Planting Site Recommendations
Small: Less than 30' tall and 35' wide
Medium: 30' to 50' mature height, less than 45' wide
Large: More than 50' mature height, up to 90' mature width
Minimum Soil Space in planters or sidewalk cutouts:
Small - 4' x 4'
Medium - 6' x 6', not suitable for planters
Large - not suitable for sidewalk cutouts or planters
Minimum Tree Lawn Size:
Small - 4'
Medium - 6'
Large - 8'
Small trees are suitable for planting under overhead utility lines. Medium and large trees are not suitable for planting under or near overhead utility lines.
Distance From Buildings:
Small - 15'
Medium - 25'
Large - 50', do not plant near buildings, only in open areas and greenspaces
Plant trees at least 40' from intersections, road signs, and traffic signals. Raise tree limbs to at least 12' to provide line of sight clearance near intersections.
We recommend that you maximize planting sites. Tree wells will only be suitable for certain small trees. Tree well dimensions should be at least 4' x 4'. If planting in sidewalk cutouts maximize rooting space by connecting cutouts parallel to the sidewalk and curb (rectangular strips instead of individual squares).
All trees planted near sidewalks will require training pruning and continued maintenance pruning to raise branches to at least 10' to provide clearance for pedestrians and vehicles. If no overhead obstructions are present (power lines, signs, light posts, etc.) and the site can support a medium (planting site at least 6' wide) tree then plant a taller, medium sized tree to help with vertical clearance.
Pruning or Removing City Trees
Anyone wishing to prune or remove any city tree must have prior approval from the Public Works Director, at 424-8559. The reason for this is to keep our tree database current and to ensure that the tree you wish to cut is or is not a city tree.
1/3 and 1/4 Rules
Never remove more than ¼ of a tree's crown in a season. Where possible, try to encourage side branches that form angles that are ⅓ off vertical (10 or 2 o'clock positions).
For most species, the tree should have a single trunk. Ideally, main side branches should be at least ⅓ smaller than the diameter of the trunk.
If removal of a main branch is necessary, cut it back to where it is attached to another large branch or the trunk. Do not truncate or leave a stub!
For most deciduous (broadleaf) trees, don't prune up from the bottom any more than ⅓ of the tree's total height.
Never Top... Always Prune!
"Topping" a tree is one of the worst things you could do. Weaker and unsightly limbs grow up in their place, and the exposure left behind is a breeding ground for insects and disease.
Proper pruning throughout the tree's life is the way to go, so that the tree naturally avoids power lines and other obstacles.
Making a Pruning Cut
Large limbs...
A. Make a partial cut from beneath.
B. Make a second cut from above several inches out and allow the limb to fall.
C. Complete the job with a final cut just outside the branch collar.
Small branches...
Make a sharp clean cut, just beyond a lateral bud or other branch.
“I never before knew the full value of trees. Under them I breakfast, dine, write, read, and receive my company.”
—Thomas Jefferson
©The City of Parkersburg, WV. All Rights Reserved.
Write the Tree Commission at:
Tree Commission
City of Parkersburg
PO Box 1627
Parkersburg, WV 26102
Telephone the Commission at:
(304) 424-8558
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MORE INFORMATION
From ArborDay...
The Right Tree in the Right Place
9 Things You Should Know about Trees
From USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service...
In West Virginia...
More...
WHAT'S A CITY TREE?
A city tree is any tree between a sidewalk and a road, for example, and some trees in alleys, and others in public places next to a residence or business.
DO & DON'T QUICKLIST
If you don't know what to do, ask someone who does! Call or email us — we'll be glad to help!
Watch that weed eater! A tree's trunk is it's clothing and defense against insects and disease.
Avoid piling snow or other matter against a tree. Road salt embedded in snow is very bad for any tree!
Remove dead branches like you would flower tops — using sharp pruners and making a clean cut.
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