The Macomb Tree Board last week heard a quarterly report for February through April from City Forester Skip Bowles. He said that continued road widening on South Johnson Street delayed many planned activities. The Arbor Day celebration, scheduled for April 26,was postponed and may take place in the fall. When the street construction is complete, Bowles said he hopes to plant 28 trees along the street.
The city forester said an Extension grant to plant trees around Macomb may result in 23 to 25 new trees, 15 of them oak trees. Bowles said a grant awarded to Ryan Hansen at Spring Lake might result in 15 to 20 more trees there. He said 17 trees were planted early this year, eight along East Pierce Street and nine along North Johnson Street.
Bowles said crews managed to grind 40 stumps so far this year. He said that, as a memorial on behalf of the Howe and Nash families, a tree was replaced in the parking lot at Jackson and McArthur streets.
Macomb has been a Tree City, USA for 33 years. Bowles said the city is in line for a 12-year growth award. 'We have one of the highest growth rates in the state,' he said.
Presiding board member Brenda Sayre said, 'Strangers driving through Macomb have noticed the number of trees we have on city property.' Bowles said he is available to consult with property owners on the removal of dead or dying trees if he is invited onto their properties. He said the city requires any tree removal service to be registered and insured.
Board member Margaret Ovitt said she is working with local residents on the possible recognition of legacy trees on private property. She said she is developing a spreadsheet to map tree locations. Ovitt said the map will feature tree walk patterns in three to four block units.
Bowles reported the city is trying to get funding to relocate certain trees in Chandler Park. He said most trees would be moved about 15 feet. The city forester noted that four of six Colorado blue spruces have died, but mulch is protecting the other two.
Sayre said items for future tree board agendas include the election of a new board chair and the recruiting of new board members.
