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.

 

 

 

 

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. 

Trees by 315 West 8th

Annette Rigdon Swan  has requested that the tree board look at the two oaks at 315 W 8th Street. They are the two closest to her drive. (They may already be on the list of trees to remove.) She is afraid to go out to get her paper because the trees are continuously dropping branches.

On evaluation of the trees, it is recommended that both trees be removed.  The tree closest to the drive has a large hollow at the base on the side toward the road. Toward the drive, there is a fresh mushroom growing on the base indicating a column of decay in this section.  The crown of the tree features many large cavities and dead branches. 

The second tree has a apparently sound trunk, but has significant dieback in the crown with several dead limbs over the road.  It is expected that the tree will continue to decline and should be removed before it poses a greater risk.

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.

Did you know?

According to the US Department of Agriculture, "the net cooling effect of a young healthy tree is equivalent to ten room size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day." Save money- plant a tree!