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City of HarrodsburgTree Board
City of HarrodsburgTree Board

Resources

Planting and caring for trees

A few habits make the difference between a tree that struggles and one that shades the street for a century.

Fall forest fire hazard season — through December 15

It is illegal to burn between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. in or within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland, except when the ground is covered with snow.

A burn ban is a separate thing, and this site does not know whether one is in force. Bans are issued by the county judge/executive or by local ordinance, and sometimes statewide by the governor. Check with the Harrodsburg Fire Department, the Mercer County judge/executive's office, or the Division of Forestry before burning anything.

Outdoor burning laws, Kentucky Division of Forestry(external site)

Native and invasive trees of KentuckyWhich trees to plant in Harrodsburg, with photos, and the invasive trees to avoid.

Tree care basics

  • Right tree, right place

    Before you plant, look up and around. Choose a species whose mature height and spread fit the space, away from buildings, sidewalks and overhead lines.

  • Mind the power lines

    Plant only small trees under or near utility lines, so they never need to be cut back hard.

    LG&E and KU: trees and power lines(external site)

  • Call 811 before you dig

    It's free, and it keeps you clear of buried gas, electric and water lines. Call at least a few working days before planting.

    Call 811(external site)

  • Mulch and water

    Spread 2–3 inches of mulch in a wide ring, pulled back from the trunk (no mulch volcanoes). Water young trees deeply once a week in dry spells for their first two to three years.

  • Never top a tree

    Topping weakens and disfigures trees and invites decay. For large or risky pruning, hire an ISA Certified Arborist.

    Find a certified arborist(external site)

  • Watch for pests and invasives

    Emerald ash borer has spread across most of Kentucky, so avoid planting ash. Skip invasive species such as Callery (Bradford) pear, and choose natives instead.

    UK Urban Forest Initiative: invasive plants to avoid(external site)

Concerned about a public tree?

The Tree Board is advisory. For a damaged, dead or hazardous tree on a street or other public property, contact the City of Harrodsburg(external site), whose Public Works department maintains public trees.

Emergencies

If a fallen tree is blocking a road or touching power lines, stay well away and call 911. Never try to move a tree tangled in wires.

Help, programs and grants

Tree and forest news in Kentucky

Recent items about trees, forests, native plants and tree pests, picked out by the board. Most recent: “EPA Seeks Public Comments on Timeline for Neonicotinoid Insecticide Tolerances Decision”

All tree news

General guidance only. For decisions about a specific tree, consult a certified arborist or the Extension office.