BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Monroe County Commissioners are considering the removal of nine historic crab apple trees from the courthouse lawn.
The trees, planted in 1984, and their spring blossoms are considered iconic for many Bloomington residents and visitors.
The trees are “generally not healthy” and have been plagued with bagworms, according to Angela Purdie, Commissioners’ Administrator for Monroe County.
The commissioners will vote March 31 on whether or not to spend $15,000 to hire a tree service company to remove the crab apple trees and stumps on the north and south sides of the courthouse, as well as two mature sweet gum trees.
“The sugar gums pose a liability risk as they are prone to drop their limbs,” said Purdie in an email to RTV6.
The plan calls for planting five Yellowwood trees to make up for the cost of the crab apple and sugar gum trees.
“The Yellowwood tree is a larger tree in maturity, native to the area, produces a beautiful flower in the spring and its fruit is not one particularly attractive to birds who may be looking to roost over the winter months,” said Purdie. “The commissioners although not happy to remove any trees, believe the new healthy trees will ensure our courthouse lawn continues to represent Monroe County Government and our community as one of the most beautiful in our state.”
The commissioners meet on Friday, March 31 at 9 a.m.
