150-year-old Scottsboro courthouse tree at risk of being removed

SCOTTSBORO, AL (WAFF) -

The Jackson County Commission is looking to cut down the only remaining maple tree on the square that's nearly 150 years old.

Commission Chairman Matthew Hodges said a limb fell a couple of weeks ago, the tree is dying, and they see it as a safety issue to residents who come to the courthouse.

But some detractors said it's no more of a liability than the many mature pecan trees outside that are prone to shedding limbs.

The Jackson County Courthouse is known for its many mature trees on the square. At issue is the maple tree outside the main entrance that welcomes people to the courthouse.

Residents said at one time there were a total of three, but Mother Nature took its toll on two, and this is the last.

Hodges said they have the okay of the tree commission, but some said it doesn't even look as if the tree is dying. They said the county should have a comprehensive study done before resorting to destruction efforts. Mike Williamson, a concerned resident, said they could have a study done by experts from Auburn.

"I know they did everything in the world they could to try to save the trees that had been poisoned at Toomer's Corner," Williamson said. "There may be some things to be done to save this tree, to give us many more years of enjoyment."

Hodges said the tree is set for removal the weekend of Sept. 5.

Williamson said he plans to present a petition of names opposing the removal on Tuesday. If that doesn't work, Williamson said he's considering legal action.

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150-year-old Scottsboro courthouse tree at risk of being removed