Norris Tree Commission

08/08/2026

We've been seeing quite a few of these caterpillars around town in the last few days so we are reposting this from a couple years ago.

We've received a couple questions about black and yellow/orange striped caterpillars defoliating red oak trees. These are caterpillars of the orangestriped oakworm (Anisota senatoria), a rather handsome native moth. The caterpillars are active in late summer and early fall and feed on red oaks, especially pin oaks. They can hit individual trees pretty hard, but normally do not cause severe long-term damage. By the time we notice their defoliation, they've probably already done most of their damage and control efforts may not be worthwhile. They also seem to be somewhat periodic and do not seem to hit the same trees hard in consecutive years.
https://treescharlotte.org/tree-care-tips/meet-the-orange-striped-oakworm/

07/14/2026

A few of these fairy rings have popped up in Norris in the last couple weeks The individual dinner plate-sized mushrooms are typically at the outer edge of a large circular mass of fungal mycelium. These are probably Chlorophyllum molybdites. According to folklore, they mark places where fairies danced at night. The tree connection is that they often form where a tree once stood and absorb nutrients from the decaying tree roots. Do not eat!

06/30/2026

Pruning low-hanging branches along Norris Square in preparation for Norris Day.

06/11/2026

We've just updated our website. Check it out at

The Norris Tree Commission was established in the late 1970s and charged by ordinance with the responsibility to:

06/10/2026

06/09/2026

Join us on Wednesday at 9 AM for the Tree Scavenger Hunt Adventure to learn about some of the trees in the Norris Commons Arboretum and urban forestry.

☀️ Week 2: Norris Summer Recreation ☀️

We’re kicking off another fun-filled week of summer activities beginning Tuesday, June 9! Join us under the pavilion at Norris Middle School (unless otherwise noted) for crafts, STEAM challenges, outdoor adventures, community service, and plenty of summer fun.

📅 This Week’s Schedule

🌟 Tuesday, June 9
🍎 9:00–10:00 AM – Food Craft: Edible Snack Necklace
☂️ 10:00–11:00 AM – STEAM Challenge: Build a Better Umbrella
💦 12:00–3:00 PM – Oak Road Wading Pool
🚒 5:30 PM – Norris Fire & Police Department Experience

🌳 Wednesday, June 10
🔍 9:00–10:30 AM – Tree Scavenger Hunt Adventure with the Norris Tree Commission
🥚 12:00–2:00 PM – STEAM Activity: Egg Drop Challenge

💙 Thursday, June 11
✉️ 9:00–10:00 AM – Kindness Campaign Card Creation
🦸 10:00–11:00 AM – Super Hero Training Camp
💦 12:00–3:00 PM – Oak Road Wading Pool

🏊 Saturday, June 13
💦 Oak Road Wading Pool Open Swim
🕙 10:00 AM–2:00 PM

All activities are designed to be fun, engaging, and a great way for kids to connect with friends throughout the summer. We can’t wait to see everyone this week!

📍 Follow the Norris Recreation Commission page for weather updates and schedule changes. M
☀️🎨🌳🚒💦

05/19/2026

As part of its goal to remove invasive trees and shrubs from city lands, the Norris Tree Commission has coordinated with the homeowners to remove the declining Bradford pear trees on the city right-of-way at 47 East Norris Road. So heads up - this area will soon look very different.

04/04/2026

Big thanks to the 14 volunteers who worked hard this morning spreading mulch, weeding, and doing other tasks to beautify the Norris Commons. The volunteers included scouts and scout leaders, other community members, and Tree Commission members.

03/30/2026

Help beautify Norris and exercise your green thumb by joining the Norris Tree Commission members in cleaning up the Norris Commons on Saturday, April 4, at 9 AM. We will pick up tree fallen branches, pull weeds, and spread mulch around trees. We recommend sturdy shoes and work gloves and look forward to seeing you Saturday!

03/17/2026

The intense storm early Monday morning took down one of the stems of a large, 2-stem hemlock tree on the Norris Commons near the library. The fallen stem had some decay near its base which also weakened its joint with the remaining stem. The remaining stem also has some decay near its base and has an increased risk of falling. Consequently it will soon be cut. We are also cutting down the large old sugar maple on the opposite side of the Commons. This tree, probably planted in the 1930s by TVA, has been declining for some time.