Upcoming Tree Removal on Town Property or Public Right-Of-Way

The Town of Abingdon has received several inquiries about upcoming tree removals located on Town property or public right-of-way. 

 The following is background information on these trees:

·       Sycamore Trees (3), east side of Court Street, from Plumb Alley to Main Street – The root systems on these trees have lifted and broken surrounding sidewalk, curb and gutter, and street pavement. This has created pedestrian safety issues, affected storm drainage, and resulted in the uneven pavement in the parking lane. As the trees continue to grow, the damage will spread, and they also become a damage risk to the adjacent buildings. We are considering new configurations of sidewalk and space for trees and vegetation, possibly including widened sidewalk, tree plantings between parking spaces, or a vegetated median.

·       Sycamore Tree, at Town Creek crossing, Walden Road and Valley Street “S-curve” – The trunk of this tree is partially obstructing the flow through the stormwater pipes under the pavement. We need to have full capacity in these pipes to carry Town Creek, especially during large rain events.

·       Hemlock Tree – Fields Penn House – This tree, on the west side of the house, was crowded out in its growth by larger adjacent trees. The tree grew to lean directly toward the house. Given the significant investment in restoration at Fields-Penn and the fragility of Hemlock trees, we think it is in the best interest of the Town to remove this tree.

 These matters were discussed at the October and November Abingdon Tree Commission meetings. The mission of the Abingdon Tree Commission is to promote a safe and healthy urban forest in Abingdon through the planting, care, and management of site-appropriate trees on Town property and rights-of-way and to provide resources and advice to Town residents on the care and management of their trees. For anyone interested in attending these meetings, they are usually held on the third Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall. You may also contact the Public Works Department or Town Arborist at 276-628-3167.