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Board narrows Congdon Park tree choices, orders nursery pricing and cautions against mass removals
Summary
Parks staff and board members agreed on a preliminary set of species for Congdon Park (white oak, black gum, red maple, eastern hemlock, basswood) and asked staff to get nursery pricing and availability; the board stressed replacing declining locusts in a staged way to avoid leaving the park bare and requested a second opinion on safety risks before removing nonhazardous trees.
Parks staff and board members began firming up a multi‑year tree plan for Congdon Park, naming preferred species and agreeing to stagger removals so the park retains canopy while replacements establish.
Eric presented a resident‑proposed list that included white oak, black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), red maple, eastern hemlock and basswood; he noted that three of four previously suggested trees were native to Indiana. Board members emphasized two priorities: avoid removing healthy trees without a safety justification, and replace declining black locusts close to playground equipment because of dead limbs and safety concerns.
"I would not support taking down trees until we get others planted unless they pose a safety risk," one member said; others replied that several locust trees are in poor condition and that targeted removal followed by group plantings in a nearby 'tree area' would restore canopy faster. Eric agreed to contact local nurseries for availability, pricing and transport constraints (some species have taproots or are harder to transplant), and to return with accurate cost estimates and site placements.
The board also discussed the tradeoffs between planting larger stock to provide earlier shade versus smaller saplings with lower cost and longer establishment times. Members requested that staff present costed options and contingency plans (plan B species if preferred trees are unavailable) and to consider professional crews for large transplants in Congdon Park while using volunteer labor for smaller community plantings like Arbor Day events.
Next steps: Eric will compile species availability and pricing, propose planting locations and a phased removal/planting timetable, and return to the board with a recommended procurement plan.
