Tree Commission

Fayetteville Tree Commission was formed in 1991 to care for and maintain the village’s street trees. These volunteer members, appointed by the Mayor of Fayetteville, meet monthly and work with community residents, trustees and DPW to maintain and preserve the health and beauty of the village’s street trees. They consult with professionals such as the Urban Horticulture Institute at Cornell University, Cornell University Cooperative Extension, certified arborists and National Grid.

Each fall new bare root street trees are planted. Several considerations such as location, presence of overhead wires, species diversity and site history determine what species of street tree is planted where. Since 2000, the Village of Fayetteville has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation.

How can village residents help?

Lightly mulch street trees- use no more than 2” of mulch around the base of the tree. Remember to feather the mulch around the trunk, so diseases and pests do not damage the tree. No mulch should pile up around the trunk.

Keep mulched area weeded- besides providing an aesthetic appeal, fewer weeds mean less competition for water and perhaps most importantly, reduces the temptation to use a string trimmer too near the tree.

Don’t use string trimmers/weed whackers near street trees- of all the damage that occurs to street trees, this is most easily avoided. The string trimmers damage the bark of the tree and this causes the tree to become diseased and die over time.

Do cut back sucker growth around the base of the street trees- some varieties are more prone to this than others. Leave the rest to us. Commission members have been trained to hand prune street trees- please avoid the temptation to do so yourself!

If you’ve received a new tree- water for the first year, especially during “dry spells.” In cases of very dry weather, the FTC will provide “tree gators” that act as a drip irrigation system for the new trees. Homeowners just need to fill up the gators on a weekly basis.

Yours, Ours, Theirs- please realize that while homeowners may take ownership of “their” street trees, technically they fall within the Village right of way. Removing, transplanting, planting or otherwise damaging street trees (pruning, topping, etc.) is prohibited.

“Historic Fayetteville Trees: A Walking Tour” guide is available at the Fayetteville Free Library. It was produced by the Fayetteville Tree Commission in conjunction with Barbara Rivette, Village Historian.

If you have questions about the street tree program, please contact the Village office at 315-637-9864.

Enjoy the historic charm of our village and appreciate the ways trees add to its appeal!