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Mount Vernon Shade Tree Commission outlines invasive-removal push, plans tree replacements for Safe Routes sidewalk project
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Summary
The Mount Vernon Shade Tree Commission described a citywide invasive-species removal program (70 Bradford pears removed last year) and work tied to the Martinsburg Road Safe Routes to School sidewalk, where 17 trees were identified for removal and replacement in the right-of-way.
MOUNT VERNON — The Mount Vernon Shade Tree Commission on Monday reported progress on a citywide invasive-species removal effort and mapped tree removals and replacements tied to a Safe Routes to School sidewalk project on Martinsburg Road.
The commission’s representative on the topic (Speaker 6) said the commission voted last year to begin removing invasive trees and shrubs across the city and that crews removed "70 Bradford pears in our community" during that work. He said replacements will follow once weather and planting windows permit. "POs have been created and the work is scheduled," he added.
Why it matters: The sidewalk extension planned between South Division Street and the NAS property on Ames requires right-of-way work that the commission says has identified 17 trees that are damaged, aged or located beneath power lines and therefore slated for removal and replacement with more suitable species. Commission members framed the work as part of an effort to improve pedestrian safety for school routes while restoring a healthier tree canopy.
Commission discussion emphasized sequencing: the TCP (tree-care/prioritization) work will be completed first so neighborhoods with immediate needs are addressed before expanding plantings elsewhere. Speaker 1 asked staff to make TCP trees the priority so plantings and service can occur before moving down the list.
The commission described three primary invasive-removal focus areas: the Harcourt Road/Bridal corridor, riparian banks along the Kokosing River north of the Memorial in Harmony Park (including areas by Mac Industries), and other identified public-right-of-way sites. Speaker 6 said the removal effort will target species such as honeysuckle and autumn olive and include treatment to reduce regrowth.
Commission staff and members stressed that most work will occur in the city right-of-way and will be followed by replanting campaigns to restore canopy and neighborhood shade. No firm planting schedule beyond weather-dependent timing was provided. The commission did not take a formal vote on these programs at the meeting; members described planned field operations and confirmed that purchase orders are in place for the scheduled work.
What’s next: Commission members said they will continue field flagging and scheduling and will return with more detailed implementation timelines and planting lists in subsequent meetings.
