Five problem trees in Millbrook slated for removal

MILLBROOK —  Trees and their importance in the Village of Millbrook took center stage during the Wednesday, June 14, meeting of the Millbrook Village Board.

Five trees are slated to be removed from Franklin Avenue in the near future prior to the repairs, or removal and reconstruction of new sidewalks.

Some of the trees are very old and have roots that are pushing up sidewalks, making walking dangerous, or at least adventuresome. There is also the fact that shoveling snow can be more difficult if there are uneven sidewalks. The village has spent money, time and effort in shaving the sidewalks already.

All of the trees are described by the village as “10-foot shade trees,” and four of them are preventing proper drainage of water. The lifted roots of one have damaged the curb and prevent achieving drainage away from a building; another is causing a drainage problem is at the diner, and the tree is too close to the diner steps. Lifted pavement from the roots can cause tripping hazards. Urban Forester has determined that the fifth tree has been damaged by severe weather and will soon die.

Village trustee Mike Herzog has long been an advocate for keeping Millbrook’s Tree City USA designation. He recently attended the Tree City USA award ceremony and accepted an award on behalf of the village for the 31st year in a row. He has served for a great many years on the Shade Tree Committee and is currently serving as chair.

Herzog has also long been a proponent of acquiring the means to have the village sidewalks repaired or replaced. He has worked to apply for grants to obtain the money necessary to make it possible.

The health of four of these trees is not in question, but the fact that the sidewalks need to be replaced is the problem. All of the trees are located in areas that receive heavy foot traffic. The trees will die if the roots are cut, necessitating the removal of the trees.

The board’s plan is to replace the trees, although a date for the actual plantings has yet to be determined. Careful thought will go into what type of tree will be used. Some of the current trees, while beautiful and providing shade, also make a mess. Trees that have less invasive roots will be considered. Herzog indicated that the board and the commission are open to informed suggestions from the public.

At its April 18 meeting, the commission discussed the selection of preferred trees for the 2023 sidewalk project and the communication between the county and the village. Members also discussed working on an application for an Urban Forestry grant. The commission is a working body, and is open to having new members join.

If you have comments or suggestions about the sidewalk replacement or the tree removal, contact -villageofmillbrookmayor@gmail.com or call 845-677-3939, option No. 5.