Minutes from the November 27, 2012 meeting

Members Present:  Brenda Douce, Joe Laforest, Al Potts, and Jeannie Rigdon.
Visitor Present:  Duncan McClusky

1216 North College
The resident, Terri Sauls, felt the tree in the alley was full of beetles and asked about cutting it down.  Joe Laforest and other tree board members inspected the tree.  It is normal at this time of year to have pine needles dropping, the resin on the tree appeared old and there wasn’t much dead wood in the tree.  The board felt the tree was fine to be left.

823 Ridge Avenue Pecan Trees

The pecan trees are actually in front of the garage on 10^th Street.  The one tree closest to the road has some dead wood.  This tree is dying and should come out.  The pecan tree closest to the garage door is healthy and doesn’t need to come out.   This tree is however close to the house and this may not be a favorable position for the homeowner.   The board realizes it may be some time before the city removes the one tree near the road.  The board would suggest the homeowner has permission to remove both trees at their own expense. 

315 West 8^th Street
The third oak tree has a stub about 3 inches in diameter hanging over the road.  This is a danger to the road and should be removed.  The board suggested pruning out the dead wood. 
Old Anne Belle Clark School

The school system trimmed lower branches on trees along the back of the school property but left a large dead pine branch hanging over the entrance to the school and possibly near the Principal’s parking location. 

Tift Trees Blog Spot
All posts have been updated on the blog spot. 

City Responses
There was a question about the city responding back to the board to tell what was done with the tree board recommendations.  At this point the tree board doesn’t have any feedback.

ARBOR DAY

The Heritage Foundation has about $5700 in a fund that can be used to purchase trees for planting.  The funds don’t need to be used all at one time.  The Heritage Foundation would like to see the majority of the trees planted in the historic district.  Trees purchased with these funds would be planted in the right of way.  Trees should be planted in areas where the residents will take care of the trees. 

There have been some requests for trees to be planted on private land.  The city can’t transport trees that are purchased by individuals for their property.  The tree board discussed finding someone with a truck and trailer to pick up the trees or if the nursery will transport the trees to Tifton. 

Homeowners or business owners in the historic district will have until the second week in January to indicate whether they want a tree planted on their right of way.   Ideally the homeowners will assist in the planting of the trees.  The number of trees that individuals can purchase for their private property will be limited. 

If Dr. John Ruter is in town he will assist in reviewing the tree sites and recommendations for what species to plant in the location. 

The city will be contacted about doing the locates and digging the holes for the trees. 

KEEP TIFT BEAUTIFUL/TREE BOARD CHRISTMAS
There was some question if any of the Tree Board members would be able to attend the joint December meeting on December 11^th. 

Evaluation of oak at 1707 Belleview Avenue

This tree is next to the street and a fence post is located right next to the tree.  There are some dead branches in the tree but it is not one of the worst trees in the city.  The board recommended that the tree should be pruned and have the dead wood taken out.  The city employees will need to evaluate if they can access the dead wood with the equipment they have.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evaluation of dogwood at 2001 N Central Ave

The tree board was asked to evaluate a dogwood at the corner of 20th and Central Avenue and determine if the homeowner can remove the tree.  The tree has some moderate dieback as do many of the dogwoods in the area.  The concrete sewer drain at the base of the tree has likely been limiting root development on that side of the tree.  Given the small stature of the tree it is manageable for a homeowner to handle on their own.  The poor location and dieback does make it a canidate for removal, but it is not a high priority.  The tree board approves the homeowners request to remove the tree at their expense or through their own efforts.