Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, November 11, 1993 TAG: 9311110063
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: robert freis/ staff writer
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
Over the past few years, Radford's invested $84,000 of federal and local money in planting new trees and for other landscaping projects.
It's a makeover designed to spruce up the city's looks and make Radford more attractive to new businesses and residents.
But the committee charged with overseeing the cosmetic project says that the new trees may die unless they're better maintained.
"What we need is a really good maintenance program," said Peggy Huber, chairwoman of the city's Beautification and Municipal Forest Commission. "We need someone who would keep a watchful eye."
Several groups are currently involved _ including the city, the Beautification Commission and contract landscapers _ without coordination or planning to ensure that the young trees stay healthy, she said.
"Too many of the trees are in danger of dying," said a report by the commission presented to Radford City Council earlier this week.
Some dogwoods planted along Tyler Avenue aren't doing well, and there are other trouble spots around the city that need work, she said.
"If it's not remedied, it can be a big problem." Downtown
Radford's Bradford pear trees, planted along Norwood Street about 20 years ago, have suffered because they've not been pruned carefully, she said.
"They're fragile and easily broken," Huber said. "There's been a lot of damage."
"Those trees have been a really beautiful addition to downtown. We want to see the investment protected."
The Beautification Commission, which obtained grants for the trees and helped with field work, says the task has grown too large for a volunteer group. It asked city council to hire either a full- or part-time professional, or to sign a contract with a tree service, to handle maintenance.
The health of the new, young trees is at stake _ as is the chance that Radford won't get any more grant money if they die, the Beautification Commission said.
Huber says her group understands that it will be challenging for the city to spend more money on trees during hard economic times.
Yet council seemed receptive to her concerns Monday. "Trees are a high priority item," said Mayor Tom Starnes.
"We realize this is a need," said Council Member Bob Nicholson, adding that the city needs to get serious about beautifying Radford or stop the effort altogether. Council asked City Manager Robert Asbury to get
bids from landscaping businesses and to prepare a proposal for presentation later this month.
by CNB