Two new volunteers joined the Holladay Tree Committee on Thursday, Aug. 6, restoring the seven-member quorum the group needs to conduct business and plan next year's free tree giveaway.

Resolution 2026-23, on the City Council's Aug. 6 consent agenda, formally appoints Lisa Matichak and Kate Conrow to the committee. Both will serve through Dec. 31, 2028. The appointments fill seats left open after previous members finished their terms.

Committee chair Megan McGillivray led the 4 p.m. meeting at the Holladay Library, 2150 E. Murray Holladay Road. According to the committee's agenda, members were set to discuss a proposed community tree giveaway on May 15, 2027, including how far in advance trees need to be ordered. The date is not yet final.

The last giveaway, on May 17, 2025, put 250 free trees into residents' hands. Council Member Matt Durham called it a successful event at a June 2025 council briefing.

Voucher program update

The agenda also included a review of the city's tree voucher program, which offers Holladay homeowners a $100 voucher toward an approved tree species at participating nurseries. As of June 3, the committee had issued 26 vouchers at a total redemption cost of $3,250, according to committee records.

Residents can choose a Street Tree Voucher for plantings within 15 feet of the road or an Open Voucher for anywhere else on their property. Applications are available at holladayut.gov. The program is not a reimbursement; trees already purchased do not qualify.

"It's a great program. It helps maintain and grow the tree canopy in our community," Durham told the Holladay Journal in May when the streamlined application process launched.

Roundabout trees and outreach

The Aug. 6 agenda also listed a follow-up on tree disease treatment at the Olympus Drive roundabout, an issue the committee has tracked since at least its July 9 meeting. The specific disease and treatment method have not been publicly identified.

Also on the agenda: a social media strategy to promote the voucher program and giveaway, along with possible "Tree Talk" presentations for the community.

What's next

The Tree Committee meets monthly at the Holladay Library. Residents interested in the voucher program can apply at holladayut.gov. The next Holladay City Council meetings are scheduled for Aug. 20 and Sept. 3.