Sunbury forester urges removal of hazardous silver maple on city square; commission to proceed administratively

A Sunbury resident and tree steward, Aaron Noblett, told the Parks and Recreation Commission on Jan. 7 that a large silver maple on the city square is hazardous and should be removed and replaced because of extensive decay and a history of limb failure.

"This silver maple is what I would consider to be a hazardous tree where we should consider total removal, unfortunately," Noblett said, describing visible decay pockets and a large section that had broken out. He said the tree had previously shed a large limb that fell across the sidewalk and into Columbus Street during a high-wind event, and he rated the tree "high risk" because many people frequent the area beneath it.

Commission members and staff discussed next steps. A member asked whether the commission needed a formal vote; staff said they would seek consensus from the group and that, "assuming that there is not an objection by a majority of the members, we'll proceed as if it's an administrative matter." Noblett was asked to remain to share photos and his concerns with full council members.

Noblett also reviewed other square trees and recommended species and maintenance approaches: pruning and hazard mitigation for a horse chestnut, options for replacement trees (Elm hybrids, Ginkgo, swamp white oak and other less-chlorosis-susceptible oaks), and correct planting practices emphasizing that root flares should remain visible at planting. He discussed chlorosis tied to soil compaction and high pH, noting the city has used micronutrient injections to treat affected trees and that larger mulch rings can help protect critical root zones.

A commissioner asked whether seasonal aeration should be increased; Noblett said aeration helps turf but is not a cure-all for tree compaction because common aeration depths are shallow compared with tree rooting zones.

Next steps: The commission signaled it would pursue removal of the silver maple as an administrative action if no majority objection is raised, perform community outreach to explain the removal and replacement plan, and continue coordinating species selection and planting specifications with staff.