Ashland enjoys a heritage of tree care dating back to the pioneers. In recent years, Ashland has consistently been named Tree City USA, a prestigious and gratifying award, by the National Arbor Day Foundation. The City of Ashland wishes to enhance and extend this heritage of tree care. The City wishes to encourage tree plantings that are functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. Appropriate tree selection today will assure a delightful and diverse urban forest tomorrow. Diversity in an urban forest is an index to its health.

Since arboreal diversity is a goal, the Ashland Tree Commission has created this guide to the many species and varieties that are best suited for planting along the City’s streets or anywhere in the public right-of-way. These trees have been selected because they generally have a conservative, containable root system. In addition, they are less messy with less seed or fruit drop than many species. They also require limited care and pruning and have good resistance to most pests and diseases. Lastly, they provide shade and help create an attractive and healthy neighborhood environment.

The Recommended Street Tree List is not exhaustive. There are many additional trees that have great value as street trees. Many of these are described in the publications listed in the reference section. Trees other than those listed should be chosen to fit local conditions. The use of trees on the prohibited list for street trees is subject to approval by the Tree Commission.

The Recommended Street Tree Guide was updated in 2010.