Tree Commission Tree Commission

The Fairport Harbor Tree Commission is a volunteer advisory board that provides guidance to the Mayor, Village Administrator, and Council on the planting, maintenance, and preservation of trees within the public right-of-way. The Commission plays a vital role in maintaining the beauty, safety, and environmental health of our community by recommending tree species for public spaces, overseeing tree care, and ensuring responsible removal when necessary.

The Tree Commission only regulates trees located in the right-of-way. Trees on private property that do not extend into the right-of-way are not subject to regulation by the Commission.

In addition to its advisory role, the Tree Commission coordinates the Village’s annual Arbor Day program, promoting tree planting and education to enhance our green spaces for generations to come.

The Tree Commission meets on the Third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM at the Fairport Harbor Community/Senior Center (1380 East Street). Meetings are open to the public, and residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions about Fairport Harbor’s urban forest.

Property owners with trees bordering public streets have a responsibility to maintain them to ensure public safety and preserve the Village’s urban forest.

Property Owner Responsibilities

• Pruning: Trees must be pruned to prevent obstruction of street lighting, sidewalks, traffic signs, and roadway visibility.
• Tree Health: Diseased or insect-infested trees that pose a danger to other trees or plants must be treated or removed.

Tree Trimming Guidelines

• No permit is required for trimming branches under four inches in diameter.
• Trimming or removing branches over four inches in diameter in a tree lawn or right-of-way must be done at the property owner's expense.

Tree Stump Removal

• All tree stumps must be removed within one year of tree removal.
• Stumps must be ground below surface level to eliminate safety hazards.

Street Tree Maintenance

Street trees located in the tree lawn under power lines are trimmed by The Illuminating Company as part of routine utility maintenance. You can report a tree problem to First Energy / The Illuminating Company here.

Enhance your curb appeal and contribute to a greener community with the Street Tree Rebate Program! Residents can receive a $50 rebate for planting an approved tree in their tree lawn.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Trees must come from the approved tree list or be a native species.
• Trees must have a caliper of at least 1¼-inch at planting.
• Each household is eligible for one rebate per year.

It’s a simple and rewarding way to beautify your property while helping our community grow greener and healthier. Application forms can be downloaded below.

Through funding provided by an Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry Ohio's Urban Forestry Grant Program, the Fairport Harbor Tree Commission and Village Administration developed several key planning documents that will guide the future management of Fairport Harbor's public trees.

Stocking Level Survey

The Stocking Level Survey evaluated the Village's existing street tree inventory and identified available planting locations throughout the community. The survey provides a benchmark for measuring canopy growth and helps prioritize future tree planting efforts.

Tree Risk Assessment

The Village also completed a Tree Risk Assessment to evaluate the health and condition of public trees. The assessment identified 37 trees that were removed in 2026 due to safety concerns, disease, decline, or structural defects. Removing hazardous trees is an important step in maintaining a safe and healthy urban forest.

Street Tree Planting Design

The Street Tree Planting Design serves as a roadmap for future planting efforts by identifying suitable planting locations and recommending specific tree species for each site. The plan emphasizes species diversity and proper tree selection to ensure long-term success and resilience.

Urban Forest Management Plan

The Village's Urban Forest Management Plan brings these efforts together into a comprehensive strategy for managing public trees. The plan establishes goals, priorities, and best management practices for tree maintenance, removals, replacements, and future plantings. It provides a long-term framework to help the Village maintain a safe, healthy, and sustainable tree canopy for years to come.

A Long-Term Investment

Building a healthy urban forest is not a one- or two-year project. The Village cannot simply plant hundreds or even thousands of trees today and expect to have a healthy, sustainable tree canopy tomorrow. Successful urban forests are developed over decades and require a diverse mix of tree species and age classes. By balancing the planting of new trees with the preservation, maintenance, and replacement of existing trees, the Village is creating an urban forest that will be more resilient to pests, disease, storms, and changing environmental conditions for generations to come.

Fairport Harbor is proud to be recognized as a Tree City USA community. This designation, awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service, recognizes communities that demonstrate a commitment to the careful management and stewardship of public trees.

The Fairport Harbor Tree Commission serves as the body responsible for overseeing the community's Tree City USA program and urban forestry initiatives. The Commission works to promote the preservation, maintenance, and expansion of the Village's tree canopy while helping guide long-term planning and policy decisions related to public trees.