City Forester Skip Bowles told the Macomb Tree Board last week that pruning and watering remain his top priorities as the city battles ongoing drought conditions and storm damage.
Bowles said violent storms have caused wind shear that damaged tree canopies, leaving many trees vulnerable to further harm and disease. He also noted safety concerns, including raising the crown of a low-hanging tree to reduce a traffic hazard.
Several trees located above sewer lines have been removed and will be replaced later, Bowles said. This summer, crews removed 35 tree stumps, and 40 sites have been marked for future tree planting.
Board Chairman Morris Vos highlighted dead trees on private property as a growing problem, citing a list of 100 hazardous trees. “This is a serious challenge,” he said.
Bowles announced that the annual Arbor Day ceremony will move to the fall due to spring construction on South Johnson Street. Illinois Extension will sponsor a tree planting workshop on November 1, and the city has secured a grant to plant 23 new trees.
Oak tree trimming has continued at 20 locations, and new trees will be planted at Bill Thorpe Memorial Park, Bowles added.
The board also learned that a tree was planted in memory of Reagan Clause, a city employee who died in 2014. The memorial tree is part of a group of three planted in a memorial park along Candy Lane. Bowles said other trees around Macomb are available for memorial adoption.
Vos praised the city’s efforts to remove most ash trees and said the board is considering a plan to designate “legacy trees” on private properties. Board member Margaret Ovitt is updating a homeowner list for the program, noting some residents have moved and new locations have been added.
Vos announced his intention to step down as board chairman but said no other members have expressed interest in the role. He plans to consult with Mayor Mike Inman about a possible replacement.
