Four trees to be removed

Four ailing or dead trees are being removed from four city-owned properties next week as part of an ongoing program to protect the public and improve the quality of the “urban forest.”

The trees are a Douglas fir at Finch Arboretum, a silver poplar northeast of the ball diamonds at Franklin Park, a silver maple at East Central Community Center and a catalpa at Cowley Park.

Poplars and silver maples grow fast and become large, and are known for becoming safety hazards. The removals were approved by the city’s certified arborist.