City of Quincy offers seven varieties of trees in fall tree planting program

October 30, 2023 | By Muddy River News

Robin Hill Serviceberry-Bathed in stunning clusters of shell pink flowers rising above the foliage in early spring, which emerge from distinctive pink flower buds before the leaves. It has dark green deciduous foliage. The oval leaves turn an outstanding tomato- orange in the fall. It produces blue berries from late spring to early summer. Medium growth rate. | Photo courtesy of City of Quincy

QUINCY — Quincy residents and/or business owners can buy a tree through the city’s annual fall tree planting program. The trees will be planted on the public right of way (land between the sidewalk and the street) adjacent to their property.

Planning Director Chuck Bevelheimer said city crews have removed approximately 150 trees in the public right of way since Jan. 1. He said the primary reasons for removal are the trees were dying, interfering with utility services or creating safety hazards.

In a press release, Bevelheimer said, “The annual fall tree planting program breathes new life into the city’s tree canopy. Quincy has been recognized as a Tree City USA community for more than 35 years, and the annual fall tree planting program helps the city maintain that designation. It is a sight to behold when you drive down some of our streets and see the leaves from our large canopy of trees turning vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.”

Bevelheimer said Leffers Landscape and Nursery will provide the trees and plant them for the city.

“The company guarantees the trees will bud out in the spring,” he said. “Beyond that, maintaining the trees will be the responsibility of the property owner. Young trees do require large amounts of water, especially during long periods of dry weather.”

The trees will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis for $50 each. At the time of planting, they will be approximately 8 to 12 feet in height with a diameter of 2 inches.

Bevelheimer said the property owner buying a tree will be asked to place a stake in the ground at the public right of way location where they want the tree planted. If no sidewalk is present, the tree must be located within 10 feet of the curb in the front yard. The city reserves the right to adjust the location or type of tree to make sure it does not interfere with water, gas or overhead utility infrastructure.

Trees must be bought in person at the City Hall Annex (706 Maine, third floor) from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. The deadline to buy a tree is Thursday, Nov. 9. The planting of the trees should be completed by the end of November.

More information is available by calling the Department of Planning and Development at 217-228-4515.