Urban Environmental Department (UED) Director Cynthia Holloway confirmed that a $4,950 project to dig and transplant nine Specimen ‘Natchez’ Crape Myrtle trees from the corner of Broad and Memorial is now in progress.

A tree transplant contractor has been hired to carry out the project which should be completed within two to three days once the project begins.  The nine trees are currently occupying an area that will be completely reworked due to the ­­­­­­­­­­bridge over Broad Street construction project, scheduled for completion sometime in 2015.

The nine Crape Myrtles, according to the Director Holloway, are valued at approximately $3,000.00 each and will be moved to three different city-owned properties within a five- mile radius of their current location.

The mature trees, she said, which are approximately 20-25 feet in height and 12 to 15 inches in diameter, should move successfully since specialized tree spade equipment, techniques and expertise will be used.            

Holloway also noted the Crape Myrtle is a ‘tough’ species that can tolerate being disturbed better than other tree species.  Two Crape Myrtles, located to the far side of the project will be left in place and surrounded by tree protection.  These trees will be incorporated into a new, smaller landscape bed in the future.

“Robert Parrish (UED Landscape Superintendent) and other key personnel in the department will be in charge of providing intensive post-planting care” the director said, (including) more frequent watering to ensure the success of the trees’ relocation. 

These majestic trees have become landmarks to both locals and visitors alike and saving viable trees is important because they provide a vast number of environmental benefits and enrich people’s lives in our community. Holloway noted that ‘tree bank’ monies were being used to fund the project.  This fund is made up of donations and landscape bond forfeitures and is to be used to plant or replace trees and shrubs on public properties.