Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Urban Forestry topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Safety Harbor selects gumbo limbo to replace damaged Main Street entryway tree; planting work to start in April
Summary
City arborist outlined plans to remove a storm‑damaged ear tree at the Main Street/McMullen Booth entry, replace it with a hand‑selected 20‑foot gumbo limbo, perform soil restoration and install a root barrier; local contractor Safety Harbor Landscaping to begin April 16 and planting phase to start April 21.
City staff presented plans on April 7 to replace a storm‑damaged entry tree at the Main Street and McMullen Booth intersection with a native gumbo limbo and restore the plantings and soil in the area.
James Ryan, the city arborist, told the commission the original ear tree showed structural root failure and a westward lean toward a traffic‑occupied area, prompting its removal after multiple storms. Staff selected a gumbo limbo from Laurel Oaks Nursery and plan a two‑phase approach: soil remediation and root‑barrier installation for the primary plant, then secondary plantings. “We’re gonna put some fencing up to, kinda protect that area throughout the establishment period,” Ryan said, and he encouraged the public to observe but not enter fenced areas during establishment.
Work and schedule: the phase‑one scope includes removal of compacted clay, import and mixing of organic fill, installation of a root barrier to protect the adjacent wall, irrigation repairs and staking/support for the new tree. Ryan reported that Safety Harbor Landscaping will be on site April 16 to begin materials staging and that the planting work is scheduled to start the week of April 21. Phase two will add two southern magnolias, two bottlebrush trees and relocation of a smaller oak in the same restored soil zone.
Why the gumbo limbo: Ryan said the gumbo limbo was selected because it offers many of the ear tree’s benefits (fast growth and habitat value) while reducing key drawbacks — it is native, salt‑ and storm‑tolerant and less prone to brittle failure. Ryan noted the specimen selected was about 20 feet tall, had good root structure and trunk flare and was recommended by contractor CDR Landscaping.
Public outreach and oversight: Community Development Director Carol Strickland and staff said a ribbon‑cutting celebration will be planned after plantings establish; staff will monitor establishment and irrigation and cautioned the public to avoid disturbing the fenced area to avoid soil compaction.
