Residents request ignored by City of Sheboygan over trees
The entire cost of buying and planting the trees is borne by the city
SHEBOYGAN — Residents in the State Side Neighborhood do not want trees planted in front of their homes but city officials have decided to move forward anyhow.
Any person who objects to tree planting by the City of Sheboygan may appeal to the city’s Public Works Committee within ten days of receiving a tree planting notice. One homeowner on Kansas Avenue and three homeowners on South 30th Street wrote letters requesting no trees be planted in front of their property. City Forester Tim Bull recommended denying all four requests at Monday’s meeting held at City Hall.
According to Bull, he is tasked with evaluating street-by-street all public right-of-way and public area space and site factors which aid in the determination of where trees will be planted. A number of factors are involved including growth habits, shape, pest resistance, conflict with wires, lights, pavement, vehicles, and pedestrians. The city’s urban forest provides an annual benefit of approximately $3 million and reduces stormwater runoff, cleaner air and water.
RELATED: Nearly 100 trees planted at Sheboygan schools
“I ride my bike in the city and the streets are terrible,” wrote Carrie Strassburg, the daughter of one of the homeowners who opposes a tree being planted in front her home. “Can we find money to pay for employees to fix our infrastructure first then with spare time, do these frivolous projects." Among a slew of reasons, three homeowners stated they do not want the sidewalk damaged by the trees. Patrick Penter cited his two-year old granddaughter and multiple back surgeries for why he does not want a tree planted in front of his home.
The Public Works Committee denied two of four requests while trees will be planted in front of the other two homes by DPW. Each resident was informed of the type of tree to be planted. The entire cost of buying and planting the trees is borne by the city. Residents are encouraged to occasionally water the trees.
According to Bull, 350 trees were planted this spring throughout the city.
The City of Sheboygan has been dedicated to providing and maintaining an urban forest for many decades. According to Bull, research shows trees are one of the lowest cost investments a city can make providing enormous benefits over their lifetime. For 47 years, the Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Sheboygan as the longest running Wisconsin accredited Tree City USA.
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