County removes five courthouse trees, not six

After meeting and consulting with a forester from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources last Wednesday, the Grundy County Board of Supervisors opted to revise its original plan and remove five trees from the courthouse square instead of six.
           
Forester Joe Herring examined the courthouse trees with the board, although Grundy Center Supervisor Barb Smith had to leave to return to work before the final vote was cast. Grundy Center Chamber-Main Street Director Lisa Bienfang also attended.
           
“This is certainly an iconic symbol of our county, so we want it to look nice. Part of that is the lawn, as well as the trees,” Bienfang said.
 
Herring, who resides in Eldora, explained the various factors that contribute to deterioration—including the infamous Emerald Ash Borer—and made recommendations based on long-term viability and potential safety issues. He also specifically commented on one tree slated for removal on the south side of the lawn, opining that he didn’t believe it was “imminent” that it would fall on a nearby power line after concerns had been expressed about such a scenario in the past.
 
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