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Rehoboth to decide fate of silver maple

Appeal hearing set Oct. 22 on 150-year-old tree
October 19, 2018

Story Location:
318 Country Club Drive
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
United States

For the second time in five months, the Rehoboth Beach Parks and Shade Tree Commission will decide the fate of a specimen tree.

In June, the commission voted 4-0 in favor of allowing the owner of 50 Park Ave. to remove a 51-inch-caliper oak tree on the property. The tree, estimated to be at least 150 years old, was cut down in September.

According to an agenda for the commission meeting Oct. 22, 318 Country Club Drive property owners John McKenna, Winifred McKenna and Mary Ann Satain have appealed the city’s denial of cutting down a 56-inch caliper specimen maple tree.

In an Oct. 12 report prepared for the upcoming meeting, City Arborist Liz Lingo said the applicant first submitted a tree removal application in July 2008 to remove the tree. The application was denied, she said.

More recently, Lingo said, an application was submitted July 23 to remove the same maple.

Lingo said the maple has a 56-inch caliper and is approximately 150 years old. There is one additional tree on the property – a 10-inch-caliper cherry. City code defines caliper as the diameter of a tree trunk measured one foot above the ground.

A specimen tree, according to city code, is any healthy deciduous tree with a 24-inch caliper, any healthy evergreen tree with a 26-inch caliper, or any other healthy tree with a 4-inch caliper that also meets all of the following minimum standards: a life expectancy of greater than 15 years; a structurally sound trunk; no more than one major and several minor dead limbs (hardwoods only); and no major insect or pathological problems.

Lingo said an onsite inspection was conducted, and it was determined the maple tree is in good health. Additionally, she said, there is no visible damage to the home’s foundation.

Lingo said silver maples have a vigorous root structure and tendency to develop surface roots. Mulch and minor landscaping are often recommended to address surface roots.

Additionally, Lingo said, other roots near a structure or sidewalk are often cut or surrounded with a root barrier barrier.

“All these solutions are commonly practiced arboricultural techniques,” she said in her report.

If the maple tree is approved for removal, Lingo said, the homeowner would be required to plant 49 inches of mitigation and two trees of at least 3-inch caliper.

The property owners could not be reached for comment.

The parks and shade tree commission meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m., Monday, Oct. 22, in the commissioners room of city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave.

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