Recently Cortez city staff identified eight elm trees that need to be removed, and a Request for Proposal (RFP) has gone out to local tree cutters.
Five of the trees are located on the west side of Linden Street, just south of Main Street; the other three are on the east side of Elm Street between Main and First streets.
These are beautiful trees, and it breaks my heart that removal is necessary as mature trees add so much to the beauty and livability of our community.
City staff does not make such a decision lightly. The root systems of these trees are damaging private property, including concrete slabs and paved parking areas and have created issues with the sewer in some places. There is no permanent fix as long as they are in place.
Efforts will be made to minimize inconvenience to citizens during the removal process, and replacement trees of a variety better suited to the location will be planted as soon as possible. Thanks to the community for your understanding.
Karen Sheek, mayor
Cortez