Urban Forestry

The City of Stow and the Stow Urban Forestry Commission are pleased to announce the reactivation of the Memorial Tree Planting Program.

Planting a tree is a beautiful and lasting way to honor a friend or memorialize a loved one and is a perfect gift for a birthday, graduation, wedding or retirement. In addition to the many benefits a tree provides, a tree is a daily reminder of the cycle of life and brings a lifetime of beauty to the community.

The cost of each tree is $200, which includes the purchase of the tree, mulch, watering bag, and labor of City employees to plant and maintain the tree. Applicants can also install a small, ground-mounted memorial plaque at their cost.

View the Memorial Tree Planting Application (PDF).

Funds generated from these programs are used to purchase trees for planting during Arbor Day activities and within City open spaces.

For more information, view the Recycling for Trees (PDF).

Street trees are an important part of our environment. They are aesthetically pleasing and add to the value of the property.

Every time a new home is built in Stow on a public street that has sidewalks and/or curbs, the builder is required to pay a street tree fee. This fee allows the City to plant trees on the tree lawn.

Each street is assigned a specific variety of trees. Consideration is given to growth habits, insect and disease resistance, the location of utility wires, and the general character of the neighborhood. Trees are generally spaced 50 feet apart; however, special consideration must be given to corner lots, fire hydrant locations, mailboxes, drive approaches, and traffic regulatory signs.

Once the new home is completed, the lawn is graded and the adjacent lots have homes built on them, the City hires a contractor to plant the appropriate tree(s), which are guaranteed for one year from the original planting date against death or decline due to insects or disease. The guarantee does not cover mechanical injury (lawn mowers, weed eaters) or damage due to other causes.

Each street tree signifies the Mayor's commitment to a greener Stow. The Urban Forestry Department plants in the fall and in the spring. All trees are maintained by the urban foresters. Our maintenance program includes pruning, disease control, removals, and storm damage repairs.

View the City of Stow Receives $25,000 Grant from the U.S. Forest Service page.

In 2016, the City of Stow implemented a new Tree Planting Program that we hope will ensure the viability of beautiful trees throughout our City for future generations. This Program offers the option of having a tree planted in the tree lawn area or on your private property (if corner house, two trees can be requested for the front and side yard). If, after reviewing the following guidelines, you believe you are eligible and interested in applying for a tree, please call 330-689-5120 or fill out an application form.

• Tree Planting Program Guidelines (PDF)
• Tree Planting Program Application (PDF)
• Tree Planting Program Flyer (PDF)
• Proper Tree Watering (PDF)