Ocean Springs News
MEDIA PRESS RELEASE - for immediate release
September 2nd, 2009 | For details and information concerning this release, please contact Johnnie Bernhard at (228) 875-2209.
OS Gateway Oak Diseased, Stressed; Board Accepts Tree Committee Recommendation for Removal
Ocean Springs, MS – The City of Ocean Springs Tree Committee, under the leadership of city arborist Murville Alleman, has recommended the removal of the city’s gateway Oak Tree due to disease and stress. At Tuesday night’s Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting, the committee’s report was accepted by the Board along with the recommendation to replace it with the largest feasible tree available.
The City began over a year ago treating the signature Oak Tree under the recommendation of tree care specialist Robert Fulgham. The tree received two separate treatments of nutrients injected into the root zone.
“We are saddened to lose this signature tree at such a prominent location,” said Eric Meyer, Community Development and Planning Director for the City of Ocean Springs. “We are a Tree City and will continue to replant. We are excited about all the new Live Oaks that will be planted as part of the Downtown StreetScape project, transforming Government Street into a treescape similar to Washington Avenue.”
In other related business to the Downtown StreetScape project, four trees were removed as part of the construction transformation of the Depot and Cash Alley parking lots. These trees were also approved for removal by the Tree Committee.
“We always regret when we remove a tree, but these trees will be replaced by the planting of approximately 70 trees, varying in heights of 15 and 35 feet tall, as part of the StreetScape plan. We ask for citizens’ patience as we move forward in this project, that in time will improve the landscaping and design of our historic downtown,” Meyer said.
