PROJECT
AIR SPADING TO IMPROVE ROOTING AREA OF WATERFRONT OAKS
SPRING 2022 The two largest oaks Waterfront Park were root pruned in early spring and then the soil around the trees was air-spaded and amended in a Phase-1 of several phases approach to try to address some significant and concerning girdling root issues and improve the health of these two highly-valuable and much-enjoyed trees. Local tree pros Kingsley Tree Service performed the work. In the 1990s, these two oaks were planted to replace the old and beloved willows in the same area that had declined and had to be removed to much community chagrin. The red oaks, now nearly 30 years old, were displaying some early signs of stress and further investigation below the soil revealed significant girdling roots in both trees. In an effort to fight possible premature decline and gives these trees a chance to life a fuller life, the village hired Kingsley tree to do a more thorough investigation and some initial pruning with an air-spade, a tool that removes soil around roots without damaging the roots. Soil compaction, a major problem with a high-traffic area like Waterfront Park, was also addressed with the air-space and compost and amendments were added. If funding is available, further pruning will happen in a future dormant season. In other pruning news: Three willows in Mayor’s Park with major safety issues were addressed, one was removed and two were safety pruned. The fir tree in McConville Park near the 9/11 Memorial site, which was originally a village holiday tree, was pruned and all trash and old lights were removed from it. The construction-related damage to the tree near the Main St Wall project was addressed. Three lovely Ginkgo trees on Paulding Avenue near Academy St were maintenance pruned and several hazardous conditions with trees on Mountain Ave, Lunn Terr Parsonage St and other locations were addressed. Questions about village trees? Please contact the village clerk at (845) 265-3611 or [email protected]. |