A dozen trees to fall at Robe-Ann Park

Banner Graphic/ERIC BERNSEE A decaying poplar tree situated between the skatepark and a nearby shelterhouse at Robe-Ann Park in Greencastle will be among a dozen damaged or diseased trees to be removed this spring. The poplar tree's base is so hollowed out that a park employee noticed a boy inside the tree sticking his head and hands out of the hole.

While not exactly as infamous as the old storm report of "trees were blown down that had never been blown down before," the Greencastle Park Board heard that a dozen trees are facing their ultimate demise at Robe-Ann Park.

It wasn't just the hail damage from the recent May 1 storm that sealed the fate of the dozen trees, 10 of which are of the ash variety.

A recent survey by park personnel pinpointed a number of trees that appear to be dying or diseased after not budding out this spring or only partially budding out, City Park Superintendent Rod Weinschenk told the board at its May meeting.

For example, the three ash trees overlooking the skatepark will be gone, said Weinschenk, who added, "so that hillside's going to be bare."

Also, a dead pine tree along the Bloomington Street frontage of Robe-Ann (across the road from Charlie's) will be coming down as well as part of a $9,000 tree and stump removal package to be undertaken by D & S Tree Service, Greencastle, in coming days.

One of the more interesting developments, Weinschenk related, was how the big poplar tree alongside Shelterhouse No. 2 (just east of the skatepark) made the list.

Park staff members were surveying the area, he said, when Park Maintenance Supervisor David Bault spotted a youngster sticking his head and hands out of the base of the big old tree.

Upon further inspection, it was determined the lower section of the tree (probably the bottom seven feet) is completely hollowed out.

Weinschenk called the tree, which leans to the south, "an attractive nuisance," urging that it be removed before another youngster crawls inside and can't get out.

The professional arborist who advised the city on the fate of the trees in question was astounded by the discovery.

"He said, 'I can't believe this tree is still standing,'" Weinschenk reported.

Perhaps the largest tree on the hit list is an old ash that precariously overhangs the Emerald Palace playground on the northwest side of the park.

"We sure don't want it falling on the playground," Weinschenk stressed.

While at least a dozen trees will be eliminated in the project, the planting of 17 more recently during Earth Day and Arbor Day activities eventually will more than compensate for the loss.

The project will include a $7,600 portion to cut down the trees and turn them in as many firewood-size lengths as possible.

Those will be left for people to take free of charge for use as firewood, Weinschenk said, cautioning however, that wood from ash trees cannot leave the county due to the ongoing ash borer problem in Indiana.

Another $1,200 portion of the work will involve removal of the tree stumps by D & S.