Tree News: Spring 2025

For new trees planted by the City of Shaker Heights— Mulch after the second year in mid- to late-spring to retain moisture in the soil and protect the tree trunk from string trimmer and mower damage. Apply 2-4 inches of organic mulch a fist-width away from the base of the tree extending out to the edge of the canopy. Mulch should NEVER touch the tree trunk as in the image at right. Mulch should NEVER be more than 4 inches deep. NEVER use weed matting in the area under your new tree. Get more info on correct mulching.

When planting a new tree on private property, be sure to protect it from wildlife by erecting a wire protective cage around the trunk. Get easy “how-to” directions for planting a new tree. 

Chinese proverb: The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is NOW! 

The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive insect known to have spread throughout Ohio. Given its multi-stage life cycle, nymphs with black and white spots will be hatching from egg masses on host trees in April. Get more information about managing SLF.

GROW NOT MOW is a volunteer-led effort sponsored by the Tree Advisory Board and the Sustainability Committee of the City. It aims to restore former woodland and meadow in the floodplain of the Doan Brook at three sites in Shaker Heights: site 1 (Courtland and S. Park Blvd.); site 2 (S. Park Blvd. and Lee Road); site 3 (Shaker Blvd. (westbound between Warrensville Center Road and Courtland Blvd.). As an innovative environmental initiative, this effort is designed to promote sustainability, improve biodiversity, and reduce the urban ecological footprint by replacing traditional mowed grass fields with native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers.

On Saturday, April 26, from 10 am-1 pm, a collaboration of environmental partners will sponsor a work day at Grow Not Mow site 3 (see location above) when volunteers of all ages will plant a biodiverse range of 18 native tree species and plants to recreate part of the woodland that once flourished there. 

Please register to help. Planting tools will be provided. Wear weather-appropriate clothing. Come rain or shine. Children/students are always welcome! Parking is available at the RTA lot at Warrensville Center Road and Shaker Blvd.

PoeTREE MONTH AT SHAKER HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY

In a new collaboration, the Shaker Heights Public Library and the Tree Advisory Board are celebrating both April as Poetry Month, and the value of trees marked by Arbor Day, April 25.

During the month of April, the Children’s Desks at both library branches will display poems and books about trees and children will be invited to hang their own poems about trees on a very special tree crafted at each library branch by Library staff. Every child participating will receive a planting kit to grow a fir tree in a celebration of both the Earth and creativity! Don’t miss visiting the Shaker Public Library in April! 

ARBOR DAY, APRIL 25—PLANTING TWO SERVICEBERRY TREES AT LUDLOW SCHOOL

On Arbor Day, Friday, April 25, residents of the Ludlow neighborhood and representatives of the Shaker Schools will join the City and its Tree Advisory Board from 9-10 a.m. to plant two serviceberry trees on Ludlow School grounds at the intersection of Ludlow and Southington Roads. The Onaway Elementary School Garden Club sponsored by art teacher and TAB member Tim Kalan will be our honored planters at our Arbor Day celebration. In the spirit of the month celebrating Earth Day, the students will be transported via the District’s electric bus! 

There are many varieties of deciduous serviceberry trees which grow between 4-15 feet tall with an equal spread. Flower clusters are white in April/May bloom and round fruit ripens in June, attracting pollinators, birds and other animals to this native tree species. Please join us!

Meet the Tree Advisory Board

The Tree Advisory Board of the City of Shaker Heights builds community understanding about, and support for, the City’s urban forestry program. The TAB meets quarterly both in-person and virtually. In 2025, we will meet on April 8, August 12 and November 11 at 4 pm. Check the Community Calendar on the City's Website for TAB meeting information specifics. All meetings are open to the public and minutes are available online.

2025 TAB Members

• Charles Orlowski, Assistant Director of Public Works for Operations
• Nancy Moore, City Council Member and Chairperson
• Ted Auch, Citizen Member
• Reid Coffman, Citizen Member
• George Eaton, Citizen Member
• Judith Hall, Citizen Member
• Tim Kalan, Citizen Member
• Nicole McCall, Citizen Member
• Austin McGuan, Citizen Member
• Nathan Smith, Citizen Member
• Anne Williams, City Council Member