Knox Mayor Dennis Estok recently informed the City Council that he had a meeting scheduled with a forester to discuss the trees in the downtown area.
Mayor Estok said he has received complaints from various store owners downtown and some feel the trees just need to be trimmed while others apparently believe it would be better to take them out altogether.
He mentioned that in talks with the forester so far, she has mentioned that if they are going to trim them, there is a specific way it needs to be done.
Councilman Jeff V. Berg mentioned that those are Bradford Pear Trees and said it’s not uncommon for them to get that tall. Estok said that there should have been some more maintenance done to keep them getting to the point they’re at now.
Councilman Berg commented that in addition to the growth that can be seen above ground, they should keep in mind potential issues below the surface.
He explained, “Another issue too now folks is that the root system is not only underneath the sidewalk but probably under the pavement as well.”
Berg added that is likely something the forester will address when she meets with the Mayor.
Council President Ron Parker asked when the trees were planted and Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston replied that it was probably around the year 2000 when they went in.
Estok noted that he will share the expert’s input about what next steps that should be taken during the city council’s next meeting.
