Because of safety concerns, the Town of Christiansburg has hired a contractor to remove 18 trees in Downtown Park, on College Street, during the week of Aug. 14.
The trees being removed are all Black Locust, an invasive species known for unexpectedly dropping its limbs. Several large branches have fallen in recent weeks, creating a safety hazard in the park, especially because of the height from which the limbs fall. Many of the Black Locust trees are also suffering from a fungal infection, weakening the limbs and increasing the likelihood of broken branches.
Downtown Park will be closed Aug. 14-18 during the tree removal process. Valley Tree Service will complete the tree removal and stump grinding, and toward the end of the week, Christiansburg Public Works will excavate holes for new trees.
On Saturday, Aug. 19, the public is invited to take part in a community-replanting event at Downtown Park from 9 a.m. to noon. Town staff will be on site to help with the planting and provide information on the new tree species and their growth patterns.
The Town has already purchased 21 Arborvitaes, four Black Gums, seven Dawn Redwoods, three Saucer Magnolias and three Star Magnolias. On this planting map, each tree is color-coded and listed along with its average full-grown height. Public Works purchased slightly matured trees to provide some height and canopy at the time of planting, but the trees will continue to grow and branch out as they mature.
The town encourages the public to participate Aug. 19 to learn more about the tree removal and replanting process and to take part in beautifying our Downtown Park. This is a rain or shine event.