiries should be directed to 513-785-7556 or dave.bienemann@hamilton-oh.gov. You can also submit a request using MyHamilton (311).

Can the City of Hamilton Municipal Arborist check my ash tree(s) for the presence of Emerald Ash Borer?

The Municipal Arborist will inspect ash trees on private property by appointment only. Inquiries should be directed to 513-785-7556 or dave.bienemann@hamilton-oh.gov. You can also submit a request using MyHamilton (311).

Does the City trim or remove trees?

Yes, the City of Hamilton does trim and remove trees located in public rights-of-way, City parks, and green spaces owned by the City if power lines are involved. The City does not trim or remove trees on private property or in the public rights-of-way where no power lines are located.

 

Who do I call for a tree limb on the power lines?

The Municipal Arborist will review tree limbs on power lines during non-emergency situations. Please call 513-785-7556 or email dave.bienemann@hamilton-oh.gov. You can also submit a request using MyHamilton (311). If you have lost power due to a downed power line or other hazardous situation, or are experiencing flickering lights, voltage problems, smoking or sparking from the power lines, contact the City’s Emergency Utility Service immediately at 513-785-7550 – available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your safety is important to us. Stay away from all power lines. Assume they are live and dangerous.

What is the procedure for planting a tree in the tree lawn area (the green space between the sidewalk and curb or edge of street pavement)?

You can request an Adopt-A-Tree form from the City of Hamilton Municipal Arborist by calling 513-785-7556 or by emailing dave.bienemann@hamilton-oh.gov. Once the form is filled out and returned, the Municipal Arborist will review the species selection and planting site. The permit will be approved or not approved based on the planting site and surrounding public infrastructure.

What size of tree can I plant in the tree lawn?

City Ordinance Chapter 915, Comprehensive Tree and Planting Plan, states that the tree lawn area must have a minimum width of 4 feet to plant a small tree (< 25 feet tall at maturity), a minimum width 6 feet to plant a medium tree (25-40 feet tall at maturity), and a minimum width of 8 feet to plant a large tree (> 40 feet tall at maturity). Additionally, street trees must have a diameter of at least 1.75 inches when planted. The approved list of street tree species is also provided in C.O. Chapter 915.

 

Why is the City trimming the trees in the subdivision?

The City does not trim or remove trees on private property or in the public rights-of-way where no power lines are located. However, the City of Hamilton will train residents on how to prune smaller trees to remove dead or diseased branches, crossing branches, and/or branches that impact pedestrian or motor vehicle visibility. Proper pruning is encouraged to promote good tree form and structure, which ultimately results in a stronger, healthier, and more storm resistant mature tree.

Why does the City plant trees under the power lines knowing they will need to be trimmed later?

The City plants utility compatible trees under or adjacent to power lines. High voltage power lines are 40 feet above the ground and so utility compatible trees grow no more than 25 feet tall. They also do not require trimming. Utility compatible trees species include Ivory Silk Lilac, Serviceberry, Crab Apple, Hawthorn, Flowering Cherry, Hedge Maple, Tartarian Maple, Redbud, Star Magnolia, and Kousa Dogwood.

What are the brown and/or green bags at the base of trees?

Treegator® bags are for watering newly planted trees. Each Treegator bag holds approximately 20 gallons of water. Refer to the section titled “Watering” on page 12.