Council halts vote to remove two downtown trees after arborist and residents urge alternatives

Lambertville — The City Council paused consideration of a resolution that would have authorized removal of two mature trees in the North Union Street parking lot after an arborist and several residents urged more study and a broader streetscape plan.

City staff presented an arborist’s assessment saying that trees grown in restricted brick planters have developed girdling roots and that required excavation to enlarge planters would likely damage roots and cause decline. The arborist recommended removing the trees and replacing them with species better suited to containers.

The city architect said redesigning the parking entry and enlarging planters so one tree could remain was not a workable solution without further excavation that would still harm roots and would add significant cost and likely affect nearby street trees. “We continue to recommend removal and replacement of the existing trees with new trees more appropriate for the location,” the architect stated, as read into the record.

Residents and several council members argued for more time to explore alternatives, including trimming and maintenance, arborist‑guided species selection, and an integrated downtown streetscape plan coordinated with the Shade Tree and Parks & Recreation commissions. One council member urged convening stakeholders—including master‑gardeners and commission chairs—to seek a compromise that preserves canopy where possible.

Rather than vote on Resolution 173‑2025 that evening, the council agreed to pause the action, solicit additional input from the Shade Tree Commission, environmental and parks volunteers, and seek professional arborist guidance and a streetscape plan to balance tree health, public safety and streetscape improvements.

What happens next: councilmembers asked staff to reconvene stakeholders and to return with revised options and cost estimates before advancing a final resolution or design.