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Village arborist details tree inventory; Council to solicit maintenance contracts and draft private-property policy
Summary
Arborist Richard Jones presented an inventory of 257 Village trees (approximate value $2.5 million), recommended $30,000–$45,000 in priority work, and noted coordination needs with PEPCO; Council plans to solicit tree-maintenance retainer contracts and asked the Manager to draft a comprehensive tree policy for private-property impacts.
Richard Jones, the Village arborist, presented the Village’s tree inventory, reporting 257 trees valued at about $2.5 million and describing condition ratings and species breakdowns. Jones identified several trees recommended for removal because of decay, disease or structural issues and estimated priority work for pruning, removals and stump grinding at approximately $30,000–$45,000.
Jones explained that trees growing into a 25-foot buffer may be considered Village trees, described his removal criteria (including root rot and liability concerns), and noted some removals near power lines will require PEPCO to prune or remove the trees; PEPCO contracts Davy Tree Expert Company for such work. Jones said he has requested PEPCO assess a few Village trees for removal and cautioned that PEPCO might leave wood on site for the Village to dispose of.
Council discussed outreach to educate residents about canopy protection and explored policies requiring assessments and replacement plans on private property modeled on neighboring jurisdictions. The Village Manager will review policies from other municipalities and prepare a draft for Council consideration and community input. Council also noted a forthcoming solicitation for tree-maintenance companies to select several firms under retainer and use mini-bids for identified work.
