Moscow Tree Commission highlights Arbor Day plantings, seedling giveaways and a new heritage-tree program
November 03, 2025 | Moscow City, Latah County, Idaho
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The Moscow Tree Commission presented its 2025 annual report to the Moscow City Council on Nov. 3, outlining the commission’s mission, seasonal outreach and planting work, and plans for training and partnership with the University of Idaho.
Ellis, chair of the commission, described the commission’s purpose: “The mission or purpose of the Moscow Tree Commission is to plan, establish, and help conduct a comprehensive community forestry program for the city of Moscow by ensuring safe, healthy trees.” Ellis said the commission also has a quasi‑judicial role to hear appeals related to tree‑work permits under the Moscow City Code, but that appeals are infrequent.
David Schott, the commission’s staff liaison, briefed council on this year’s activities: an Arbor Day celebration at Berman Creekside Park in partnership with Paradise Creek Regional High School and the Rotary Club; seedling giveaways in spring and fall (species distributed this year included Ponderosa pine, serviceberry, red oak, bristlecone pine, Lewis syringa, Northern catalpa and burr English oak); and outreach articles in the city utility billing newsletter on care for newly planted trees and supplemental watering for mature trees.
The commission noted continued recognition by national programs: it received the Tree City USA designation this year (the commission said this is the program’s 30th year of designation for Moscow) and the Growth Award for the 24th year. The commission also re‑introduced the 2023 heritage tree program and encouraged nominations via the city website.
On future work, the commission described two initiatives under development: a tree‑service certification based on the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist study guide and contractor pruning education for local firms. The commission also said it is pursuing a joint Arbor Day planting with the University of Idaho and emphasized long‑term care over one‑time plantings: “We want to grow trees, you know, maintain over long term and really grow trees rather than just planting them,” Ellis said.
Schott reiterated the city’s permitting framework for street trees and right‑of‑way tree work: permits to remove public‑right‑of‑way trees generally include a replacement requirement where space allows, and a permit to plant is available so staff can ensure the ‘‘right tree in the right place’’ considering utilities, sight lines and a minimum 10‑foot clearance from driveway aprons.
The commission listed upcoming public events: a tree cookie (ornament) workshop on the first Saturday in December at the 1912 Center, continuing farmers‑market outreach, and seedling giveaways next spring. Councilmembers thanked the commission for volunteer work and for public education efforts.
Ellis, chair of the commission, described the commission’s purpose: “The mission or purpose of the Moscow Tree Commission is to plan, establish, and help conduct a comprehensive community forestry program for the city of Moscow by ensuring safe, healthy trees.” Ellis said the commission also has a quasi‑judicial role to hear appeals related to tree‑work permits under the Moscow City Code, but that appeals are infrequent.
David Schott, the commission’s staff liaison, briefed council on this year’s activities: an Arbor Day celebration at Berman Creekside Park in partnership with Paradise Creek Regional High School and the Rotary Club; seedling giveaways in spring and fall (species distributed this year included Ponderosa pine, serviceberry, red oak, bristlecone pine, Lewis syringa, Northern catalpa and burr English oak); and outreach articles in the city utility billing newsletter on care for newly planted trees and supplemental watering for mature trees.
The commission noted continued recognition by national programs: it received the Tree City USA designation this year (the commission said this is the program’s 30th year of designation for Moscow) and the Growth Award for the 24th year. The commission also re‑introduced the 2023 heritage tree program and encouraged nominations via the city website.
On future work, the commission described two initiatives under development: a tree‑service certification based on the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist study guide and contractor pruning education for local firms. The commission also said it is pursuing a joint Arbor Day planting with the University of Idaho and emphasized long‑term care over one‑time plantings: “We want to grow trees, you know, maintain over long term and really grow trees rather than just planting them,” Ellis said.
Schott reiterated the city’s permitting framework for street trees and right‑of‑way tree work: permits to remove public‑right‑of‑way trees generally include a replacement requirement where space allows, and a permit to plant is available so staff can ensure the ‘‘right tree in the right place’’ considering utilities, sight lines and a minimum 10‑foot clearance from driveway aprons.
The commission listed upcoming public events: a tree cookie (ornament) workshop on the first Saturday in December at the 1912 Center, continuing farmers‑market outreach, and seedling giveaways next spring. Councilmembers thanked the commission for volunteer work and for public education efforts.
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