Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Urban Trees topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Forestation committee details hazardous-tree findings and outreach to HOAs
Summary
Committee members reviewed arborist visits and listed hazardous trees in Fox Harbor, Gunpowder and Bridge Point; the arborist is completing ISA certification and the committee plans owner outreach and coordination with code enforcement.
At the June 11 meeting, Linda told the Prospect Forestation Committee that arborist Joe Joseph was completing an ISA tree-risk management course and was not present. Linda summarized site visits and said the arborist returned with equipment to conduct detailed assessments.
She listed several specific hazardous-tree cases the arborist identified: a cherry tree at 7213 Fox Harbor judged likely to need removal; an oak at 6513 Gunpowder leaning toward the street; an ash tree leaning about 50 degrees over a roadway; and an oak at 5113 Old Creek Way reported by a homeowner as in severe decline. "He took his tools and went up and did what needed to be done," Linda said of the arborist's field work.
The committee discussed next steps: verify ownership for private trees, prepare communications to property owners, and work with code enforcement where safety hazards are present. Linda also summarized outreach efforts: a June 8 HOA meeting aimed at clarifying that front-yard and street trees are generally the homeowner's responsibility, and that the city will respond when it identifies a public hazard.
Committee members encouraged photographing park plantings that appear to be failing (including a recent planting near the pavilion and a Mr. Davis memorial tree) so the arborist can assess replacement options and possible alternate planting sites with better soil. Linda said the committee is coordinating with Morehead Kain scholar students who are collecting data and preparing recommendations.
What's next: the committee will verify ownership on flagged properties, draft owner communications and engage code enforcement as needed for hazardous trees.
