RIP, Comstock elm
The City Parks Department cut down an elm in Comstock Park Friday. It was a traumatic event, or so one might assume from the press release issued announcing the tree's demise.
In it we find out the tree's age (60-70 years), its species (Siberian elm), pre-removal treament (airspading of the roots to determine damage) and just about everything but its name. (We'll call it Ivan.)
Ivan's roots were damaged by an irrigation project. The department had hoped to save him, but alas, the air spading revealed too much damage. Coupled with his proximity to a retaining wall and the sidewalk, it was das vidana Ivan.
Some of his comrades might get the ax -- well, probably the chain saw -- too. To read the whole press release, go inside the blog.
TREE REMOVAL AT
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Closer examination of trees in
The tree is a Siberian Elm. It is
likely 60-70 years old, as are the majority of trees in
It was hoped that taking a closer
look at the roots of the tree might have rendered a more positive decision.
Air spading this morning revealed
the network of roots had been damaged during the mechanized and hand trenching
for the water lines. Additionally, the tree is next to a retaining wall
creating a potentially limited root system and its proximity to the sidewalk,
street and overhead power lines meant it could possibly be a safety
hazard.
The decision to remove the tree was
made by two certified tree arborists who work for the City’s Parks and
Recreation Department. Their decision was supported by additional certified
arborists who assisted in the evaluation.
In the coming days more trees at
The Parks and Recreation Department
has re-examined specifications and the monitoring process to prevent similar
damage during construction projects in the future.
The Parks and Recreation Department
has also committed to the Comstock Neighborhood to plant three new trees in the
Park for every damaged tree that may need to be taken
down.