Ash trees down

I started writing this post back in November when the city tree maintenance crews turned up on our street. The piles of sawdust collecting in the gutter is the sign of what they were doing.

Like many communities across the country, ours has been hit by the emerald ash borer and the infected trees on our street were finally coming down. First they marked all the underground utility lines. Then they came for the trees.

I didn't have the heart to go out and watch them do the deed. I glanced out the windows once or twice and have to say that the crews did a good job. They were hard workers and though they were efficient, it still took them a couple of days to remove the dozen trees that came down on our part of the street. 

Once the trees were down another crew came through and ground out the stumps. Then they put down soil and grass seed with a compostable membrane everywhere they had removed a tree. 

Our next-door neighbors lost three Ash trees. They were not sorry to see them go as they made it difficult for them — and for us — to get a clear view down the street when we pull out of our driveways. Losing those trees has improved our view and our safety.

And if you look down the street, you can see that we still have lots of tree canopy. A variety of big trees is one of the real advantages of living in an older neighborhood. The loss of a dozen trees is barely visible no matter what direction you look on our street. Given the devastation caused by the emerald ash borer, our neighborhood has been lucky.

Comments

[Kristin]

The city removed one of our ash trees, but we still have two that they have treated, and one in the middle of the yard that is our problem. I suppose we should be thinking about what to put in front if the ash has to go.

[Peter/Outlaw]

What a relief that this had a happy ending; I was worried that you'd lost trees dear to your heart. In our neck of the woods, people trying to sell their homes are often told to cut down beautiful old trees and plant new ones as prospective buyers like to see young trees. Crazy. Of course, the flippers paint everything white as well.

[Loree / danger garden]

If our city workers removed damaged street trees I'm pretty sure we'd get a bill for their work.

[Linda Brazill]

I heard a tree guy talk about all the pests and problems attacking trees these days. He said to plant different species on your property so if something hits, it won't kil leverything. And he pointed out not to plant different maples, for example, as they are the same when it comes to disease issues. He also said the way things are going, there is going to be a pest coming for everything sooner or later.

[Linda Brazill]

Taking down mature trees to plant new ones is beyond crazy. I am sure buyers would want to take out the locust off our deck. It is massive. But what a statement it makes, to say nothing of the dappled shade in summer.

[Beth @ PlantPostings]

:( Yes, it's sad. But as you say, there are benefits, as well. I agree, living in a neighborhood with many established and diverse trees is fabulous.

[Lisa at Greenbow]

They did a great job removing the tree and stumps. Wow, can't imagine our city trying to reestablish grass let alone the grinding out of the stump. They have taken out all the Ash trees in town. Ours is in the back garden so it hasn't been bothered by anyone. We have been treating it hoping it will survive. We will see.

[Linda Brazill]

The city is also treating a limited number of trees whose caliper is above a certain measure. I think a lot of property owners are probably doing the same. We had an ash in our old garden and I loved it, especially its fall color.

[Frank]

It's a shame to see trees go like that but as long as there's room to plant them I'm sure new ones will grow. Hopefully they will be equally majestic and not just pears and red maples.