Sustainability – Trees
- Johnny Appleseed Program: In 1979, the city established the Johnny Appleseed street tree planting program. Over 3,200 new trees have been planted in Oakwood through this program. The program offers a systematic and continuous way of renewing Oakwood’s expansive tree inventory.
- Far Hills Avenue Business District: In 2014 and 2015, the city replaced nearly all of the center median and curbside trees in the Far Hills Avenue Business District, renewing this primary component of the business district landscaping. In total, 164 new trees were planted. The city also planted 10 new trees in the Orchard Drive parking lot, along with the rain gardens mentioned above.
- Shroyer Road: In 2017, the city converted the 1.1 mile stretch of Shroyer Road from a 4-lane asphalt street to a 3-lane asphalt street with 16 raised center medians. The project included planting 56 trees in the newly created center median. The medians reduced by 5% (12,205 square feet or 0.28 acres) the hard surface area of Shroyer Road in Oakwood.
- Emerald Ash Borer Treatment: In 2008, the city began protecting the Ash trees against the devastating impact of the Emerald Ash Borer. The city treats a majority of the Ash trees on public property annually.
- Tree City USA: In 2023, Oakwood was recognized for the 41st consecutive year as a Tree City USA community. This is a designation by the National Arbor Day Foundation recognizing Oakwood’s continuous commitment to maintaining and improving the city’s tree inventory.
- Annual Youth Arbor Day Event: Each year in the month of April or May, the Oakwood Beautification Committee (OBC) leads 3rd graders from both Harman School and Smith Elementary on a “Treesure Hunt” to find different species of trees in Oakwood. All 3rd grader receive a native tree seedling to plant on their property. The children learn about the Emerald Ash Borer, Asian Long-Horned Beetle, Tree City USA and why trees are beneficial. In 2022, a coloring contest, sponsored by the Oakwood Community Center and the OBC, was also held with over 90 entries from Kindergarten through 6th grade students.