SR group replacing aging, blighted trees
SLIPPERY ROCK — Slippery Rock Development and Slippery Rock In Bloom are working to replace the aging trees planted along South Main Street.
The Tree Fund Project will replace the 40 to 50 trees in the borough’s downtown area. They were planted in 2003 as a part of the downtown revitalization project.
“Experts tell us that the life of a street tree is about 15 years max,” said Bill Sonntag, Slippery Rock Development president.
All of the trees are Cleveland Pear trees. In the past year, a blight has affected that species.
Sonntag also said the trees on the west side of the street, which are planted in the sidewalk area, are much smaller than the trees on the east side of the street, which are planted on ground supported by retaining walls adjacent to the sidewalk.
A little more than 15 trees already have been removed. Volunteers from the Slippery Rock Municipal Authority and borough removed the trees.
“We removed the worst diseased and damaged trees a couple weeks ago,” Sonntag said.
About 15 trees will be planted by the end of the month. Five of the trees were donated by Eisler Nurseries.
The groups are working with arborists and other experts.
The trees will be replaced with several different species. Sonntag said this is because experts say that if a blight affects one tree, it will affect nearby trees of the same species. Having several different types planted will prevent that from happening.
“This is what they’re recommending to us,” Sonntag said.
Some trees that will be added include the Royal Burgundy Cherry, Japanese Ivory Silk, Redbud and Linden trees.
Cindi Dillon, a member of Slippery Rock Development and co-chairman of Slippery Rock In Bloom, said all of the trees are projected to be replaced in three years.
“That’s our goal,” Dillon said.
The plantings will take place in the fall, because Sonntag said it requires less water.
Buying and planting each tree costs about $500. Sonntag said the group has enough money to pay for this year’s plantings and some of next year’s.
The project is accepting donations through Slippery Rock Development, PO Box 273, Slippery Rock, PA 16057, or by calling 724-794-2338.
