City explores options to address tree-pruning backlog

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Trees are another indicator for the impact of recent development in the city of Delaware.

The city’s urban forest has grown to about 17,000 trees compared with 14,000 three years ago, said Doug Richmond.

The city arborist informed the Delaware Shade Tree Commission at its meeting Tuesday that staff are exploring options to have an outside contractor perform more clearance pruning of street trees in the right of way to handle the backlog of 15,000 trees that require maintenance.

Richmond said it would not be possible to tackle all of the backlog in a year but would be manageable if spaced out each year. He added that residents can call the Department of Public Works to request street clearance pruning, placing their street higher on the list, which depends on how high a public safety hazard it poses.

In addition, there is a backlog of 293 trees to be planted for ones removed from 2013 to this year. A plan of action is in the works with parks and natural resources and the finance departments to address the matter.

Also, three unhealthy trees that were removed earlier this year in the downtown area will be replaced in fall, Richmond said.

In other business, the commission approved plans for the layout of 173 trees divided unevenly into eight different species for three sections of the Communities at Glenross on the north side of Cheshire Road between the Glenross Golf Course and railroad.

The commission briefly discussed informational plans for the Londontown Apartments. Ownership plans to expand a parking lot for its clubhouse, playground and possible extensions, Richmond said.

Not much information was provided about the plans for an expansion at Henderson Trucking.

“It’s something that’s coming down the road,” Richmond said.

By Brandon Klein

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Brandon Klein can be reached at 740-413-0904 or on Twitter at @brandoneklein.

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