Brad Richter is the landlord the of 1535 Claytonia Terrace, across the street from a full-sized cottonwood tree, which he wants removed.
Richter told the Richmond Heights Council at the Aug. 3 meeting that the “profuse shedding seeds of the tree’s “cotton fluff” is causing damage to his AC unit and is a general nuisance,” according to the meeting minutes.
He told the council that the owner of the home across the street, where the tree is growing, enjoys the tree and does not want it removed. Richter said he feels the tree does not have value as it leafs out late, and sheds its leaves early, and does not provide that much shade to the home.
He said there are other residents in the neighborhood who “dislike the tree and its nuisance ‘cotton fluff.’”
Mayor Jim Beck said the city has arborists on staff who can take a look at the tree to
check its health and to see if it can be treated to eliminate the shedding
of the airborne seeds.
“We are an official Tree City and do not advocate taking down a healthy tree as a practice,” Beck said. “Large, healthy trees are a valuable resource to the City.”
District 2 council member Rick Vilcek asked if the neighborhood as a whole had been contacted, and City Manager Amy Hamilton said she thought a petition was being circulated that would give the city and idea of how many wants the tree removed.
District 3 council member Ed Notter said a petition isn’t an easy answer because those who don’t sign a petition that states an opinion opposite of their opinion will not be heard.
Hamilton said by email on Tuesday that the city has determined that the tree is healthy, also that she thought Richter is circulating a petition.
Long live the cottonwood!
Had two big Cottonwood trees. They never die, get sooo large and shed profusely, so we had them cut down. We have the Cottonwood’s cousin, the Gumball tree. While very beautiful , it is also messy and can cause people to fall. There must be an alternative that has the aesthetics of these two beautiful trees without the downsides.
I don’t feel the need for the removal of a good tree, if there is nothing health threatening about it. My oldest son, was very allergic…and one of the things he was bothered by, was the cottonwood trees. We lived in Maplewood till he was 15…then moved to Fenton. His allergies were a lot better out there, except when he was back in Maplewood, visiting his grandparents and cousins. He would really be bad then, from the Cottonwood trees. It was especially bad when the “cotton was flying around” in the Spring. But he just learned to stay away when the seeds were flying. I think Mr. Richter could figure out something for his air conditioner to keep the fluff from getting to it, when it is flying around….(which is usually only in the Spring). At least that is my opinion.
Cleaning an A/C unit is a general part of home maintenance, just because this one tree causes some of the need for cleaning, Im certain its not the only debris that needs cleaned out of the unit.
We have a ginko berry tree at my church that people dont like because when you step on a berry it smells a bit like dog poop. Its a perfectly good tree, we are not going to cut it down because it is doing something natural.
I love the trees, the birds, the squirrels, the bees and even the spiders. I also respect Mr. Richter’s right to express his views and opinions, although I don’t agree with them.
Boo how Mr. Richter. That tree has been there
longer than you or your AC unit. If no other resident is complaining about the tree, then you have only two options: move or get over it!
This comment ridiculous, “cotton fluff is causing damage to his AC unit”. His AC units would have to run a lot harder if there weren’t any trees on the street.
Maybe Mr. Richter would be happier with a loft downtown. He seems to the nuisance for imposing his selfish aesthetics and annoyances on a community that values trees and the creatures that depend on them. Cheers to Mayor Beck for his leadership. Go away, Mr. Richter.
If Mr. Richter’s petition gains support, I will draft a counter-petition. Living on earth entails sharing space with other creatures, trees included. His complaint is asinine. Value is not solely determined by how convenient another living being is for you and how it affects your air conditioner’s efficiency.