Evansville tree board approves multiple park and right‑of‑way removals, debates pruning near Lloyd Expressway

The City of Evansville Tree Advisory Board on March 6 approved removal of several structurally compromised trees in parks and public right‑of‑way locations and authorized specific pruning and removal near Mesker Park Zoo, while members debated a separate request to prune trees to deter homeless encampments near Lloyd Expressway.

Paul Bausman, deputy director of Evansville Parks and Recreation, told the board the department had identified three initial sites with trees in weakened condition and requested permission to proceed with removals. “We have a list of three different locations where we have trees that have structural problems,” Bausman said, describing a broken maple at Willard Library, two ash trees leaning toward a private property adjacent to Pigeon Creek at 3801 Timberview, and two trees with top dieback in the right‑of‑way at 1144 East Powell.

The board voted to approve the parks department’s request to remove the listed trees. Larry (board member) made the motion to approve the removals; Mike Sharpmeier seconded it and the motion carried without recorded opposition.

Separately, the board approved removing four trees in Westmont Park to accommodate a planned 10‑foot‑wide multi‑use trail that will connect Walnut Street through the state hospital property to the Wesselman Loop Trail. Staff said the trail construction requires an 8‑inch trench in places and some utility adjustments;…