Raises awareness of, support for, and knowledge about municipal trees and the urban canopy 943.03 TREE COMMISSION ; CREATION AND ESTABLISHMENT. (b) Terms.
There is hereby created and established a Tree Commission for the City, to consist of nine voting members, as follows:
(a) Appointments. Members are to be appointed in the following manner: Two voting public members appointed by the Mayor; four voting public members appointed by Council in a manner to be determined by that body. One voting seat shall be occupied by the City Arborist or a cert
ified arborist serving in that position under contract. One voting seat shall be occupied by a representative of the Building and Housing Department. The remaining voting seat shall be occupied by a member of Council appointed by the President of Council. The Director of Public Service shall occupy a nonvoting seat on the Commission . Up to two additional ex-officio (non-voting) members may be appointed upon agreement between Council and the Mayor so as to insure that expertise in urban forestry is well represented. Public members shall serve four-year terms. Terms shall begin on either January 1 or July 1 of the year in which a member is appointed. Public members may be reappointed to no more than three consecutive terms. A vacancy occurring during the term of any member of the Commission shall be filled for the unexpired term in the manner authorized for an original appointment. (c) Eligibility. Public members shall be residents of the City of South Euclid. (d) Qualifications. Public members shall, within three years of their appointment, have completed either Tree Commission Academy presented by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry or receive other training in urban forestry, tree care, and public tree management. Those who do not fulfill this obligation are not eligible for reappointment to a new term. (Ord. 16-92. Passed 7-27-92; Ord. 20-15. Passed 12-28-15.)
943.06 OPERATION. The Tree Commission shall meet at least three times each year or as needed and shall hold its first meeting within three months of enactment of this chapter, at which time it shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman and thereafter shall elect officers at its first meeting each year. A majority of voting members shall constitute a quorum and any actions of the Commission may be taken by a majority of the voting members present at the meeting at which the action is taken. A special meeting may be called by the chairperson, or in his or her absence, the vice-chairperson, or by any two Tree Commissioners. Members may participate in up to two meetings per year via conference call or video conference/interaction. Meetings of the Tree Commission shall be open to the public and announced in advance via the city website or other appropriate means. The Commission shall keep minutes of its meetings and file them with the Clerk of Council. (Ord. 42-99. Passed 6-28-99; Ord. 20-15. Passed 12-28-15.)
943.07 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. (a) It shall be the responsibility of the Tree Commission to develop, administer and maintain a written plan to be known as the Master Tree Plan. (b) The Commission , when requested by Council, shall consider, investigate, make findings, report and recommend upon any special matter of question coming within the scope of its work. The Commission shall study the problems and determine the needs of the City in connection with its tree planting and maintenance program. (c) The Commission shall recommend to the Director of Public Service, the type and kind of trees to be planted upon such City streets or parts of City streets or in parks as designated. (d) The Commission shall assist the Director of Public Service, as well as Council and residents of the Municipality in the dissemination of news and information regarding the selection, planting and maintenance of trees within the corporate limits, whether the same are on private or public property and shall make such recommendations from time to time to Council as to desirable legislation concerning the tree program and activities for the Municipality. The Commission shall work in conjunction with civic and public interest groups devoted to tree care and preservation. The Commission shall plan and sponsor the city's annual Arbor Day celebration on the last Friday in April. Passed 12-28-15.)
943.08 MASTER TREE PLAN. The Tree Commission shall have the authority to formulate a Master Tree Plan. The Master Tree Plan shall include the inventory of existing public trees and shall specify the requirements for the care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting and removal or disposition of trees in parks, along streets and on other public sites and shall specify the species of tree to be planted in these areas. The Master Tree Plan shall be updated and presented to Council every three years and upon their acceptance and approval shall constitute the official comprehensive Master Tree Plan for the City. From and after the effective date of the Master Tree Plan, or any amendment thereof, all planting, removal and maintenance shall conform thereto. (a) The Commission shall have the responsibility of inventory (and classifying as to location, species, size, condition and evaluation) for the existing public trees , as an integral part of the Master Tree Plan. This inventory shall be updated bi-annually. (b) The Commission shall consider all existing and proposed buildings, utilities and environmental factors including climate change and pests when recommending the planting of a specific species or other work for all streets and public sites within the City. (c) The Commission shall have the authority to amend or add to the Master Tree Plan at any time that circumstances make it advisable. Passed 12-28-15.)
943.09 TREE SPECIES TO BE PLANTED. The Tree Commission shall develop and maintain a list of desirable large, medium and small trees for planting in parks, along streets and on other public sites based on mature height, soil condition, surrounding conditions, and species suitability. The largest tree that is suitable for each site shall be the default choice. Lists of trees not suitable for planting in these areas shall also be created by the Commission . Passed 12-28-15.)
05/10/2026
That low-growing plant with purple cylindrical flower heads and square stems. The one your mower clips regularly. The one your neighbor calls lawn mint.
That's self-heal. Native across most of North America. And one of the few flowering plants that can complete its entire bloom cycle at lawn mowing height.
Most lawn flowers put up tall stems that get clipped before they finish. Self-heal flowers at three inches. The bumblebees and small carpenter bees visiting it are foraging in your grass between mowings, at a height the mower doesn't reach if the blade is set above three inches.
She's in the mint family — square stems, opposite leaves, small lipped flowers. Unlike most mints, she stays low and doesn't spread aggressively. A patch holds its ground without taking over.
During the midsummer gap — when spring flowers have finished and fall blooms haven't started — many suburban yards have almost nothing flowering at ground level. A lawn with self-heal in it is still feeding native bees through that window.
🌿 What to do with self-heal in the lawn:
- Leave it. A patch of self-heal is a feeding station for native bees during the weeks when little else is blooming at lawn height
- Mow above three inches — self-heal flowers work at that height and bumblebees keep visiting between mowings
- Skip broadleaf herbicide where it's growing — self-heal recovers slowly after spraying and what fills the gap is usually something less useful
- If you're seeding a meadow strip or no-mow zone, add self-heal to the mix. It establishes quickly and holds soil while taller plants grow
The plant most people mow past without noticing is the one keeping bees fed when the rest of the lawn has nothing to offer 🌿
04/28/2026
🌳 Thank you, South Euclid! 🌳
A huge thank you to everyone who joined the South Euclid Tree Commission today at Quarry Park South for our Arbor Day Celebration.
Thanks to you, two beautiful new trees are now in the ground and already becoming part of our city's story:
🌿 A White Oak (Quercus alba) – planted in loving memory of John Kocevar
🌿 A Pecan Tree (Carya illinoinensis) – planted in honor of Doc Janning
Your presence made this celebration meaningful. Thank you for honoring their legacies, for caring about our urban forest, and for showing up on a spring afternoon to put down roots with us.
Let's keep growing a greener South Euclid — together. 🌱
City of South Euclid
04/24/2026
🌳 It's Arbor Day! See you at noon, South Euclid! 🌳
Today's the day! The South Euclid Tree Commission is ready to plant two new trees, and we want you there.
📍 Where: Quarry Park South – 4204 Monticello Blvd
🕛 When: TODAY – April 24, 2026 @ 12:00 PM
We're planting for two great community members:
🌿 White Oak (Quercus alba) in memory of John Kocevar
🌿 Pecan Tree (Carya illinoinensis) in honor of Doc Janning
Come celebrate Arbor Day with us. Watch the plantings, enjoy the park, and help us grow South Euclid's urban forest—one tree at a time.
Noon. Quarry Park South. Be there. 🌱
04/23/2026
🌳 Tomorrow is Arbor Day in South Euclid! 🌳
Remember to join the South Euclid Tree Commission as we plant two special trees!
📅 Tomorrow – April 24, 2026
🕛 12:00 PM
📍 Quarry Park South – 4204 Monticello Blvd
We're planting:
🌿 A White Oak (Quercus alba) for John Kocevar
🌿 A Pecan Tree (Carya illinoinensis) for Doc Janning
Come watch, celebrate, and honor two great members of our community. The planting starts at noon sharp – bring a friend and your tree-loving spirit!
See you there. 🌱
City of South Euclid
04/22/2026
🌎 Happy Earth Day from the South Euclid Tree Commission! 🌳
Today, we celebrate the planet that gives us clean air, shade, and shelter. And we have exciting news—Arbor Day is just two days away!
Join us on April 24 at 12:00 PM at Quarry Park South (4204 Monticello Blvd) as we plant two legacy trees:
🌿 A White Oak for John Kocevar
🌿 A Pecan Tree for Doc Janning
Earth Day reminds us why we plant trees—not just for today, but for generations to come. Let's grow a greener South Euclid, together.
📍 Earth Day action: Plant something, pick up litter, or just hug a tree. Then come celebrate with us on Friday!
City of South Euclid
04/17/2026
🌳 Join the City of South Euclid and the South Euclid Tree Commission for Arbor Day 2026! 🌳
📅 Date: April 24, 2026
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Quarry Park South
4204 Monticello Blvd, South Euclid, OH 44121
We’re celebrating with a special tree planting ceremony honoring two beloved community members.
We will be planting two legacy trees:
🌿 White Oak (Quercus alba) – planted in memory of John Kocevar
🌿 Pecan Tree (Carya illinoinensis) – planted in honor of Doc Janning
Come watch as we put down new roots, celebrate our urban forest, and recognize the lasting impact of these two individuals on our South Euclid community. All are welcome!
Bring your love for trees, bring a friend, and help us celebrate a greener future. 🌱
02/16/2026
🌸 Happy National Almond Day! 🌳
Did you know almonds grow on trees that are part of the rose family—right alongside peaches and plums? Almond trees burst into beautiful pink and white blooms before producing the nutritious nuts we love.
While almond trees need lots of sun and pollinators to thrive, they remind us of the deep connection between trees, bees, and healthy ecosystems. Every tree, from our backyard oaks to faraway almond orchards, plays a vital role in sustaining life.
Take a moment today to appreciate the amazing trees that nourish, shade, and sustain us all. 🌿💚
02/02/2026
The groundhog’s out! Did it see its shadow? 👀
Either way, we’ll keep celebrating the beauty of every season — from snowy branches to new spring buds. 🌳❄️🌸
What’s your favorite time of year to enjoy our city’s trees?
02/01/2026
🌿 Celebrating Black History Month 🌿
This month, we honor the contributions of Black leaders who’ve shaped our world in powerful ways — including the natural world around us.
One inspiring figure is Wangari Maathai — a Kenyan environmentalist, political activist, and the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. She founded the Green Belt Movement, empowering communities to plant millions of trees to restore forests, protect watersheds, and create sustainable livelihoods. 🌱🌍
Her work reminds us that caring for the earth and caring for one another are deeply connected.
“It’s the little things citizens do. That’s what will make the difference.” — Wangari Maathai
Let’s celebrate her legacy by honoring the land and community we share. 🌳✨
01/20/2026
❄️ Warming Centers Open Now in South Euclid ❄️
The extreme cold is here, and we are opening warming centers now for any South Euclid resident who loses power or needs a safe, warm place to stay.
Locations & Hours
City Hall Lobby is Open 24 hours from 8:00 AM Tuesday through 8:00 AM Wednesday
South Euclid Community Center is Open 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Important reminders:
- Please bring your own food, drinks, medications, and items to help pass the time.
- Pets are allowed, but they must be crated or kept under the direct control of their owner at all times.
Please share this post and check in on neighbors who may need help staying warm.
05/10/2026
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