The Athens Shade Tree Commission discussed multiple resident requests about street trees and sidewalk conflicts and agreed to follow up with staff and property owners.

Members heard that a resident at 21 Charles Street on the Far East Side reported a dead tree in the right of way and expressed interest in replacing it and planting additional trees. Commissioners said the online tree-planting application and the commission’s recommended species list would guide any replacement and that staff would assist with utility location before planting.

The commission also reviewed a handwritten note about dead branches and a lifting sidewalk on Morris near State Street. Commissioners noted Morris has a wide public right of way and that some trees that appear to be in front yards are within the public right of way. They discussed options to repair sidewalks while protecting roots, including removing a raised concrete section and using an air spade to clear compacted soil around roots rather than grinding them.

Commission members discussed a recent report of fallen branches and at least one visibly dead pine near Lincoln Street and an unnamed alley by Meadowlane. Members agreed the dead pine should be removed and suggested that, if crews are on site, easy-to-prune low dead branches on adjacent pines be added to the work order. A resident had offered to pay to replace trees; commissioners said the city should confirm right-of-way status and that the commission could consider replacing the tree using available tree-bank stock.

Commissioners asked staff to follow up with the resident at Charles Street to confirm submission of the online application and to coordinate utility marking before any planting. For the Lincoln Street pines, they asked city crews to inspect and remove the dead tree and to consider minor pruning on the nearby pines if feasible.

Commission members emphasized caution when correcting sidewalks, noting that standard grinding can damage roots and that alternatives such as root excavation with an air spade or improved planting soil for young trees can reduce future conflicts.

Staff and commissioners said they will report back to the resident and to the commission when the application or work orders are received.