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Tree board approves homeowner-funded removal of Norway maple at 1064 Bethany Street; village will grind stump
Summary
The Ashwaubenon Tree Board approved a resident-funded removal of a Norway maple at 1064 Bethany Street after the homeowner described surface roots that create a mowing hazard; the village agreed to grind the stump and seed the area, with work to be scheduled this year.
At a meeting of the Ashwaubenon Tree Board, members approved a plan for the homeowner at 1064 Bethany Street to pay for removal of a Norway maple while the village will grind the stump and seed the site.
Staff introduced the case, saying the tree was planted around 1972 and shows significant root flare and surface roots that extend above grade. "We don't remove otherwise healthy trees for minor nuisance reasons," the staff member said, "but we do remove trees if they're dead, dying, diseased, or dangerous." The staff presentation noted the board has an existing street-tree policy and that exceptions can be recommended on a case-by-case basis.
Resident Debra Fisher told the board the roots make mowing unsafe at her property and that she and her husband have invested in house and driveway repairs. "My concern is my husband's 10 years older than I am. I would not want him to be mowing," Fisher said, asking the board to approve removal. She said the roots rise above the driveway and present a safety and property concern.
Board members and staff discussed options and precedent. Staff explained that Norway maples are shallow-rooted by nature and that site history — such as compaction during construction — can leave trees with surface roots. The board and staff also discussed replanting options and the village's tree-planting program for replacement trees.
A motion that the homeowner pay for the tree removal while the village performs stump grinding and seeds the area carried. Staff told the board they would work with the resident to schedule the work "this year" but cautioned that there is an existing backlog: "We've got about 70 stumps on my list right now. So unfortunately you're gonna be probably 71, but I can work with the resident on that," the staff member said.
Permitting requirements were clarified: a contractor must provide proof of insurance and a permit must be filed prior to work. The board did not specify an exact timeline beyond staff coordinating with the resident; the vote tally was not recorded in the transcript.
With the motion approved, the meeting moved on to other business and was later adjourned.
