Shawn Murphy & Brady Kohlenberg

The transformation of Sylvania’s downtown is on the way, and it is imperative to continue to stay forward-focused on helping the community envision the results. As part of the 30-year designation as a Tree City USA, one can imagine that stunning new trees will be a part of that project. When it comes to finding just the right trees to line the new downtown streets, the city administration uses the knowledge and guidance of the tree commission.
“When I imagine the completed plantings, I see Main Street revitalized by this carefully curated, diverse selection of trees. They will grow into a sheltering green canopy that will invite people to linger in their shade, greet their neighbors, enjoy meals and shop in this new space. By returning this bit of nature back into the heart of Sylvania, we will once again be a Tree City,” promised Helen Michaels, Sylvania Tree Commissioner.
There will be four new species of trees planted in the downtown area, each placed in the right location to maximize aesthetics, canopy shape, traffic, disease control, and maturity size. The trees include Birch, Zelkova, Gingko, and Maple. These are common trees that are popular in municipal plantings across the United States.
“It’s wise to keep a mix of trees downtown, so that we don’t have all of our trees dying at the same time from disease or pests. Planting one species of tree in mass may look pretty from a landscaping perspective, but it is a buffet for insect pests,” said Candy Sarikonda, Sylvania Tree Commissioner.
In Urban Forestry, it is common to diversify tree lawns, following the 10-20-30 rule. No more than 10 percent of the same species, no more than 20 percent of the same genus, and no more than 30 percent of the same family. History has shown that insects and diseases can and will wipe out entire tree populations.
“We’re introducing diverse tree varieties that not only will beautify our downtown but also enrich our urban ecosystem,” explained Margie Ott, Sylvania Parks & Forestry Foreman.
With today’s technology and understanding of tree biology and tree DNA, trees can be planted that are resistant to different insects and/or diseases. These tree cultivars are also grown to withstand pollution, drought, excess salt in the soil, limited nutrient uptake from surrounding soil, and general stress that urban trees experience. 
“I am so proud of our city team and the tree commission for not only their vision but also the wonderful work they have done to put this plan into action to help revitalize our downtown. The planning is painstaking, the process can be disruptive, yet the result will be a beautiful new downtown that positions Sylvania for continued great things,” Murphy noted. He is a member of Sylvania City Council and chair of the parks and forestry committee.
As phase two beautification plans are being implemented (and other future projects around the city) some traditional or native cultivars will be worked into the plan for urban wildlife. 
“Sometimes it is heartbreaking to see mature trees removed. What we had in our downtown were mature Callery Pear trees that had served their purpose. The last time the downtown area was revitalized, there was a vision. It is now up to us as a community to see, as we make these infrastructure improvements, that the next generation of residents can enjoy the beauty that we once enjoyed,” offered Kohlenberg, the Sylvania Tree Commission Chairman.
Links To North Branch Nursery [Providing the trees]
Birch: plants.northbranchnursery.com/12150015/Plant/2059/Dakota_Pinnacle_Japanese_White_Birch/
Zelkova: plants.northbranchnursery.com/12150015/Plant/19027/Musashino_Zelkova/
Ginko: plants.northbranchnursery.com/12150015/Plant/800/Princeton_Sentry_Ginkgo/
Maple: plants.northbranchnursery.com/12150015/Plant/1003/Hot_Wings_Tatarian_Maple