'Arbor Day in Bay' event to celebrate trees

In observance of Arbor Day 2023, the city of Bay Village is celebrating 25 years of its designation as a Tree City USA, which has been awarded to the city continuously since 1998.

To qualify as a Tree City USA community, a city must meet standards established by the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters. In addition to the Tree City USA designation, Bay Village has also received four Tree City USA Growth Awards (in 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021) and is on track to receive another award for 2023. The Tree City USA Growth Award is presented by the Arbor Day Foundation to participating Tree City USA communities that demonstrate higher levels of tree care and community engagement.

The Arbor Day in Bay event will take place on Saturday, April 29, at Bradley Road Park from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Rain or shine. A Bay Village city official will deliver an Arbor Day proclamation. Tree planting demonstrations are scheduled at 12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. Food will be available for purchase (cash or credit) from the Smokin’ Rock n’ Roll food truck from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 

Those attending the event can learn about proper tree planting procedures, proper mulching, pruning, and information on pests and other tree-related topics. ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) arborists and other industry professionals will be on hand to answer questions. Information and handouts on various tree-related topics will also be available. Free tree seedlings will be available while supplies last. Attendees can also register for one of three chances to have a tree planted, with a dedication of their choice, and a plaque to be installed at a later date.

Bradley Road Park is the site of a major tree planting program by the Bay Village Service Department and funded by a Cuyahoga County “Healthy Urban Tree Canopy” grant. Since fall 2022, 120 trees have been planted in the park. All trees planted were 2-inch caliper and include Maple, Catalpa, Elm, Sweetgum, Dawn Redwood, Fir, Birch, and Blackgum. Tree planting projects demonstrate a commitment to improving community green space and restoration of the tree canopy.

Arbor Day in Bay is hosted by the Bay Village Tree Commission and the Service Department with support from Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District, and Bartlett Tree Experts.

The Bay Village Tree Commission consists of five members, all residents of the city, who have experience and/or extensive knowledge of shade trees. The mission of the Tree Commission is “To work as a team with Bay Village city officials preserving, fortifying and improving our urban forest.” The Tree Commission is focused on increasing public awareness about how caring for and planting new trees today benefits all Bay Village residents.