Newport, Rhode Island
residents
It's not an official site of the City of Newport, but it has links to the Tree Ordinance, City tree planting programs, the Tree and Parks Supervisor, and Tree Commission meeting agendas and minutes. It has links also to other reliable sources about urban tree planting and care, species identification, and community forestry.
We welcome your suggestions and inquiries. I can be reached at 848-9427 and my email.
Dave Brown, Newport Tree Commission chairman November 2005
Commission members are appointed by the City Council to help protect and enhance Newport's unique tree-scapes, and also to guard citizens' safety and rights concerning trees.
We work with Scott Wheeler, who serves as Newport's Tree Warden and also has broader responsibilities as the City's Tree and Parks Supervisor. Scott can be reached by phone at 401-845-5802 and his email.
We normally meet the second Tuesday of Jan., Mar., May, Jul., Sep. and Nov. at 7:00 pm in the 2nd floor conference room of City Hall, 43 Broadway. Interested citizens are encouraged to attend. Meeting agendas, minutes, and the ordinance under which the Tree Commission works (Chapter 12.36) are on the City's official website, http://new.cityofnewport.com.
We organize Newport's annual Arbor Day observance (usually the last Friday in April).
The Commission welcomes inquiries from Newporters who might like to become a member. We have both specialists and "just plain" citizens. Besides being useful, you can learn a lot. Here's more and an application.
For a brochure about the Tree Commission, press this.
Newport's merchants and banks have been very helpful this Fall in displaying the Commission's "Happy Tree" poster. (Press here if you'd like a copy.) The poster highlights three problems that Newport's Tree Warden Scott Wheeler often sees. Here is more information:
Bul #1 Clear low branches and shrubbery from walkways, streets and signs
Newport's Tree Ordinance requires that tree branches not be lower than 8 feet over sidewalks or 14 feet over streets. Among others, the Preservation Society, the Newport Restoration Foundation, and Salve Regina University are already being responsive to this need. But a person walking around various parts of the City will still encounter many low-hanging tree limbs, on large estates as well as smaller residential and business properties.
Bul #2 Don't Top Trees!
Tree topping doesn't really keep trees smaller. It stimulates fast-growing shoots that are weak and dangerous.
Bul #3 The Path to Planting Perky Trees
Choose appropriate species and locations. Don't plant too deep. Don't pile too much mulch around the trunk. Provide good watering and other care, in the early years especially.
Besides providing a good example, please tell your neighbors, fellow workers, and local organizations.
If you have trouble downloading these, let me (Dave Brown) know and I'll post or email a copy to you. If you have technical questions about trees, Scott Wheeler is the person to ask. We expect to be providing information about other good and bad tree practices in months to come..
for Arbor Day learning events
Tree and Parks Supervisor, Scott Wheeler, estimates that we should plant at least 200 trees a year if Newport is to have a "zero loss" urban forest. Memorial tree contributions have been adding more young trees to our parks. Now emphasis is on tree plantings along and near our streets each spring and fall. Scott has been able to make good trees available to interested residents at wholesale rates. His staff plants each tree properly, and the cooperating resident agrees to take good care of it afterwards.
For more information, contact Scott Wheeler at 845-5802 or his email. Application forms for participation in the Street Tree Planting Program are on the Parks, Recreation & Tourism section of the City's official web site, http://new.cityofnewport.com/dept/parks/
Or you can download the form for the Spring 2006 program directly from here.
From the Int'l Society of Arborculture
How to end "torture" of trees & shrubs
Or talk with a URI gardening hotline volunteer at 1-800-448-1011,
Mon-Thu, 9 am-2 pm.
Info on tree care & pests
Tree identification helps & tree facts for schools, from Virginia Tech
Photos & tech info on trees, other plants, wildlife, pests
Rhode Island Tree Council & links
UConn urban & community forestry info
Info on many community tree aspects
