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Evansville board approves removal of two weak street trees; urges species changes on Walnut Street replanting
Summary
The City of Evansville advisory board approved removal of two structurally weak street trees and discussed changing species on the Walnut Street corridor after members raised concerns that most new plantings are ornamental rather than shade trees.
The City of Evansville Military Advisory Board on Feb. 6 approved removing two structurally weak street trees and pressed staff to change species on a separate Walnut Street replanting project so more shade trees are used.
Board member Paul (board member) told the board he had noticed recent work on Walnut Street — between Martin Luther King Boulevard and U.S. 41 — and said, “not a single one of the trees being planted is a shade tree.” He asked whether the ornamental trees already planned could be replaced with medium- or large-growing shade species where space allows.
Mike (resident engineer) told the board he had already contacted the project’s resident engineer and said the team “we're gonna have species changes on all trees that haven't been planted yet.” He added that some planting locations have limited soil space (five-foot strips between curb and multiuse path) and that certain downtown blocks may not be able to accommodate larger tree wells because of underground utilities or building setbacks.
Members also asked that Parks Department horticultural staff be involved for species selection at sites with larger planting areas. Paul Balsman (horticulturalist, Parks Department) was named by speakers as someone they want involved in choosing species and placement for plantings at the CK Newsome Center and other sites.
On a separate agenda item, Larry (board member) moved to approve removal of two street trees after neighborhood associations are notified; Jean (board member) seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote and was recorded as approved.
The board directed staff to inspect recently planted trees along U.S. 41 (Diamond to Lloyd) and US 41 north of Lloyd, and to coordinate species and planting practices with the parks department to ensure adequate planting space and proper installation.
The discussion made clear the board expects more shade trees where planting conditions permit and that staff should coordinate with landscapers during planting to ensure City standards are met.
