The City of Evansville Tree Advisory Board on Nov. 6 approved several tree-removal requests, including one linked to the EVSC Central High School ASM expansion and a set of park and street removals. The board required a two-for-one replacement for the school project and asked that species selection be coordinated with the city arborist.

Clay Ellerbrook of Hayburn Associates told the board the EVSC Central High School ASM project will remove one tree and “replace that with 2 trees,” though he said species and planting sites have not yet been finalized. The board approved the request by voice vote after a motion that the school provide two replacement trees and consult with the city arborist on appropriate species and locations.

Board members urged the school to schedule removal and replanting promptly to take advantage of the planning season; one member said an approximately three-month window would give a “giant head start” for timing and logistics. The board noted the school corporation has an existing memorandum of understanding with the city and that replacements could be planted elsewhere on the campus if necessary. City arborist Sean Dickerson recommended shade trees rather than ornamentals.

Separately, staff described park-tree removals recommended for public-safety and structural concerns, including an overlooked oak at Garvin Park, a dead or failing ash tree near the Deaconess Aquatic Center and several trees at Van Park, West Lemons and Swander. The board approved the park removals by voice vote. Staff said they will prioritize removals by hazard and funding availability; a donor has offered to sponsor two plantings at Van Park.

The board also approved a package of street-tree removals with one exception. Members moved to exclude the tree at 413 Southeast Second from immediate removal; the city arborist will continue to monitor that tree and revisit it as necessary. The remainder of the street removals on the agenda was approved by voice vote.

Motions and outcomes recorded in the meeting included approval of the previous month’s minutes and the approvals described above; each removal motion was carried by voice vote with no opposition recorded in the transcript.

The board left species details and exact planting sites to further coordination between project applicants, the board’s landscape consultant and the city arborist. Staff and board members emphasized the city’s preference for “right tree, right place” selection and shade-tree species where utilities or future canopy objectives apply.

Votes at a glance
• Approval of minutes — motion approved by voice vote.
• EVSC Central High School tree removal — motion to approve removal with two-for-one replacement and consultation with the city arborist; approved by voice vote.
• Park tree removals (Garvin Park, Van Park, West Lemons, Swander and others listed by staff) — motion approved by voice vote.
• Street-tree removals — motion approved by voice vote excluding 413 Southeast Second (to be monitored by city arborist).