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; staff recommended removal because the trees’ root zones are likely to be damaged by the work. The parks department committed to a two‑for‑one replacement approach, planting two replacement canopy trees for each tree removed, and the board approved the removal on a motion by Mike Sharpmeier, seconded by Larry.

The board also approved the removal and pruning of three trees on Saint Joe Road near Mesker Park Zoo because of leaning and structural concerns; the record notes a two‑for‑one replacement commitment tied to the zoo’s planning coordination. Larry made the motion and Micah seconded it.

Not all members agreed on the scope of tree work requested by other agencies. A board member objected to pruning done primarily to discourage people experiencing homelessness from using a site near First Avenue and John Street/Lloyd Expressway, saying, “I do not approve of doing pruning and removal work simply to harass the homeless people.” That member said the board’s limited resources and safety obligations should not be used to shift people from one location to another. Other members said the request had come from an Antelope Police Department officer and that volunteer or INDOT (Indiana Department of Transportation) coordination might be an appropriate avenue for any pruning there; no formal motion to prune those trees was adopted.

Board members and staff also discussed ongoing coordination with INDOT for planting and maintenance along North 41, where staff said recent plantings exceeded expectations. “If you haven't driven it, it's fabulous,” one board member said of the corridor improvements. Staff warned, however, that site grading and remaining construction work could threaten newly planted trees and that they were continuing to coordinate with INDOT contractors and adjacent property owners (including the former Thrifty Nickel property at Morgan and 41) about siting and protection of trees.

Other business included announcements about a tree‑trimmer licensing seminar (three dates: May 8, Aug. 7 and Nov. 6 at the CK Newsome Center) that requires proof of insurance, an Arbor Day and tree giveaway scheduled for April 12 at Westland Park, and volunteer events including a weed‑wrangle at Northwoods on March 15. Staff said a grant‑funded planting (referred to as West Lomond/Westman Woods in meeting discussion) is on hold pending state grant decisions and cautioned that potential cancellations could affect staffing funded through those grants; amounts and final grant decisions were not specified.

The board briefly noted an Emerald Ash Borer update meeting scheduled later the same day and agreed to include a tree canopy goals update in its next accomplishments and goals report.

Votes at a glance - Approve January and February minutes — approved (motion to approve both minutes; mover not specified in roll call). - Approve removals at Willard Library (maple), 3801 Timberview (two ash trees), 1144 East Powell (two right‑of‑way trees) — approved (motion by Larry; seconded by Mike Sharpmeier). - Approve removal of four trees at Westmont Park for multi‑use trail with two‑for‑one replacement commitment — approved (motion by Mike Sharpmeier; seconded by Larry). - Approve removal/pruning of three trees on Saint Joe Road near Mesker Park Zoo with two‑for‑one replacement commitment and coordination with the zoo — approved (motion by Larry; seconded by Micah).

Why it matters The board’s approvals clear the way for near‑term removals that staff said are needed for public safety and to accommodate active projects, including a new multi‑use trail. At the same time, the debate over pruning to deter homeless encampments highlighted tensions between public‑safety concerns, uses of limited municipal resources, and protections for people experiencing homelessness. Ongoing coordination with INDOT and uncertainty around grant funding could affect where and when replacements are planted.

What’s next Staff will proceed with the approved removals and coordinate replacement plantings, INDOT contractors and the Mesker Park Zoo where noted. The board will include a tree canopy goals update in its next accomplishments report and monitor possible grant decisions that could affect planned plantings and staffing.