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.