Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
October 26, 2018 5:49 p.m.
UPDATE 10/30/2018: David Holley has advised that FDOT has rescheduled the removal of the tree to November 7, due to Election Day.
According to David Holley, the arborist for the city of Fernandina Beach, an old tree on the east side of 8thStreet near Centre needs to be removed. The cedar tree, located in the FDOT Right Of Way, is hollow and has a 2-inch crack at the bottom of the stump that runs about 18 feet up the trunk. The tree is leaning over the street and has been struck over the years by passing log trucks and tall trailer trucks.
“Several old branch holes also reveal the entire stem of the tree is hollow,” Holley wrote in his report. “The live wood is only a few inches thick. I recommend removing this tree as soon as reasonably possible.”
City Manager Dale Martin has advised, “Based upon coordination with Florida Department of Transportation officials and [Holley’s] recommendation the tree will be removed next week. The removal activities will briefly disrupt traffic in that area.”
Any chance a new tree can be planted to replace the failing tree? Seems like we would like something to take rook and provide all the benefits as time goes by. Tree sponsor? Memorial tree?