East Aurora, New York - A Village of Green

Tree Planting Programs

The Share-the-Cost Tree Planting Program has been in effect in the Village of East Aurora since 1988. Designed by the village to encourage the planting of trees, the program is a partnership between the village and homeowner to share the cost of planting trees in the village right-of-way. This program enables the village to plant more trees, while providing the homeowner with a valuable asset at the fraction of the cost of a commercial tree planting. Residents and village reap many benefits from the tree plantings: cleaner air, more shade, stabilized soil, more natural wildlife habitat and increased property values.

In 2001 the Village of East Aurora received a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Urban Forestry Grant to perform a Street Tree Inventory. The inventory, which was performed by an arborist and forestry management consultant, provides valuable information concerning the condition of East Aurora's street trees. The inventory includes recommendations for the selection of the proper tree for each individual site, as well as suggestions for increasing the diversity of tree species.

The 2003 Share-the-Cost Tree Planting Program has been completely revised to incorporate the recommendations made in the Street Tree Inventory. A Village Tree Board member will review each request in order to determine the best tree for the site. New species of trees will be introduced in order to increase diversity. The focus for 2003 will be on planting in sites that are appropriate for large tree species. The cost to the homeowner will be $50.00. Plantings will take place in March of 2003. Applications are taken at the Village Hall on a first come first served basis.

The Village contacts all utility agencies to check for and determine possible utility conflicts. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to stake locations of any lawn sprinkler systems, sump pumps, roof drains, invisible dog fences and (underground) tree stumps. As weather permits, the Department of Public Works will plant and mulch the trees during early April. Directions on how to care for the tree are left with the resident. Watering the tree during the first year after planting is especially critical to the trees survival.

Trees are an integral aspect of the character of the Village of East Aurora. Residents of the village are encouraged to participate in the Share-The-Cost program and in doing so, help continue the preservation of our Village’s arboreal treasures.

The Rotary Club of East Aurora: Since 1966 the Rotary Club of East Aurora has purchased approximately 2000 trees for planting along village streets by the village DPW. A significant portion of the funding has been donated and designated for that purpose by community individuals through the Rotary Club, thereby qualifying for a tax deduction. There is an active interest in establishing a separate fund, under the Rotary umbrella, for fertilizing and pruning significant mature trees in the village to prolong their life.

The tree board encourages individuals and organizations to praticipate in tree planting efforts. Examples of past efforts include a tree planting organized by a brownie troop in 2000 and the Northrop Knox Memory Tree that is located in front of the East Aurora HSBC Branch Office.

Contact the Village Tree Board, by calling 716-652-6057, for more information on planting opportunities.