INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) and urban forestry contractors are preparing to remove 70 invasive trees from Washington Park, 3130 E. 30th St. The work is taking place along a wooded stream in the northern section of the park and the central wooded trail area.
The non-native, invasive tree species slated for removal include white mulberry, Norway maple and Siberian elm. The trees will be chipped and hauled off site and stumps will be left and treated to prevent regrowth. These invasive trees choke out native species, and their removal will make park grounds safer for parkgoers. The areas cleared will be replaced with native trees and shrubs.
Norway maples were brought to the U.S.in the mid-1700s as shade treets, and are originally from eastern and central Europe. The disperse seeds rapidly, and the trees release toxins into the soil that inhibit growth of native species. The white mulberry is a fast-growing native to China that was introduced to feed silkworms in the commercial production of silk. While it produces berries that feed wildlife, it competes for resources for native plants. The Siberian elm is a small to medium bushy tree that spreads quickly and chokes out native plants. Other invasive trees and shrubs in Indiana include the Bradford Pear, Tree of Heaven, Asian Bush Honeysuckle, and Wintercreeper.
The work is funded by a $12 million, five-year grant awarded to the City of Indianapolis by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service through the Urban and Community Forestry Program in 2023. The U.S. Forestry Service selected Indianapolis’ grant proposal based on the city’s commitment to providing equitable access to trees and nature.
The Urban and Community Forestry grant will support urban forestry improvements in Indianapolis including tree plantings, tree pruning, hazardous tree removal, invasive brush clearing, maintenance activities, workforce development, and community engagement.
The grant work will continue through June 2029 and includes an updated inventory of 55,000 street/park trees, 8,200 native tree and shrub plantings, removal of 1,200 hazardous trees, and 185 acres of natural area restoration in six Indy Parks locations, including Washington Park, Dubarry Park, Grassy Creek Park, Municipal Gardens Park, Christian Park, and Spades Park.
To date, volunteers and staff have inventoried just under 48,000 of the 55,000 street and park trees city-wide. They also removed nearly a third of the 1,200 hazardous trees throughout the Indianapolis. The Land Stewardship team assessed 185 acres of natural land throughout six city parks.
