Meeting Minutes 8/27/15

Tift County Tree Board

August 27, 2015

Board Members Present:  Joe Laforest, Michael Mitchem, Liz Moss, All Potts and Jeannie Rigdon.

Visitors Present:  Duncan McClusky and Al Potts son.

INTRODUCTION

Liz Moss is a new board member coming to Tifton from West Virginia.  Her husband is teaching forestry at ABAC.  Liz has an urban forestry background and was working with communities throughout WV with their tree populations.

TREES REMOVED

A stump on 12^th Street was grinded down. 

A tree at 207 West 11^th Street was removed on Monday.

FOLLOWUP ON TREES

The tree at 805 North Park has an old historic fence next to it which causes concerns about removing this tree.  Other locations already evaluated include 1010 North College, 111 West 15^th Street, 3005 Clover Circle, and two trees in front of Heyward Fowler’s house,

New places to check include three oak trees at 408 North Tift Avenue, trees across from the Baptist Church near Three Graces Manor,   and a dead tree by the HR Block office on 8^th and Central.  .

TREE INVENTORY

Davey Tree performed three surveys of trees in the city and this information was available for an annual fee.   During the surveys a number of trees were judged to be hazardous and needing removal.   There was a question if the city has continued to pay this fee allowing access to the site.  

Liz Moss suggesting having volunteers trained to evaluate trees [at a basic level].  These volunteers could be ABAC Forestry students and/or interested people from the community.  The USDA has a program called Itrees [www.itreetools.org] that is a free inventory program that can be used.  The information can be updated when a tree is removed or a tree planted.  

ESG Inc. has their own software program for inventorying assets in the city.  Their IT person, Shawn, has discussed transferring the Davey Tree inventory information to the ESG program for Tifton.  Having the tree inventory on this system would allow work orders and inventory to be followed.  Liz Moss will talk to Scott Murphy at ESG about the use of this software for a tree inventory.  There is a concern whether non ESG employees would be allowed access to the software. 

TREE CITY

Tree city applications are supposed to be turned in by mid-December.  Last year the Tifton application was turned in late and Al Potts didn’t receive the recognition items until after the tree program.  

FALL PLANTING

There were some trees planted at the old Anne Belle Clark School that were on top of water mains.  Typically a call is made 3-4 four days before a planting to locate underground power and water lines.  Scott Murphy can give an overview of an area some time before this. 

Residents in the historic district have provided funds to plant trees in this region of the city.  Scott Murphy has indicated ESG can do everything except pay for the trees.  It is important to have volunteers to water the trees.  

Trees planted previously that have not done well include some by a water tower, and some at the ball park.  Another location to consider includes 12^th Street between Hall and Murray on the south side but have to be careful how close trees are planted to an intersection.  No tree should be planted within 30 feet of an intersection.

There was a question about along the railroad tracks on Forest Drive.  Three trees have already been planted in front of the fire station.  The railroad uses a strong herbicide so don’t want to plant too near the railroad tracks.  The railroad also has rules on how close trees can be planted to the railroad tracks.  

Tift Avenue has areas that are bare and could use some trees.  

There is an open area at 8^th and Prince Avenue that is city property and trees could be used here.  

An adopt a tree program was tried with little success in the past.  Residents were offered an opportunity to have a tree planted in the right of way in front of their home if they would care for it.  This didn’t work out well.  Liz suggested having the residents have a financial stake in the tree and they could dedicate the tree to someone.  

 

Superior Trees [http://www.superiortrees.net/] and a plant nursery in Lake City, Florida were used in the past to purchase trees.  [“Gainous Shade Trees in Cairo, Lake Tree Farm in Whigham, an Superior Trees in Lee, Florida are all good sources for trees.  Superior will have the best selection of natives, whereas the other two are to of our best “tree” growers in containers.”]  These trees were delivered to Tifton at a cost.  The cost was the same for one tree or many trees so would like to have a number of trees delivered.  The trees in burlap root balls didn’t do well so only want trees in containers.  Dr. John Ruter was the contact who knew the nurseries and the best locations to obtain materials.  Liz will contact Dr. John Ruter in Athens to check on nearby tree nurseries.  

EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH

Liz indicated she would help with educational outreach programs.  

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has several phases in fixing up the downtown area.  The Bradford Pears along Commerce Way have been removed.  The Bradford pear trees across from the museum will be removed in another phase.

OTHER CONTACTS FOR LIZ

Karen Rawlins in the Center of Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health for native plants. 

Minutes from the September 24, 2013 meeting

Board Members Present:  Brenda Douce, Joe Laforest, Michael Mitchem, Al Potts, and Jeannie Rigdon.

Visitors Present:  Duncan McClusky

SAVANNAH LAWSUIT
A woman in Savannah was awarded $12 million in court when she was hit by a falling tree limb.  http://savannahnow.com/news/2013-08-22/jury-awards-woman-12-million-against-savannah-fallen-limb-case#.UkLgBD-GdI0

TREES
There is a tree at 10^th and Tift where the base of the tree looks bad.  Davey Tree may not have surveyed this tree and the thought was that this tree is on the list to be removed.

There is a large pecan tree across from First United Methodist Church on 12^th Street that has been reported to be leaning towards the street.  The person is afraid the tree will fall over. 

There is a large pine tree in the middle of the old Anne Belle School with a branch that has broken off and is hanging.  The tree is not on the right of way but could be a hazard with the number of children playing in the playground. 

An oak tree at 614 Ridge Avenue has been dropping limbs

A limb fell out of an oak (?) tree at 710 Park and landed near the garbage can.  The homeowner wants the tree removed. 

Joe will email the board the addresses of the trees to be reviewed.

BOARD MEMBERSHIP
The board heard a report that Victoria Watson has submitted a request to be released from being a Tree Board member. 

GEORIGA URBAN FORESTRY COUNCIL MEETING

The Georgia Urban Forestry Council (http://www.gufc.org/) will be meeting on October 23-24, 2013 in Columbus, Georgia.  Tree Board members can write an essay about why they want to attend this meeting and what knowledge they hope to bring back to their job.  The people selected from these essays will receive a $135 scholarship to pay their registration for the meeting.  No one from the Tift County Tree Board was interested in attending.

DOGWOOD TREES
Jeannie Rigdon has marked a couple dozen dead dogwood trees around the old Anne Belle Clark School that can be removed.  Joe Laforest is going to contact the wood turners in the area to see if they would be interested in the larger pieces of wood.  There was a discussion about how to dispose of the remaining smaller pieces of wood. 

ABAC TREE CAMPUS CERTIFICATION
ABAC has been working hard on receiving the Tree Campus Certification.  They have completed most if not all the requirements and the report should be submitted by December. 

LIABILITIES
There was a short discussion about who would be liable if a tree or part of a tree caused damage by falling in Tifton.  The city has known about the hazardous tree situation for some time due to the Davey tree inventories.  However, the Tree Board has no authority and can only recommend actions to the city.  The Tree Board should not be liable if anything did happen. 

Minutes from the August 27, 2013 meeting

Present:  Joe Laforest, Michael Mitchem, and Jeannie Rigdon.

Visitors Present:  Duncan McClusky

TREE REMOVED

A tree near the intersection of 12^th Avenue and Ridge. 

TREES TO BE REMOVED

Another tree at 1019 Ridge Avenue will be removed soon. 

There is a tree across from the American Legion on Moore Highway that was looked at and should be taken down. 

HISTORIC DISTRICT

An anonymous person provided $9,000 for the historic district.  One suggestion is to use these funds to remove dead dogwood and maple trees.

FUTURE PLANTINGS

The suggestion was made to only use containerized trees next time and to choose one or two streets in the historic district to concentrate on.

Minutes from the May 28, 2013 meeting

Board Members Present: Joe LaForest, Michael Mitchem, Al Potts, and Jeannie Rigdon.
Visitors Present: Duncan McClusky

HOLLY TREES
The holly trees have been replaced with two trees waiting to be planted. The remaining two trees will be planted when the locates have been completed. Joe LaForest, and Jeannie and Steve Rigdon will remove the burlap and wire to plant these trees.

TREE WATERING
The city is watering the plants twice a week. Jeannie and Steve Rigdon have been carrying buckets of water in their truck to water the new trees.

TREE CAMPUS
ABAC is interested in the Tree Campus designation. Al Potts and Joe LaForest have been invited to attend one of the campus meetings regarding this recognition attempt.

TREE INVENTORY
The city has the Davey Tree Inventory and information on new trees being planted has been added to the inventory.

JUNE MEETING

The June meeting will be cancelled.

Minutes from the April 23, 2013 meeting

Members Present: Brenda Douce, Joe Laforest, and Michael Mitchem.
Visitor Present: Duncan McClusky

HOLLY TREES

Very few of the holly trees that were planted recently for Arbor Day have survived. Joe Laforest has discussed the situation with David Cleveland of Cleveland Tree Company and the trees will be replaced with another holly variety. Due to scheduling conflicts the week of May 11th will be the first available time to replace the dead trees. However this may be getting too warm to plant so may have to wait until next spring. Next year the recommendation is to only transplant trees that are in containers.

  DAVEY TREE INVENTORY

The Davey Tree electronic inventory has not been updated to show locations for trees planted during Arbor Day or trees that have been recently removed.

Minutes from the January 22, 2013 meeting

Members Present:  Joe LaForest and Jeannie Rigdon.
Visitors Present:  Duncan McClusky, and Michael MItchem.
ARBOR DAY
The ceremony honoring Arbor Day will be held on February 15th at 9 AM at the new Peanut Commission location.  Mayor Jamie Cater and County Commissioner Grady Thompson will read proclamations honoring Arbor Day.  Joe will talk with Don Koehler about what tree or trees to plant.
TREE PLANTING
ON Saturday February 16th there will be 85 trees planted in 24 locations in the historic area of town.  The locations are marked on a map and with red or pink flags.  The Tree Board will be contacting Boy Scout leaders to see if there are Boy Scouts to assist with the project. 

The trees selected may come in containers ranging in size from one gallon to 30 gallon pots.  The longer a tree is in a pot then the better chance of root problems with the tree.  The trees will be delivered from the nursery to the city complex on Armour Road.  There was a discussion about how to distribute the trees.  The city can deliver the trees to the locations on Thursday or possibly Saturday.  The trees may be deposited in a central location and volunteers will move the trees to where they are needed.  Joe Laforest may work with someone else to pick up the trees from the city complex Saturday morning and transport them to the locations. 

Joe will post the list of tree locations to the Tree Board blog and will send it out to the Tree Board members via email.

The city will handle the locates and drilling 24 inch wide holes 18 inches deep to plant the trees.  The dirt should not be removed.  The holes will be covered with traffic cones to keep people from accidental falls from the holes. 

The tree planting will start at 9 or 10 AM in the morning.  That afternoon the trees should receive some water.  Joe Laforest will prepare a flyer advising homeowners of how to care for their trees. 
Charles Styer will be contacted to record the tree plantings with his camera. 

If anyone asks about having a tree planted in their yard they should be told another planting will take place next year.  Their name and address will be recorded as well. 

TREE REMOVAL
Joe had information on four trees that need removal.  They will be posted on the blog and forwarded to the City.

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. 

Minutes from the October 23, 2012 meeting

Board members present:  Brenda Douce, Joe Laforest, Al Potts, and Jeannie Rigdon.

Visitors present:  Duncan McClusky and Michael Mitchem.

TREE REVIEW

315 West 8^th Street. 

There was a request to review two oak trees and there are actually three oak trees.  One tree has a large hole at the base of the tree indicating a lack of support.  One tree has a nice mushroom growing on the tree indicating decaying wood.  There are holes in the canopy, dead branches visible in the trees, and cavities in the tree visible.  The board voted to remove the two trees.  The third tree will be reviewed and a decision made regarding this tree. 

Pecan trees by carport at 823 Ridge Avenue.

The pecan trees are blocking access to a garage separate from the house.  They were marked at one time with orange ribbons but Joe didn’t see the ribbons.  The trees will be remarked and Joe will look at them. 

Dogwood at 20^th Street and Central Avenue.  Across from Noah’s Ark. 

This tree can be taken down.  It is not a priority for the city as it is not as much of a risk as other trees currently on te removal list.

Dogwood at 8^th Street and Murray Avenue. 

Some question if this tree is on the right of way.  It will be examined.

YARD DEBRIS REMOVAL

Ricky Hobby should be contacted for clarification regarding yard debris left beside the road in the city.  Evidently one pile was left beside the street for two months before a citizen removed the pile. 

TREE CLASSES

One local business owner has indicated an interest in hosting classes for tree care including the climbing of trees to remove them.  The business owner would publicize the classes in Albany and Valdosta as well. 

PINE TREE

Al Potts was contacted regarding a pine tree that is oozing a white substance about head height, has a number of flies and yellow jackets around it and is making noises like water leaking out of a pinhole in a hose.  Al and Joe reviewed the tree and found the pine tree appeared to be a healthy tree except for these problems.  The tree is not on the right of way.  Further investigations are going on to see what is causing the conditions with the tree.

RIGHT OF WAY QUESTIONS

Anyone with right of way questions can call Crystal at 391-3944. 

BEST PINE TREE SPECIES

There was a question regarding the best pine tree species to plant and Al Potts suggested the longleaf pine tree.  There was a question then about the range where these trees can grow.

CITY TREE PLANTING

There was a question about a city tree planting event in February.  The Tree Board blog has allowed citizens to request a tree be planted on the right of way on their property and no one has responded yet.  The board discussed how to publicize this event.  The Historic District will be providing funding to pay for trees so many of the trees may be planted in the historic district.

ARBOR DAY

Arbor Day is the third Friday in February and it is time to recertify for the 21^st year as a tree city.  The paperwork needs to be completed by November 15^th.  The peanut commission will be contacted about having a ceremonial tree planting for Arbor Day on their property. 

Minutes from the August 28, 2012 meeting

August 28, 2012

Board Members Present:  Brenda Douce, Joe Laforest, Al Potts, and Jeannie Rigdon.

Visitors Present:  Duncan McClusky and Michael Mitchem.

TREE REVIEW    

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.

There was a question if the city would allow an employee to be trained in climbing a tree to remove dead wood.  Joe Laforest is certified and can train the employee in this procedure. 

820 North Park

There was a call about two oak trees on north Park.  The board visited the site.  One tree has dead wood and should be removed.  The second tree has a large branch extending over the road with two large decaying areas on either side of the branch.  For this reason the board would recommend removing this tree as well.  Across the street there is another tree without a single leaf on it. 

PROBLEM TREES

There are over 200 trees that have been identified during the Davey Tree inventories that should be removed and are still standing.  A pine tree may be removed in a half day and a large oak tree may take up to three days to remove.  City employees work on removing these problem trees when their schedule permits. 

RIGHT OF WAY

The right of way is measured from the center of the road and can vary in distance.  A general rule of thumb is where the water meters or the power lines are.  These usually mark the end of the right of way.

Minutes from the May 22, 2012 meeting

Board Members Present:  Brenda Douce, Joe Laforest, Danny McLaren [ex-officio], Al Potts, and Jeannie Rigdon.

Visitors Present:  Dr. David Bridges [President of ABAC], Roger C. Dill [President ABAC Foundation], Duncan McClusky,   Melvin L. Merrill [ABAC Foundation], Ashley Mock [ABAC Public Relations Director], and Michael Murphy [arborist].

TIFTS TREES
Al Potts has posted a message on the blog.  Joe Laforest may post the meeting notes to the blog. 

TIFTON CODES
The current codes are being reviewed and this board may be provided an opportunity to list trees that should be used around newly constructed buildings.

BOARD BYLAWS
Larry Riner has requested a copy of the Tree Board Bylaws.  No one present knew of any bylaws for the board.  There is a section in the city codes about the board. 

TREES
The oak tree in front of the zero energy house needs removal. 
Plans are being formulated to enlarge the Fulwood Park playground and some trees will need to be removed. 

ABAC HISTORY
The majority of the meeting was utilized to discuss landscape plans for the ABAC Campus.
ABAC started in 1906 when legislation set up a mechanical and agricultural high school.  The Second Congressional District A &M School opened in February 1908.  Three of the four original campus buildings are still standing in the front of the campus.  Lewis Hall and Herring Hall were closed in the 1980’s and Tift Hall was closed in 2007.  The historic front of the campus is being restored to its early beginnings and Tift Hall was opened again last week.  The first floor of the Tift Building will essentially be a museum presenting the history of the campus.  $17 million has been spent on restorations.  The state has been generous and one reason for the generosity may be the three original buildings. 

RESTORATION STUDY
Several years ago Pratt Cassity from the UGA College of Environment and Design visited the campus with several graduate students.  They evaluated the campus and held town hall meetings to work on a design for the campus.  In the process all the trees and vegetation on campus was reviewed.  There were green spaces on campus.  Behind the three original buildings there are green areas with a wavy line of plants at the end of the open spaces.  This landscaping was considered in the campus plan. 

FRONT LAWN
A parking lot was put in front of the three buildings at some point in history.  The plans are to remove the majority of the parking in the front of the buildings.  A berm will hide the few parking spaces that would be left in the front of the campus.  The sightline coming down the RDC Road will be of the buildings and the flag pole is on top of the Tift Building.   There will be a grand front lawn in front of the campus.  This front lawn will provide space for an outdoor graduation ceremony or to host other events. 

The lawn nearest Moore Highway will be Tiftblair Centipede Grass which was developed by Dr. Wayne Hanna.  The next turf will be Tifgrand Bermuda grass which is a sports field turf that is shade tolerant.  Closest to the campus will be an Emerald Zoysia grass separated by granite appearing concrete.  All three grasses were developed by the University of Georgia Tifton Campus. 
This fall rye grass will be planted in front of the buildings.  Trees will be planted in the winter and in late spring the permanent grasses will be planted. 

Live Oak trees will be selected for the front as well. 

RDC ROAD
In the 1980’s plans were set up to make the RDC Road a four lane road.  The land was graded but due to funding the work was never completed.  The other two lanes will be added with a 15 foot wide median in between.   The median will be city right of way land.  The Department of Transportation and the City of Tifton will fund the widening of this road.  This will be a beautiful approach to the ABAC Campus, the UGA Tifton Campus and to the UGA Conference Center.  One signature is needed from the railroad before this work can begin.
There was some discussion about providing water to the median and what plants would be planted in this area.  There are no current landscaping plans for this area. 

TREE EVALUATION
Mr. Murphy, a certified arborist, has been working on campus for over two years.  Mr. Murphy has worked with trees in the cities of Charleston and Savannah.  He has studied oak trees over the past 18 years.   He has found many of the laurel and water oak trees on the ABAC Campus are hollow and need to be removed. 

There are palm trees in the front of campus and these may have been planted as part of the original campus.  These trees will stay.  There is a black walnut tree in front of the nursing building and it is the only black walnut tree on campus so it will remain. 

Safety is a primary concern for the landscaping work.  Trees that need to be removed will be done by people experienced in this work. 

All vegetation on campus has been mapped and plotted with GIS.  The landscaping plan has been developed for the campus to show what plants will be planted where.  Plants that are not wanted will be removed.  There are a couple large crape myrtle trees on campus that may be left from the original campus and they will remain. 

SUSTAINABILITY
There was a question regarding the sustainability of the landscaping.  Two offices, one in Tallahassee and one in South Carolina will work on the pruning.  Melvin Merrill will have a maintenance plan to follow.  The idea is to use low maintenance plants.    Mr. Murphy will be available to contract with if the need arises. 

ABAC STRATEGIC PLAN
The last five year campus strategic plan was completed in 2007 and is in the process of running out now.   The key component of this plan was to make the college a place that students would choose to attend.  The campus appeal was important.   There have been vast improvements in the grounds.  A lot of resources have gone into the campus. 

PARKING LOTS
The campus has large open parking lots.  It is not a capital investment priority to have these parking lots redone with vegetative areas. 

TREES FOR FRONT
The trees in front need to be uniform and to come from nursery stock. 

TREE CAMPUS
The Georgia Forestry Commission will be reviewing campuses for Tree Campus Certification and this requires students to be involved in the work.  The removal of trees is a liability and safety issue so it won’t be good for students to be involved in this work. 

MANAGEMENT
All work is being coordinated through the Physical Plant and it is being planned to minimize disruptions to the campus.  J. T. Turner Construction Co. from Savannah, Georgia and another company [Greenline ?] are handling the work. 

GIS DATABASE
The ABAC Campus has a 20+ layer GIS database locating utilities, buildings, and trees on campus.  The campus is moving to make this information available on a mobile platform.  Joe Laforest suggested tying the city Tree Keeper software with the ABAC system. 

DITCH
There is a ditch on Moore Highway near the nursing building.  It is parallel and perpendicular to the road and seems to be getting worse.  Some thought is being given on how to deal with this. 
UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF GEORGIA TREE FOUNDATION
The University of Georgia manages a program for the University System of Georgia to access donated plants from various nurseries in the state.  ABAC can access this database and request free plants. 

WOOD
The wood from the trees that are cut down will be evaluated.  Some will be cut up for firewood to be used by the Georgia Museum of Agriculture.  Some will be mulched and left to decay before use on campus.  The campus will salvage what they can.  Joe Laforest suggested contacting turners who might want to use the wood. 

MEMORIAL TREES
The ABAC Campus doesn’t plant memorial trees anymore.
The discussion about the ABAC landscaping plans ended and the Tree Board discussed another issue.

ARBOR DAY
Jeannie Rigdon suggested holding a community tree planting event for Arbor Day where a large number of trees would be planted.  There was some discussion about where to plant the trees, paying for locates to mark underground utilities, and how large the event could be.  There was also a concern about paying for the event.  A 3.5 inch oak tree costs $150 apiece. 

One suggestion was to talk to various civic groups to see how many would participate in the event.  Then to have one tree to plant for each group.  Another idea was to talk to homeowners along selected streets and see if they would agree to adopt a tree planted in the right of way in front of their house. 

TREE DAMAGE
Can the city put in a code indicating that anyone damaging or removing a right of way tree would be penalized?  People would express their views on this code to the code enforcement officers and not to the Tree Board.