Tree Maintenance Division

The Tree Maintenance Division operates out of the Dayton shop with a fleet of three lift trucks. We are responsible for the care of approximately 220,000 street trees along County roadways. The street environment is a difficult one for a tree to thrive. New subdivisions are planned with side areas behind the curb or sidewalk to help promote healthy trees. If a tree does succumb, it is promptly removed and the location is placed on a waiting list for replacement.

Tree Trimming

Street trees are pruned on a 12-year cycle, although newer trees may require more frequent elevating along sidewalks. In general, trees are trimmed to remove dead wood, diseased branches, structural defects and to train the growth of young trees. Trees are also trimmed to maintain adequate clearance for vehicles and pedestrians generally 12' to 14' over the road and 8' over the sidewalk. Branches obscuring traffic signals stop signs and other traffic control devices are also removed. Our goal is to trim trees to maintain them and, if possible, to improve their health and appearance.

Tree Removal

Trees are removed for a number of reasons including death of the tree, structural defect, declining health, etc. Requests to remove a tree from the public right of way should be made to the Bureau of Highways at 410-313-7450.

Stump Removal

Upon removal of a tree, the location of the stump, if any, is noted in our tree management system for future "removal." Removal consists of the mechanical grinding of the stump and those exposed roots radiating from the stump out to where the roots first enter the ground. The stump and roots are ground to a depth of 6" below the surrounding ground level. The wood chips are removed and the hole filled with a topsoil mixture and the surface seeded with grass. The dirt is left mounded slightly to allow for settlement as the remaining underground portions of the stump rot. It is helpful for the establishment of the grass to water the seeded area until the grass is established.