City Council addresses urgent tree removal following safety concerns on Bird Street

The Barberton City Council's Committee of the Whole meeting on July 7, 2025, focused on pressing issues regarding the city's tree management. Council members discussed the urgent need to address tree safety, citing an increase in tree-related problems over the past three months compared to the previous 13 years.

City officials, including Mr. Shreve, reported that an arborist had assessed several trees on city property and identified those that posed safety risks. As a result, the council has already removed some trees and is now seeking additional funding to continue this work. The discussion highlighted the necessity of appropriating $20,000 to ensure the removal of eight more trees deemed unsafe.

The council emphasized the importance of proactive measures to prevent potential hazards associated with these trees. Specific locations mentioned included city-owned lots at the end of Bird Street, where two trees had already been taken down due to their unsafe condition.

While the exact number of trees that the new funding will cover remains to be determined, the council is committed to maintaining public safety and addressing the growing concerns surrounding tree management in Barberton. The meeting underscored the city's dedication to taking necessary actions before any incidents occur.