Mayor Wilder speaks about tree issues
Shortly after a bit of community drama erupted over city plans to remove a stately tree on Seminary Avenue, Mayor Doug Wilder shared his thoughts on Richmond.com’s “Ask the Mayor” feature: I saw in the paper that the City was cutting down a tree on Seminary Avenue. I thought Council declared that there would be […]
Shortly after a bit of community drama erupted over city plans to remove a stately tree on Seminary Avenue, Mayor Doug Wilder shared his thoughts on Richmond.com’s “Ask the Mayor” feature:
I saw in the paper that the City was cutting down a tree on Seminary Avenue. I thought Council declared that there would be no more tree cuttings until a true tree policy was established? Peggy S. – Northside
City Council is considering an ordinance that prevents the City’s Department of Urban Forestry from cutting down any healthy trees but still allows for the removal of trees that are dying or are a safety hazard.
The tree on Seminary Ave. has a large crack in it and is danger of splitting. The City determined that removal of this tree would be the safest option. Meanwhile, a private arborist was hired by residents who stated that cabling the tree was an alternative option and has offered his services to do so.
Because this option cannot guarantee the risk will be completely eliminated, and the safety of our residents of our city is very important, the City doesn’t typically subscribe to the practice of cabling. In situations where citizens are determined to save a tree and the tree can be reasonably made safe by cabling, the City is allowing the practice to be applied at an expense of the citizen and only if done by a certified arborist strictly following American National Standards and the Best Management Practices of the industry. An annual inspection will be required by a certified arborist, also at the expense of the citizen.
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