Growing Our Canopy Starts in Your Yard

What makes Bay Village feel like Bay Village? For many of us, it’s the tree-lined streets, mature trees in our yards, shady neighborhoods and natural beauty that surrounds us. Our trees are more than scenery—they are part of the character and charm of our community.

That’s why the Bay Village Tree Conservancy (BVTC) has been getting out into the community and talking with residents about the importance of trees and the many ways we can continue growing our canopy.

This summer, BVTC Committee Chairs Valerie Koehler and Liz Pim helped lead a group of dedicated volunteers at the BayARTS Farmers Market, sharing information about trees, tree care and the Conservancy’s work. Volunteers Susan Brophy, Julieanna Connolly, John House, Joanne Kilbane, Vickey Moroney and Donna Petrella have helped make the Tree Conservancy a visible presence at the market.

The Conservancy is especially grateful to BayARTS for welcoming us to the Summer Market and allowing us to participate at no charge. That kind of community partnership makes it possible for a volunteer organization like ours to connect directly with residents.

A special thank-you goes to Karen Petrovic, whose tremendous efforts keep the Summer Market going. We’re grateful for the opportunity to be part of it.

And being out in the community matters. It’s gratifying when someone stops to say, “Oh yeah, I’ve seen your signs. What do you do?” Those conversations give us an opportunity to talk about why trees matter and share some of the ways residents can help keep Bay Village green.

Growing Together

Bay Village has always been known for its beautiful trees, but like every community, our landscape changes over time. Some trees are being lost simply because they have reached the end of their natural lifespan. Others may come down as properties change or new homes are built. At the same time, many homeowners are planting new trees and caring for the mature trees they already have.

The Tree Conservancy is working to build on those positive efforts by making it easier for residents to add trees to their properties and by providing information about choosing, planting and caring for them.

One new tree may not seem like much, but hundreds of homeowners making small contributions over time can have a meaningful impact. A new tree today can become part of Bay Village’s landscape for decades to come.

A Tree for Your Yard—and for Bay Village

One way the Tree Conservancy is encouraging residents to help is through its Fall Tree Sale.

For $327, Bay Village residents can purchase an approximately 8–10-foot tree, professionally sourced, delivered and planted. Fall varieties include Sycamore, Red Maple, Pink Flowering Buckeye, Black Gum and White Oak*. (*Based on availability.)

Planting is planned for early fall. Each tree includes a slow-drip watering bag and protective guard to give it the best start. Fall’s cooler temperatures and rainfall make it an ideal time to plant, with less maintenance as trees establish strong roots. Once planted, homeowners provide the water and ongoing care their tree needs to thrive.

It’s an easy way to add a beautiful tree to your property while contributing to the future of Bay Village’s tree canopy.

Trees provide shade, help manage stormwater, support wildlife, improve air quality and make our neighborhoods more inviting. They also contribute to the sense of place that makes Bay Village special.

The Tree Conservancy will be at the final BayARTS Summer Market on Thursday, August 20. Stop by, meet the volunteers, ask questions and learn more about our tree canopy and Fall Tree Sale.

We’re grateful to everyone who has helped make the Tree Conservancy’s work possible—and especially to the residents who plant, preserve and care for trees throughout Bay Village.

Growing our canopy starts in your yard.