Removal of 150-year-old tree on indefinite hold

SCOTTSBORO, AL (WAFF) - The removal of the 150-year-old Scottsboro maple tree is on indefinite hold at the moment.

The Jackson County Courthouse Landscape Committee met Tuesday morning and there was a motion before the committee by Judge John Graham that a certified arborist be hired at the county's expense to provide a professional assessment of the tree and a recommendation.

A petition of approximately 150 names was also presented to the committee by committee member Mike Williamson requesting that the county not cut the tree down without a full assessment of the tree's condition.

"[The residents] just feel that an effort needs to be made to save the tree," Williamson explained, adding that the tree has provided generations with color, beauty and oxygen, withstanding years and decades of nature and urban development.

Commission chairman Matthew Hodges says he is in contact with a Huntsville arborist and will pass along the committee's recommendation to the full county commission when they meet Tuesday afternoon.

The Jackson County Commission is looking to cut down the only remaining maple tree on the square that's nearly 150 years old.

Commission Chairman Matthew Hodges said a limb fell a couple of weeks ago, the tree is dying, and they see it as a safety issue to residents who come to the courthouse.

However, tree specialist Dr. Olaf Ribiero wants to lend a hand to help save it. He believes there is a good possibility the tree can be saved and willing to determine that absolutely free to the county.

Ribiero said he would analyze samples of the tree free of charge.

"I would go on record as saying in front of everybody that whatever the recommendation of the arborist is, I say we go with it," said Landscape Committee Chairman Judge John Graham. "If it's to trim the tree and try to save it... if it's to cut the tree, I would be willing to defer to the expert."

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Removal of 150-year-old tree on indefinite hold