Resources & Guides 2025

Explore our resources, learn about tree care best practices, and discover how you can contribute to a thriving tree canopy for generations to come.

Tree Planting Guide

Learn how to be a tree advocate.

Tree Care Tips

Preserving our trees with knowledge and attention.

Oak Wilt Information

It's all about planting new canopy trees.

Keep Bay Village green by replanting

Tree Care & Maintenance

• Watering: Water deeply and infrequently during the first few years after planting. Use a soaker hose to avoid overwatering and minimize water loss. Water during dry periods, especially during the first growing season.
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• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of wood chips, shredded bark, or compost around the base of the tree. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch away from the trunk to prevent disease.
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• Pruning: Prune during the dormant season (late winter or early spring). Make clean cuts to prevent disease. Avoid topping or heading trees, as this can be detrimental to their health. For complex pruning situations, consult with a certified arborist.
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Tree Risk Assessments

Planting Your Tree: Best Practices

  • Proper Planting Hole: Dig a hole wider than the root ball but no deeper.
  • Remove the Container: If planting a container-grown tree, gently loosen the roots to encourage outward growth.
  • Position the Tree: Ensure the tree is planted at the correct depth – the root flare (where the trunk transitions to roots) should be visible above the soil line.
  • Backfill with Soil: Gently backfill the hole with a mixture of native soil and organic matter.
  • Water Thoroughly: Water the tree deeply and regularly during the first growing season.
  • Mulch: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it away from the trunk.
Tip: We’re happy to recommend trusted local NE Ohio nurseries and arborists with quality trees & planting practices.
Learn more below & help prevent

Tree Diseases & Pests

• Watering: Water deeply and infrequently during the first few years after planting. Use a soaker hose to avoid overwatering and minimize water loss. Water during dry periods, especially during the first growing season.
‍
• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of wood chips, shredded bark, or compost around the base of the tree. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch away from the trunk to prevent disease.
‍
• Pruning: Prune during the dormant season (late winter or early spring). Make clean cuts to prevent disease. Avoid topping or heading trees, as this can be detrimental to their health. For complex pruning situations, consult with a certified arborist.
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Tree Plantings | Donations | Education | Preservation

Common Tree Diseases and Pests in Northeast Ohio

Awareness and early detection can help prevent tree loss. Common threats include:

• Oak Wilt: A fungal disease that blocks water flow in oak trees, leading to wilting and death. Avoid pruning oaks during the growing season (Spring and Summer).
• Emerald Ash Borer: A destructive insect that targets ash trees. Consider treatment or replacement.
• Anthracnose: A fungal disease affecting maples, sycamores, and oaks, causing leaf spots and defoliation.
• Gypsy Moth: A defoliating pest that weakens trees over time.

Oak Wilt Overview
What it is:
• Oak wilt is a fungal disease that affects oak trees. It's a serious and often fatal disease.  
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How it spreads:
• Fungal Mats: The fungus spreads through interconnected root systems of neighboring oak trees.
• Beetles: Sap-feeding beetles are attracted to fresh wounds on oak trees. They can carry fungal spores from infected trees to healthy ones.
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Symptoms:
• Sudden wilting: Leaves on affected branches suddenly wilt and turn brown.Discoloration: Wood beneath the bark may appear streaked with brown.

Prevention

Pruning Timing: Avoid pruning oak trees during spring and early summer (April 15 - October 1) when beetles are most active.
Wound Care: If pruning is necessary during the high-risk season, immediately paint pruning wounds with tree paint to seal them and deter beetles.
Root Grafting: Minimize root grafting between oak trees by maintaining adequate spacing.
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
What it is:
• EAB is an invasive beetle that attacks and kills ash trees.
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How it spreads:
• D-shaped exit holes: These are the most common sign of EAB infestation.
• Bark splitting: Vertical bark splits may appear as the tree weakens.  
• Epicormic shoots: Small shoots may sprout from the trunk and branches as the tree tries to compensate for leaf loss.
• Woodpecker damage: Woodpeckers may peck at the bark to feed on the larvae.‍

Prevention

Pruning Timing: Avoid pruning oak trees during spring and early summer (April 15 - October 1) when beetles are most active.
Treatment: Insecticide treatments can help protect healthy ash trees. Consult with a certified arborist to determine the best course of action.
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