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Davey Resource Group, Inc. Tree Inventory Analysis & Maintenance Strategy Page 23 ● To avoid loss of public trees, Orono should aim for, at minimum, a 1-for-1 replacement rate of planted trees to removed trees. Ideally, the community will surpass this and establish a 2-for-1 or even a 3-for-1 replacement rate, which will ultimately help to increase the community’s public trees. The budget table (Table 4) assumes a 2-for-1 replacement strategy to show the costs of maintaining such a planting program. ● Tree species selection for planting should assess their tolerance to heat, drought, salt, and climate change, among other factors, and appropriate trees should be selected for each individual planting location. ● Where planting space along streets is limited and traditional street tree planting is not possible, the community should consider alternate options for installing and increasing public tree canopy, including: o Creation of pocket parks. o Improvement and maintenance of existing nearby parks and public grounds. o Setback planting programs designed to install public street trees behind the right-of-way but within 20 feet of the public way. o Encouraging planting of trees on private property via education, tree giveaways, and other methods. ● Where possible, the City of Orono should enlarge and improve tree planting areas along streets by: o Enlarging the dimensions and soil volume of planting strips and planting wells. o Considering use of structural soils or Silva Cells to improve root movement through soils and reduce infrastructure conflicts. o Working with other city departments, such as engineering, to ensure that plans for new development or street improvement consider trees during the design process. ● Continue to seek out and apply for grant funding to support tree planting projects. Significant funding is typically available at the state and federal level, particularly for planting projects within Environmental Justice areas. ● Continue to develop and foster partnerships with groups such as Arbor Day Foundation who can help promote and support tree planting goals in the community. MAINTENANCE STRATEGY AND EXAMPLE BUDGET Using the Orono tree inventory data, an example 5-year annual maintenance schedule and budget is provided that details the recommended tasks to complete each year over (Table 4). Budget projections are based on industry knowledge and public bid tabulations. Following this schedule, or a similar schedule, can help shift the City’s tree care program from reactive toward a more proactive model. 35