After the ice storm there was a discussion about passing an ordinance that prohibits anyone from planting new or replacement trees in the boulevard. Besides the obvious mess it creates if we have windy storms, boulevard trees often cause damage to taller vehicles like trucks and snowplow maintainers. The roots also wreak havoc on utilities.
Before the ash borer the city would remove a tree in the boulevard at no cost to the homeowner. The top two reasons were it was either dead or messing with utilities.
It’s at least time to discuss the matter and do some serious research on the possibility. There are also many arguments for them. I think you could have it both ways, by maybe limiting density, etc. You could also have homeowners plant trees on the private property side of the city sidewalk.
What about the city amending its list of approved trees to include ornamental trees with small root systems and only get to 20-30 feet tall?
Trees like Japanese Lilacs are quite beautiful, but without any hassles. There are quite a few of trees that grow at 30 feet or less that are suitable for zone 4 planting.
I think these maples and oaks that get 70-100 feet tall are accidents waiting to happen as we’ve seen.