Stayton — City crews began removing trees in the downtown core so crews can repair sidewalks, and public works officials outlined a plan to replace the trees in smaller planters and grow replacements at a city nursery.

“ We are currently in the process of taking the trees out so that we can actually repair the footpaths or sidewalks,” Barry Buchanan, interim public works director, said. Buchanan said the current work focuses on trees outside the court and on Florence Road — three trees on Florence Road and three outside the court — and that crews will remove roots that damage sidewalks before relaying pavement.

Buchanan said the plan is to reinstall 3‑by‑3 planters and plant tree species appropriate for planters so roots do not damage sidewalks. He added the city plans to cultivate suitable trees in an arboretum or nursery at the wastewater treatment plant and parks property so replanted trees will be managed to prevent oversized root systems downtown.

“Cheapest may not be the cheapest solution on a first up basis, but it is long term the cheapest way to move forward so that we're not repairing sidewalks on a continuous basis,” Buchanan said, explaining that initial capital expenses may be higher but lifecycle maintenance costs should fall.

Councilors pressed staff on costs and communication. Councilor Patty asked whether the approach was the least costly option; Buchanan said the initial capital cost would be higher but argued it is the least expensive lifecycle choice. Councilors asked whether the city would be responsible for trees on private property that have roots into sidewalks; Buchanan said that if a tree sits on private property the property owner remains responsible, but staff will discuss that issue in more detail when the full project returns to council for consideration.

Staff said the removal is a demonstration pilot for city‑owned areas and that additional information, including a revised tree species list and cost estimates, will be presented in mid‑January. Staff also said they will do more public communication about removals and replacements to reduce misunderstandings seen on social media.

What to expect next
Public works will bring a fuller plan to council in mid‑January with details on species selection, the proposed tree list for planters, cost estimates and communications about timing and temporary impacts to downtown sidewalks and access.