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Neighborhood group, city forester propose Shumard oak and black gum mix to replace failing maples on Monument Avenue
Summary
Historic Monument Avenue Neighborhood Association and the city epartment of Public Works presented an inventory showing many sugar maples in decline and recommended alternating Shumard oak and black gum for new plantings; group plans fundraising and urged a coordinated city planting plan.
Janice Snuggles, speaking for the Historic Monument Avenue Neighborhood Association, told the Commission of Architectural Review that neighborhood volunteers and the city have completed an inventory of the trees lining Monument Avenue and that many of the sugar maples are in severe decline.
"We have 350 trees," Snuggles said, and Bartlett Tree Experts and the city—orester advised that sugar maples can no longer be replanted there. The group recommended alternating Shumard oak and black gum for new plantings along the Fan portion of the street.
The proposal grew from a Bartlett Tree Experts inventory and follow-up talks with Michael Webb, the city's urban forester in the Department of Public Works. Snuggles said about two-thirds of the Avenue's trees are in good condition and about one-third are in poor, fair or dead condition. The inventory found 32 empty tree wells and 19 missing median trees; the presenters said 90 locations could be replanted immediately if funds were available.
Webb told commissioners the selected species better match the original trees' scale and fall color while offering greater longevity in the city's conditions. He said red maples tried earlier did not perform well and that the chosen Shumard oak and black gum more closely preserve Monument Avenue—haracter.
Commissioners and other participants asked practical questions about canopy width, shade impacts to medians and turf, and availability of selected stock. Webb said the proposed oaks are somewhat more open in canopy than the sugar maples, which could help turf in the medians; the department could also consider more shade‑tolerant grass.
Snuggles said the neighborhood association plans to raise money for tree replacements and that an existing Adopt-a-Tree program charges $100 for residents to sponsor a tree well. She asked the commission to "bless" a coordinated city plan so neighbors know which species to plant and do not introduce inconsistent, incompatible trees on the Avenue.
The presentation was informational; commissioners provided feedback and raised technical questions but took no formal vote. Staff indicated the plan would next proceed through urban forestry processes and further coordination with the Urban Design Committee and Department of Public Works.
