Tree,

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tree, risk pruning of a limb or limbs that could cause significant damage, and training pruning for smaller or young trees.

Additionally, the students may recommend grinding current stumps or removing unhealthy trees. Other information compiled in the students’ reports will include species percentages; diameter distribution; condition classes; dollar value per tree and the population as a whole, which is helpful for receiving compensation if trees are damaged, as it provides proof of value to the citizens; estimated dollar costs for the called-for field operations; and overall community tree values in relation to storm water mitigation, pollution sequestration and landscape assessment. Students will also offer ideas on how to address the village’s ash tree population, in light of emerald ash borer (EAB) moving throughout the state and because Marathon County is known to have EAB.

One of the village board members asked the students if they were OK with board members walking along as the students did their assessment. The students agreed that would be fine. Spencer community members are also welcome to attend the students’ presentations of their tree management plans May 1 at UW-Stevens Point.

“Many communities have worked with us before and are using the information provided by the students to address community forestry needs, have completed field operations, applied for and have received Urban Forestry grants and have become Tree City USA communities,” wrote Hauer in a description of the project. The Spencer village board unanimously approved the community tree inventory and management plan project.