The City of Duncan is moving ahead with replacing five sweetgum trees and they say it’s all part of the effort to improve safety and preserve downtown.
According to the city, five gum trees are going to be removed starting on Apr. 4 in City Square and work will include replacing the existing trees with three new ones to make the area more suitable and beautify the downtown core.
“Work will include the replacement of the existing trees in the middle of the parking aisle with three new autumn fantasy maple trees which are better suited to this location,” they say.
Mayor Michelle Staples says making sure the space is protected and preserved is a commitment the city takes seriously, and it can’t be done without community support.
“We really appreciate the community’s support in understanding why this had to happen, and even more so for taking part in the process to select the new species to be planted,” she says. “Staff worked hard to source trees that are already a substantial size and well on their way to providing a welcoming canopy for downtown shoppers.”
The city says replacing the trees is the last step in renewing the area to address safety concerns posed by the existing ones.
Work is expected to be completed mid-April.
