City of Sedalia Completes Trim Grant

Tree Re-Inventory and Tree Care Information

The City of Sedalia received a Tree Resource Improvement and Maintenance (TRIM) Grant through the Missouri Department of Conservation. The grant provided funds for completion of a partial tree re-inventory along certain street right-of-ways and on public property, such as public parks. The results of this project help the city to better understand its urban forest’s composition, structure, and tree maintenance needs; plan for both short-term and long-term resource allocation; develop risk management strategies; and enable the City to promote the economic, environmental, and social benefits its trees provide to the community.

This year’s partial re-inventory included a total of 1,531 trees. This year’s report states that “Many of the City’s trees are well established with the most common diameters at breast height, also known as DBH, being between 5 inches and 25 inches.” Upon completion of the re-inventory, the information gathered is used by the City’s Street Department staff to identify trees needing maintenance including trimming or removal.

Like many other communities, the City of Sedalia is concerned about the adverse effects of the Emerald Ash Borer (“EAB”) as well as other tree pests. Pettis County has reported the presence of the emerald ash borer within the county’s boundaries. This year, the City also focused on re-inventorying public ash trees, which total 429. The City of Sedalia had the contracted urban forestry consulting firm, ACRT, assess all ash trees in public spaces to determine if any are being impacted by the emerald ash borer and identified any public trees of concern for monitoring and care/removal. This challenge has reaffirmed the City’s dedication to protect its natural resources. Sedalia has been named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management for the past thirteen years.

The TRIM grant also funded fliers with a tree care calendar and shared information with the community about the emerald ash borer, oak wilt disease, Japanese beetles and how to care for newly planted trees. These fliers were provided to over 10,500 homes in our community through water utility billings.

Any questions regarding these activities may be directed to the Public Works Department, 200 S. Osage, Sedalia, MO at (660) 827-3000 extension 1166.