By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A plan to take down problematic trees and limbs along Erieau’s main boulevard is being welcomed by the Erieau Community Association.
According to group chairperson Sharon Pfaff, the non-profit is currently working with the municipality to come up with a plan to remove trees and limbs that have pose a risk to safety.
“We actually have a lot of concerns about the trees and what’s planted on the public property,” said Pfaff. “There are a lot of trees that are in bad shape and there are safety concerns. The last thing you need is a huge tree limb falling.”
Pfaff said falling limbs are a problem following wind and ice storms in the lakeside hamlet.
An additional concern, said Pfaff, is the fact residents have co-opted the public property between Mariner’s Road and Ross Lane, planting anything they want on municipal land.
“There’s no rhyme nor reason for what is planted on public property,” she said. “We need to manage this somehow and have a plan going forward.”
The trees and shrubs people are planting aren’t always compatible, she added, noting some are unable to mature as they are planted too close together.
The trees of Erieau are among those assessed in a new municipal report prepared by a London arborist. The lengthy document also includes an assessment of trees along Victoria Avenue in Chatham and recommends taking down 16 mature trees, with another 14 on the maybe list. Chatham Coun. Michael Bondy is leading the attempt to save the trees, saying it will ruin the leafy beauty of the street.
A community forum to gather input from the public about Erieau’s trees is in the works, Pfaff said. A date for the meeting has not been set. However, those who are interested can watch for details on Let’s Talk Chatham-Kent on the municipality’s website.
