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Evansville tree board approves removal of dead and dying trees, outlines planting plans and ash-borer outreach
Summary
The City of Evansville Tree Advisory Board voted July 3 to remove multiple dead or dying trees at the Civic Center, Stockwell and on Locust Street, and discussed planting projects, grant work with Wesselman Woods and emerald ash borer outreach including a planned twilight tour.
The City of Evansville Tree Advisory Board on July 3 approved removal of multiple dead or dying city trees at the Civic Center and other public sites, voted to remove three dead street trees on Locust Street and discussed several planting projects and emerald ash borer outreach efforts.
Board members said the removals aimed to address public-safety risks and to clear sites ahead of planned planting and corridor work. The board also reviewed coverage of recent planting events and discussed coordination with Wesselman Woods, INDOT and private contractors on larger right-of-way projects.
The board moved to take down the Civic Center trees and additional sites identified in new-business items 1–3. A board member said members had examined photos and found the trees to be “dead, dying” and that a pruning of a tree over the Civic Center entrance was planned. Mike (Tree Advisory Board member) made the motion to approve the removals; Larry (Tree Advisory Board member) seconded it; the board voted in favor (vote tally not specified).
During old-business discussion, members reviewed the Tree Canopy Goal Initiative and noted publicity from local outlets about recent Arbor Day plantings and a tree giveaway. Keep Evansville Beautiful’s new director was singled out for recent outreach and volunteers; the board said the organization may lead some plantings in partnership with the building authority and other stakeholders.
Board members and staff reported on several planned or ongoing projects. They said a Westseld/Wesselman Woods (referred to in meeting as Wessman/Wesselman) grant remains active and work will continue this fall and next spring. The board said INDOT (the Indiana Department of Transportation) is expected to assist with a larger ash-removal effort tied to a corridor blitz anticipated around Oct. 21; the clearing would focus on ash removals along sections of Lloyd Expressway and related ramps. Members asked staff to verify contractor schedules and warranty coverage for recent plantings on US 41 and Walnut Street, and to request that plantings be scheduled for mid-fall (around Nov. 1) where possible to improve survival.
The board discussed replacement plans for trees lost near downtown properties and the Deaconess facility, and flagged a boulevard tree on Garvin Street that may need removal for a street‑vacation and parking conversion tied to the African American Museum project; the board asked staff to confirm who maintains that boulevard and whether the tree is a public memorial with a plaque.
On emerald ash borer work, the board said twilight tours are being scheduled, with a tentative date discussed for Oct. 18 to tour Oak Hill and to highlight treatment and removal work. Members noted that untreated ash trees are showing infestations while some treated specimens remain healthy, and that removal and replacement work will continue as part of public-property management.
The board also announced two licensing seminars for tree pruners at the C.K. Newsome Center on Aug. 7 and Nov. 6 and said an updated printed version of the city tree ordinance has been prepared for distribution to tree companies and the public; members asked staff to confirm whether the updated ordinance text has been posted to the city website.
Motions recorded in the meeting: Mike moved to approve the removals listed in new-business items 1–3; Larry seconded; the motion passed (tally not specified). Sarah (Tree Advisory Board member) moved to remove three dead trees on Locust Street; Paul Bausman (Tree Advisory Board member) seconded; the motion passed (tally not specified). Sarah moved to adjourn; Larry seconded; the motion passed.
Board members asked staff to provide updates at the August meeting on contractor timing, INDOT coordination for the October ash‑removal work, and whether the building authority will participate in 2-for-1 planting commitments on affected sites. The board set follow-up actions rather than adopting new policy changes at this meeting.
