Lexington officials are hoping to address a potential public safety issue by removing hundreds of dead or dying ash trees. The trees, like those in many other states, are succumbing to damage caused by the emerald ash borer. Lexington Division of Environmental Policy Director Susan Plueger says more staff is needed to help remove the trees. "We need equipment. We need a tree crew working throughout the winter on these issues. Right now, our tree crew is in streets and roads, the only one that we currently have and they have other duties related to snow removal, pot holes, other activities in the winter time," said Plueger.
Lexington Senior Arborist John Saylor says there are about 1,000 ash trees in rural areas of Fayette County in need of removal. Saylor says the brittle trees present a public safety risk. "We're kind of at the climax point where we are seeing the dead crispy trees all over town now and I don't think we've reached that point. It's just gonna get worse the next few years. We want to be proactive and take those trees down, just for the safety of our county roads," said Saylor.
The high profile Breeder's Cup horse racing event is coming to Lexington a year from now and Plueger says the race is another reason to address tree issues. "We want the city to look good all the time. But, if we're looking at a milestone deadline, that would be a good one to say we want to really have everything in the ground, up and running with maintenance and beautification before we get to the Breeders Cup in October," added Plueger.
Plueger says additional funding is needed to support a new tree crew that would focus solely on removing brittle trees. ?
