Ault Park Reforestation

If you've visited Ault Park in the last year, you know it connects to the newly constructed Wasson Way Trail near Old Redbank Road. In order to successfully connect Ault Park to Wasson Way Trail, trees unfortunately had to be removed. As a result, Cincinnati Parks Department of Natural Resources created a forest restoration plan and is in the process of planting trees to repopulate the forest in Ault Park. 

When visiting the area of reforestation, you may notice the trees are planted very close to each other, closer than what you would see in a typical landscape planting. Although this looks worrisome, there are reasons for this method of planting, and it is in fact part of our plan. 

When a forest restoration planting takes place, there is a need for a wide diversity of tree species, including size (large, medium and small). Because there is no aftercare in these areas, the trees have a higher mortality rate, which is why our staff is planting a greater number of trees. These trees are typically planted less than 10 feet apart because watering is virtually impossible due to the inaccessibility of the planting area. Research shows that following this method guarantees a successfully regenerated forested area.  

Another reason why it may seem like the trees are too close to each other is because of the fencing placed around them to protect them from deer. Going forward, our conservation team plans to further address this by planting trees deer avoid, such as paw paws and spice bush. 

Staff will continue to work in this area to remove invasive species so the trees have a better chance of survival. If staff finds the area is too dense in the next few years, they will systematically thin the area. This would encourage the long-term establishment of the largest, longest lived and most beneficial species, shade out future invasive species, provide diversity of habitat and hold the hillsides. 

We appreciate your use of, and interest in, our natural areas. The next time you visit Ault Park and notice a large area of closely planted trees, do not worry. It is all part of the plan.