Massive tree removal may delay traffic

May 2, 2013 Massive tree removal may delay traffic

Anonymous Meadville Tribune The Meadville Tribune Thu May 02, 2013, 08:30 AM EDT

MEADVILLE Drivers traveling along Park Avenue between Willow and Linden streets may experience delays throughout the day today as the swamp white oak tree in front of Fullerton Appliance Center, 1196 Park Ave., is taken down.

The 51-inch-diameter tree, believed to have the largest diameter of any street tree in the City of Meadville, is being removed because of failing health, Rick Williams, the citys development manager, said Wednesday. Because the tree stands in the city right-of-way between the roadway and sidewalk, the city is responsible for its welfare.

Its declining badly, Williams said, noting that last year the decision was made to give it one more year and now its time is up.

The canopy is dying, Eric Proper of Hazlett Tree Service, who will be handling the removal, told the Tribune Thursday. Its started to drop limbs at various times the last couple of years and its a worry to the city.

Because the trees condition has been carefully monitored for a number of years, its replacement, an elm, was planted nearby about three years ago.

Hazlett will use a 23-ton crane to lower tree parts to the ground as theyre cut, according to Proper, who noted that work is expected to start around 7 a.m.

The trees age, which is believed to be between 100 and 150 years, will be revealed today when rings on its trunk can be counted.

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Massive tree removal may delay traffic