Arborist report: two mature trees at 81 North Drexel removed after excavation; commission authorizes replacement plan review

City staff told the Bexley Tree and Public Gardens Commission on Sept. 17 that two large trees at 81 North Drexel were removed after excavation exposed major structural roots and decay and because one tree showed active emerald ash borer infestation.

Matt Klingler, director of building and planning, said Joseph Tree Service and a city arborist inspected the site after contractor excavation for a proposed pool house exposed roots close to the trunks. Joseph Tree Service reported that the dig line passed about 4 feet from the trunk of a roughly 30‑inch‑diameter green ash and about 10 feet from a roughly 32‑inch hackberry. The contractor found multiple major structural roots within 4–10 inches of grade and “3 concerning spots of soft tissue decay” at an ash root flare; Joseph Tree Service concluded the ash posed a safety risk and showed emerald ash borer activity, and it recommended removal prior to construction.

The Joseph Tree Service report, read at the meeting, said in part: “The size and proximity of the green ash roots to the construction dig line presents a serious structural and safety hazard… This would indicate some pockets of decay and further loss of structural integrity and stress on the tree. The risk of total tree failure would be too high and, in my professional opinion, should be removed prior to construction.” The report also assessed the hackberry as in poor condition with a significantly reduced canopy and several dead limbs.

Staff told the commission that the removed trees were part of an earlier landscape plan approval, and that their removal changes the approved plan. Klingler said the homeowner has agreed to plant two new large shade trees and that the architect will submit a revised landscape plan for review. Commissioners pressed staff for a replacement approach that restores canopy in appropriate locations and asked that staff and the consultant verify species, caliper and planting sites before trees are installed.

To expedite replacement, the commission voted to authorize landscape consultant Walter Raines to approve the two replacement trees — including species, size and placement that will most closely restore canopy — and to report back to the commission. Klingler said staff will coordinate timelines and verify the building permit status for the overall construction.

Why it matters: the removed trees were mature specimens; the contractor’s report identified both structural risk and pest infestation for the ash. The commission emphasized that replacement trees should be sized and sited to restore canopy value where feasible and that staff should press for timely planting and documentation.