Frankenmuth

The City of Frankenmuth is a Tree City and is proud of our tree canopy in town. We believe that our tree-lined streets and parks help contribute to community character and provide environmental benefits. This past year has been stressful for all trees. Everyday, the City receives calls from residents concerned about their trees. These calls could be related to a tree dropping leaves early, a low hanging limb or a dead branch. In July, a Public Works Foreman drove each street in the City and identified not only the addresses who contacted us with concerns about their trees but every tree that had low limbs, dead branches or trees that were dead or dying. In the past month, more than 30 trees have been removed. This is an unusually large number – probably the most in the past five years, but again this past calendar year has been difficult. The City will work with a contractor in the next few months to remove the stumps, add black dirt, and seed the area. Not every area that had a tree removed will have a replacement tree. This is because of spacing standards for the trees, ensuring clearance for street lights and intersections, etc. This winter, crews will again be out on the streets trimming trees for dead branches and overhanging limbs, unless your street tree was considered a danger. Winter typically is the best time for this work for the trees and in terms of availability of our Public Works staff. Please be aware that even if your tree limb is not trimmed now – the entire city has been audited and we will systematically begin working through a list this winter. 6 CARING & REPORTING ON THE HEALTH OF STREET TREES BY BRIDGET SMITH, FRANKENMUTH CITY MANAGER

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