For those worried about a synthetic tree taking centerstage in Downtown McMinnville, a new plan has taken root.
Two weeks after tabling the discussion of purchasing an artificial tree for Christmas downtown in the last joint Streets and Sanitation and Tourism Committee meeting, the topic returned with additional information about the alternative of planting a live tree.
“After our previous meeting, I went out and did two things: I contacted tree services to see what it would cost, and if they would even be able, to cut a live tree for us, bring it down and set it,” John Austin of the city’s Urban Forestry Department said to the committee on Tuesday evening. “It was a hard ‘no’ from both of those.”
According to one of the services contacted, the reason for their refusal was due to the fact it was dangerous, a fact established during the last meeting when Austin and Public Works Director Frank Southard shared their near-misses when dealing with the trees traditionally cut and placed downtown. This was the primary reason an artificial tree was considered, as the model the department was eyeing was modular and could be placed as the workers went, as opposed to attempting to use a crane to place a real tree and contend with wind, gravity and the other dangers involved with maneuvering the oftentimes massive tree.
Austin went on, explaining he sought out three nurseries, asking if they had any spruce trees so the city could plant its own permanent tree. He inquired about varieties, requesting guidance from the nurseries on which types would look the best and also be hardy and drought resistant.
“All of them said Norway spruce, which I tend to agree,” Austin said. “We found one at Randall Walker Farms. He had a Norway spruce that is 14 foot tall and would be $350.”
The lifespan of Norway spruce trees is up to 300 years and they grow quickly for the first 25 years of their life, but slows once it reached 65 feet. The tree, once obtained, would be planted by city’s Public Works department and remain a year-round fixture on the grassy lot next to the fountain in Downtown McMinnville.
“I think they would do well on the Lot. The previous five trees we’ve had cut and then placed as a Christmas tree have been Norway spruces,” Austin said. “They tend to do well around here.”
City Administrator Nolan Ming revealed the city was due to soon receive the plans for the Lot from CT Consultants, and although the plans harken back to discussions for previous requests, he indicated they had already been apprised of incorporating a real tree into the design.
“I had a county commissioner call me who deals in trees and he even offered his services to help if anybody needed any help with moving a tree or something,” City Alderman Keri Morton said. “I like a real tree better than an artificial tree, that’s my opinion.”
Alderman Rachel Kirby motioned to approve the purchase of the $350 tree and any cost incurred to plant it. Morton seconded the motion and its approval was unanimous across the committee members.
Funding for the tree is expected to come out of the city’s Urban Forestry Department, but it was noted the department would keep an eye out for more suitable trees in the meantime, just in case. If a better tree, such as a taller one, is sourced, the Austin will return to the committee for approval before the purchase is redirected.
