Morgantown tree board updates approved species list; ordinance to amend street tree and shrub list moved to agenda

The Committee of the Whole heard a proposed amendment to the city’s approved street‑tree and shrub list and agreed to move the ordinance to the council agenda after comments from the Morgantown Tree Board and staff.

Greg Dahl, chair of the Morgantown Tree Board, described targeted changes to the approved planting list and the accompanying “do not plant” list. He said the board shifted some species (for example, moving Trident maple to a medium‑tall category so it is not planted below utility lines) and removed several species from recommended planting lists because they are invasive or provide little wildlife value. Dahl specifically cited burning bush and butterfly bush as species the board recommended for removal from the city’s recommended planting list for new street tree plantings, noting those species can displace native plants and are poor sources of food and cover for native wildlife.

Development Services director Ricky Jaeger clarified the ordinance would guide city planting and landscaping specifications that developers must meet for new development; it is primarily guidance for city plantings and for required plant lists in development plans rather than a retroactive removal order for private property. He said contractors submitting landscape plans with new development will need to follow the updated list or seek a variance during site plan review.

The planning commission reviewed the proposed amendment and recommended approval by a unanimous 5–0 vote. Several councilors praised the update and noted its timing ahead of Arbor Day planting opportunities.

Council direction and next steps: the Committee of the Whole agreed to add the ordinance to a future council agenda. The change is intended to guide future plantings and developer landscape plans; staff said existing private landscaping would not be removed by the ordinance.