Landscape Tree Removal Discussed As Courthouse Trees Become Hazardous

by Jesse Taylor, Johnson County Extension Agent

Making the decision to remove a shade tree from the landscape can be very difficult. Many times, there are so many historical and nostalgic events involved, ranging from weddings, community gatherings, tire swings, church picnics or simply a little boy playing with his Tonka trucks years ago. We want to keep these natural monuments around for as long as possible, but like us, they do have an expiration date and do eventually come to an end.

There are a couple of trees on the Johnson County Courthouse lawn that have been in question over the past few years, one of which continues to slowly decline and the other which has reached the point of being too hazardous and will be removed very soon.

Usually, the aging process is slow. Limbs can be broken by strong winds, sometimes they are hit by lightning, or maybe they were pruned improperly in the past or severely weakened by drought. All of these factors can provide an opportunity for diseases like Hypoxylon Canker or for insects such as the Oak Borer that can speed up the process.

Many times, these landscape trees are planted in areas outside their comfort zone, sustaining over 100 years of foot traffic that compacts the soil they are trying to utilize. Concrete and asphalt covering the dripline of the tree just make a bad situation a little worse.

Against all these odds, they can still hang on for many years and, in most cases, we try to help them do so. But in public areas, we may not have that luxury. Soaking spring rains followed by high winds can pose a major threat and liability in populated areas close to buildings and parked vehicles, especially when trees are compromised or weakened.

Read this story and others in the May 13 issue of The Graphic, available online and at businesses throughout Franklin and Johnson counties. Subscribe or donate here to support more hometown journalism.

An oak tree on the Johnson County Courthouse lawn which has become a hazard due to age is slated for removal in the near future.

–Photo courtesy Johnson County Extension Office