Sweet Home Public Works removed the remaining downtown Main Street median trees last week.
The city’s Park and Tree Committee voted Jan.15 to remove the remaining trees, due to infrastructure damage, said city Communications Specialist Lagea Mull.
The city previously had removed five larger trees from the median planters.
“Change is hard, as we all know,” said Lena Tucker, committee co-chairwoman. “It’s sad to see trees removed when they appear to be so healthy.
“Street trees have lifespans, and it is important to maintain their health as well as the integrity of the infrastructure they are growing in.
“Healthy trees in the median put a positive face on the community. It is important they are replaced (or) updated before they begin to decline and cause greater damage to the infrastructure. Believe it or not, the more vibrant the trees appear, not only in the median but around the city, the more healthy and vibrant our community becomes.”
The replacement of median trees and street trees has been put on hold until the Downtown Master Plan is designed and approved, Mull said; but in the spring, the Beautification Committee will increase the number of annual plants and flowers planted in the median planters.