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Bid board discusses long-term downtown tree replacement amid invasive Callery pears
Summary
Board members discussed that many Callery pear trees downtown are declining, cited the city arborist's guidance that they are invasive, and agreed a long-term removal-and-replacement plan is needed because of budget and soil/root constraints.
Board members discussed a long-term approach to downtown trees after noting many Callery pear trees are declining and some are not blooming. Jamie referenced prior conversations with the city’s arborist, Phil Graff, who has described Callery pears as an invasive species and advised a thoughtful replacement strategy rather than clearing trees abruptly.
Jamie said clearing without a plan risks leaving poor soil conditions where root systems have decayed the soil, which complicates replanting. "We don't wanna clear cut our downtown if we don't have to," she said, and suggested a side meeting to develop a replacement plan that accounts for budget limits and appropriate species selection.
Members noted the city lacks budget capacity to replace many trees immediately and emphasized the need for a coordinated, long-term plan before undertaking widespread removals. The issue will be part of ongoing maintenance and planning work; staff and board members agreed to explore options and report back in future meetings.
