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Evansville tree board approves removal of dead street and park trees, orders 2-to-1 replacements
Summary
The Evansville City Tree Advisory Board voted June 5 to remove multiple dead or dying street and park trees and to replace park trees at a 2-to-1 ratio; board members said the removals are driven by structural failure and public-safety risk.
The Evansville City Tree Advisory Board voted on June 5 to remove a list of street trees deemed "structurally dead or dying or structurally weak," and approved removal of several storm-damaged or hazardous park trees with a 2-to-1 replacement plan.
Board members said the actions aim to reduce public-safety risk where trees are split, perched over parking lots or showing rapid dieback. Sean (staff) told the board the property owners and neighborhood associations have been notified. "They're all structurally dead or dying or structurally weak," Sean said when describing the street-tree list under consideration.
The board discussed several park removals described by Paul Bausman of Parks. At Lorraine Park, the board recorded an eastern white pine standing dead between the street and the baby pool. Paul said a large tree previously failed in a storm and the remaining portion was "very awkwardly perched over a parking lot," prompting removal. In Jacobsville Park board members noted a black walnut with "considerable dieback" that neighbors identified as a growing hazard. At Teepee Park the board approved removing two small-caliper trees located within the footprint of a planned splash pad; Paul said the board will replace trees at a 2-to-1 ratio where feasible.
Board chair moved approval of the May 1 minutes at the start of the meeting; the motion passed by voice vote. Later, the board took separate voice votes to approve the street-tree removals and the park removals with replacements. The chair announced the park removals would proceed "with a 2 to 1 replacement." No recorded roll-call tallies were provided in the transcript; the minutes reflect voice votes with all present members saying "aye."
Why it matters: removing dead and declining trees addresses immediate safety risks to park users and drivers, and replacement choices affect canopy goals and maintenance needs going forward. Board members noted inspections, warranty claims and coordination with contractors will follow to implement removals and replacements.
The board adjourned after routine updates and outreach items. The group listed its next regular meeting for July.
