Not So Fast On Tree Cuts, Mayor Pleads

Mayor Al Hassell worries that homeowners may be taking down too many trees after seeing what ice and limbs do to buildings and power lines.

That could be a mistake, he cautions. Mature trees can add between $2,000 and $3,000 to the value of a home, Hassell said.

A home with trees and landscaping has much more visual appeal and also sells faster. Trees mean a break from the wind in winter and shade in the summer.

“I’ve noticed a difference since they cut the trees west of my house,” Hassell said. Before they were cut his air conditioning never came on. Now it runs frequently in the summer.

People also are wondering why they should bother replanting in light of the severe damage from the ice storm. City officials emphasize that the storm was a freak occurrence, and that forethought can prevent future problems.

“Pick the right tree for the right location,” said Karen Hinson, city forester. Fast-growing trees are fine for prairie windbreaks but shouldn’t go right next to a house because the wood generally is weaker.

The city has a list of trees that do well here, she said.

City officials also are warning property owners that they are responsible for taking care of the storm-damaged trees in the street rights of way that are next to their property.

No city crews will be coming by to remove damaged limbs or do pruning.

If branches are broken, property owners can remove them without a city permit.

Any pruning of branches larger than 1-inch in diameter requires a city permit unless a tree service licensed by the city is doing the work.

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