Tree board slows plans for State Street plantings, reallocates three trees to Indian Park

Members of the Harbor Springs Tree Advisory Board spent the meeting weighing where to plant street trees for 2026 and what species to choose, particularly in constrained downtown locations with overhead power lines and steep snow-plow routes.

DPW representatives and board members flagged steep segments of State Street and a cluster on Main Street where overhead utilities and snow removal create long-term maintenance problems. "The future is underground," a board member quoted from DPW discussion as a reminder to check buried utilities before finalizing plantings. The board agreed to delay planting the three trees proposed for the steep State Street hill this year and instead place those three trees near Indian Town Park and along Second Street where there is more boulevard space.

Species choices were discussed with an eye toward utility compatibility: smaller decorative trees under lines, and larger canopy trees where underground utilities permit. Members proposed a Jefferson elm near the Shay House, a skyline/shade-master honey locust at Blackbird, and red-sunset/October Glory maples for other sites. The board asked staff to confirm underground utilities and to consult DPW on root-management methods (fabric or treated materials) before orders are placed for fall planting.