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Summerville board delays decision on elm, denies sweet gum removal at 100 Newcastle Court
Summary
At its April meeting the Summerville Pre-Protection Board deferred a decision on an elm tree at 100 Newcastle Court for 30 days pending a certified arborist report and voted to deny removal of a sweet gum tree, citing tree health and the need for replacement canopy.
The Summerville Pre-Protection Board on Monday deferred a decision about removing an elm tree at 100 Newcastle Court and declined a request to remove a nearby sweet gum tree. The board said it will revisit the elm after a certified arborist inspects the tree and provides a written report.
The applicant, David, who identified himself as the homeowner at 100 Newcastle Court, told the board he has three problematic trees on his corner lot and said the abundance of acorns this year has created slip hazards and maintenance burdens. "I honestly had three 55-gallon trash cans of nothing but acorns," David said, adding that his wife has broken her leg twice and he believes falling nuts contributed to slips.
Board members and the town arborist, Justin, questioned whether recent root cutting and piled soil around the elm may be contributing to decline. "The removal of the roots within the last couple of years and then compounding the injury with piling soil on top of it may very well be contributing to the center of the tree not doing well," a committee member said. Justin reported that sonic testing did not show worrying decay but recommended waiting until leaf-out to judge vigor.
The board moved to defer judgment on the elm for 30 days and asked the applicant to consider obtaining a written evaluation from a certified arborist documenting any structural defects; the motion passed. The chair also recommended disapproval of the sweet gum tree removal and the board approved that recommendation. The board noted that, if a tree removal is later approved, the applicant would likely be required to plant a replacement canopy tree.
The board emphasized safety and preservation goals in its decision. Members cited the trees' contribution to neighborhood canopy and urged careful review before approving removals. The board directed staff to notify the applicant of the next site visit and to accept any arborist documentation the homeowner provides before the next meeting.
