Tree Board
The Tree Board assists the City Manager and Public Works in developing comprehensive tree management and preservation programs for the city. The Board also serves as a clearinghouse for information on trees.
The Tree Board consists of nine members, one of which may be a City Council member. Each member serves a three-year term, except for the Council member, who serves a one-year term. The director of the Public Works Department serves as an ex-officio member of the Tree Board.
The Trees of Berkley, Michigan, USA: A Guide for Community Residents
To see our Berkley Tree Guide
This tree guide was developed under the direction of Dr. Asia Dowtin of the Michigan State University Department of Forestry and compiled by urban forestry research assistants Corinne Carpenter, Indya Hunt, and Jared Shaffer. It is intended for use by the City of Berkley’s Tree Board and community residents who will engage in ongoing initiatives related to the stewardship of Berkley’s urban forest.
Prohibited Species of Public Trees
In order to promote native plant species diversity and to prevent the loss of habitat due to the spread of naturalized non-native plant species, please click here for a list of prohibited trees.
Tree Bike Tour
The Berkley Tree Board and Berkley Area Slow Roll are partnering together for bike ride tours in our neighborhoods to discover the diversity of City Street Trees in our little urban forest.
Weather permitting, join us on Mondays at 6 pm at the Berkely Public Library. This event is for all ages, but children must wear their bike helmets. Please click here for more information.
Did You Know How to Properly Mulch Your Tree?
Spring is slowly unfolding and gardeners are itching to get outside to prepare the soil for the growing season. One ritual is to mulch the beds. Mulching can provide nutrients to the soil and help retain moisture.
However, the City of Berkley Tree Board wants to stress: Do not create a mulch volcano around your tree!
Click here to learn why mulch volcanoes are bad for trees.
Urban Tree Canopy Study
An Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) assesses how much of a defined geographic area is covered by trees’ crowns.
The objective of a UTC assessment is to help decision-makers understand their urban forest resources to establish canopy goals and to strategically focus tree-planting efforts and resources. The UTC Study utilizing satellite data assesses the entire urban forest within a geographic area and includes all private and public trees.
To view the study
Who We Are.
| Board Member | Term Expires |
| Stephen Bard | July 2024 |
| Lisa Fritsch | July 2024 |
| Margaret Grassa | July 2024 |
| Kathleen Karlis (Chairperson) | July 2024 |
| Robert Lathrop | July 2024 |
| Michael Leneway | July 2024 |
| Tricia A. Losey | July 2026 |
| Gary Elrod | July 2026 |
| Holly Tylenda | July 2024 |
| Student - Vacant |
* 1 Student Vacant Position Opening *
Council Liaison: Dennis Hennen
Staff Liaison: Shawn Young
When Can You Attend a Meeting?
Meeting Time: 7:00 PM
Meeting Location: 2nd Floor Public Safety Conference Room, 2395 Twelve Mile Road
2023 Meeting Dates:
- January 23
- February 27
- March 27
- April 24
- May 22
- September 25
- October 23
- November 27
Click here for agendas & minutes. To view the enabling legislation surrounding the Tree Board, click here. Questions or comments for the board can be directed to DPW Director Shawn Young at syoung@berkleymich.net or 248-658-3490.