Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, June 5, 1994 TAG: 9406060138
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: CURRENT3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
FLOYD - Residents accustomed to enjoying the shade of the Floyd County Courthouse's towering maples will have to find a new place to escape the summer heat.
The weakened, 75-year-old trees were cut down last week because of the potential for personal injury or property damage.
The severe February ice storms took their toll on the trees, already unstable after being topped six years ago, said Ron Juftes, an arborist hired by the county to study the trees.
Juftes said the trees had to be cut down because they were not pruned properly.
Downtown businesspeople and customers alike bemoaned the loss of the trees.
"It sort of looks nude without any trees right now," said Janice Yearout-Patton, manager of the Farmer's Supply hardware store across from the courthouse. "Unfortunately, it'll be many years before any trees will be of that stature again."
"Frankly, I hated to see them go. But I don't blame the supervisors for having them taken out," said Lucille Reed, Floyd's former commissioner of revenue.
Courthouse employee Evelyn Janney said she will miss the maples she remembers from her childhood.
County Administrator Randy Arno said the county will replace the trees, but supervisors haven't decided what kind of trees they'll plant.
Juftes said the county should consider ornamental trees such as oaks that can withstand heavy storms and droughts and grow more slowly than maples.
Arno shared the sentiments of some Floyd residents.
"For me personally, it's a shame the trees had to be removed, but all matter of life runs its course."
One of the trees had split down the middle, Arno said, and it would sway back and forth during heavy winds. He said the county couldn't wait for the next storm before taking action.
Janney, at least, found something positive.
"Now you can see the statues," she said, referring to the two memorials dedicated to service veterans.
by CNB