The Noblesville Tree Board, in collaboration with city departments, is conducting a community survey to gauge resident preferences and interest in certain activities and programs that are being considered relative to trees within our city.  The Tree Board, through its Education and Outreach committee, established a goal of increasing community awareness of the various benefits of a healthy tree canopy and increasing resident and developer knowledge of how to properly plant and care for trees within city rights-of-way and in other places.  The Tree Board is also considering potential recommended modifications to the City of Noblesville Tree Ordinance to modernize the ordinance and to take into account certain challenges and risks that can be associated with street trees, including sidewalk damage, utility line damage, personal injury risk, and accessibility issues. 

 

Responses to this survey will help inform steps to balance various considerations relating to trees, including the fiscal impact of current practices and contemplated alternative practices for street tree maintenance and enforcement of street tree planting requirements.

 

Thank you for your participation in this survey.

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* 1. I feel trees are an important part of our city’s infrastructure and should be thoughtfully cared for using accepted best practices.

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* 2. I understand that trees help prevent flooding and erosion, and help to clean our air and water.

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* 3. I am interested in seeing more trees of appropriate species planted along our streets, parks and common areas.

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* 4. I would be interested in having a tree planted in front of my home or adjacent to my home if it were free or very inexpensive.

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* 5. I understand that a newly planted tree requires frequent watering and monitoring for pests and disease and I am willing to be a caregiver for our new trees and help our urban forest to grow.

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* 6. If the right-of-way in front of my home was not suitable for a tree planting, I would be interested in a cost-share option for my private property.

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* 7. I am concerned about tree fruit/litter and sidewalk issues from tree roots.

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* 8. I know that I can find resources about tree planting, pruning, species selection and other tree related information on the City of Noblesville’s Tree Board website.

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* 9. I understand that mature, healthy trees increase property values, reduce heating and cooling costs and have positive mental health benefits for nearby residents

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* 10. I am interested in being more involved in tree-related projects in Noblesville.

The Noblesville Tree Board is comprised of 7 members who volunteer their time and efforts to promote planting and care of trees within city right-of-way or on city property, utilization of trees to improve environmental quality and effective stormwater management, protection of community residents from personal injury or property damage that can at times be caused by natural growth or by improper planting, maintenance, or removal of trees within city rights-of-way, and to provide the various benefits of a healthy tree canopy.

 

Five members are appointed by the Mayor, and one member is appointed by the City Council.  The final member is the Urban Forester that carries out activities under the City of Noblesville Tree Ordinance.

 

The Board is responsible for the development of a master plan for the care, preservation, pruning, planting, removal, and disposition of street trees within the city.  The Board coordinates efforts with the Street Department, Parks Department, Planning Department, and other city entities as appropriate.

 

More information about the Tree Board is available here.

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