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Evansville tree board approves removal of dead city trees, orders 2-to-1 park replacements
Summary
The Evansville City Tree Advisory Board approved removing multiple street and park trees identified as dead or hazardous and authorized two-for-one replacements for trees removed from parks.
The Evansville City Tree Advisory Board on June 5 approved removal of multiple street and park trees that board members and staff said are dead, dying or hazardous, and directed that park removals be replaced at a 2-to-1 ratio.
Board members approved the minutes from the May 1 meeting and then voted to clear a slate of street trees after staff reported widespread structural decline. Sean (staff member) told the board, “They're all structurally dead or dying or structurally weak. The property owners have been notified as well as neighborhood associations.”
The board also approved removal of several storm-damaged or hazardous trees in city parks. Paul Bausman, a board member, summarized the park requests and the replacement plan: “So, all of the trees, on this list, we are asking to replace 2 to 1.” Chair of the meeting put the motions to a voice vote and the board approved each request.
Nut graf: The actions clear tree hazards from streets and parks and require the city to plant more trees in parks than it removes — a policy the board said is meant to help sustain canopy despite ongoing losses from disease, storms and poor-site conditions.
Board discussion and details - Street trees: Staff told the board the street-tree removals stem from structural failure and significant dieback. The board approved removal requests after staff and neighborhood associations were notified. - Park trees: Paul Bausman described specific park removals, including a standing dead eastern white pine near Lorraine Park's baby pool, a large oak removed after a split in a storm, a black walnut showing considerable dieback in Jacobsville Park, and several small trees in Teepee Park located where a new splash pad will be installed. The board approved park removals with a replacement requirement of two new trees for each tree removed. - Process notes: Board members referenced warranty and contractor responsibilities when discussing earlier plantings; staff said some recently planted trees remain under warranty through contractors.
Ending: The board did not set specific planting dates during the meeting but paired the approvals with ongoing canopy and grant planning discussed elsewhere on the agenda.
