The Brentwood Department of Public Works heard a 45 minute report from Skip Kincaid of Davey Resource Group on Wednesday. While the report was generally positive, the tree inventory did identify approximately 49 trees that were classified as dead or critical. Dead or critical trees can pose a safety risk.
Alderwoman Saunders was particularly concerned about the safety of the public and asked Kincaid to further explain and advise. Kincaid responded that there is “no imminent risk” but the trees should be addressed as soon as the city is able to spare the manpower and finances.
City Arborist Rob Brockman assured Saunders that he and his staff are both capable and qualified to address the removal of the trees.
While Kincaid was concerned about the dead and critical trees, he emphasized the bigger, long term threat is the amount of Ash trees in the city. The report found that 11 percent of Brentwood trees are Ash trees. This is a concern because of the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer. Without preventative measures, every tree that is exposed to the Emerald Ash Borer will die.
All in all, the tree inventory came back positive for the city. Here is a snap shot of the report by the numbers:
Total trees: 2,658
Appraised value: $3.2 million
Annual benefits: $160,000
Dead trees: less than one percent
Critical trees: less than one percent
Poor condition: 14 percent
Fair condition: 72 percent
Good condition: 12 percent
Excellent condition: zero percent