Did you know that according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), trees provide numerous benefits to our communities? Trees impact our environment, infrastructures, health, safety, economic and social interactions. It is the goal and duty of the Shade Tree Commission to create a sustainable program to develop a healthy Urban Forest within the City of Ravenna that will provide numerous benefits of trees to all who live and visit.
Environment, Health & Safety
- Increase Wildlife Habitat
- Improve Soil
- Water and Air Quality
- Carbon Storage
- Noise Reduction
- Reduce Road Glare
- Healing and Calming Effects
- Absorbs Dust and Wind
- Storm Water Run-Off Reduction
- Biodiversity
Infrastructure, Social & Economic
- Increase Business Traffic
- Increased Property Value
- Reduction in Violence
- Vehicle Speed Reduction
- Reduce Energy Costs
- Renewable Infrastructure that Appreciates in Value
The City of Ravenna has a Shade Tree Commission, that was established in 2013, but has been involved with Tree City USA for 28 years. The Commission’s objectives are for tree care and management, remove hazard trees and prepare planting sites, develop a planting program and planting plan and also to maintain Tree City USA status. The City of Ravenna wants to maintain a healthy and vigorous Urban Forest and plant a diversity of trees that will grow and thrive on selected planting sites. In 2024, the city had planted over 100 trees throughout the community and including the Maple Grove Cemetery. The city also celebrated Arbor Day on October 29, 2024. During the celebration, there was a tree planted.
According to our current Tree Inventory, the following is true about our city’s street trees:
- Total Street Trees: 3,775
- 114 different tree species
- Most popular genus: Maple tree
- Approximately 61% of our trees are found to be in good condition
Additional Information:
Tree City USA:
www.arborday.org
Ohio Department of Forestry:
http://forestry.ohiodnr.gov.urban
Shade Tree Commission Agendas and Minutes – City of Ravenna, Ohio