Tree trimming in Riverside

[Jumpinjack]

Probably those are Little Gem magnolias which are slow growing dwarf varieties. They are recommended for planting closely although 4 feet may be too close. Better at 8 feet.

[deathstar]

They were trimming trees here in the Lakeshore area about a month and a half ago. There is 1 ugly cut, I'll have to get a picture of it, the entire top was just cut right off, all that's left is a cut at an angle with the rest of the tree still there. They seemed to start around Lakeshore Blvd., which is notorious for knocking out power in storm seasons when all those old trees fall, then worked their way down the streets.

[Jumpinjack]

Chris, I couldn't agree with you more about the tree trimming. JEA just like all other electric companies points to the federal guidelines to trim back the power lines but nothing is said about trimming way down to the cable lines for low voltage things like telephone or tv. When trees are trimmed that low from the top, there is hardly enough leaf structure to support the life of the tree.

The mutilation of our trees is stunning and means that the shading and cooling effects of a canopy road cannot be had anywhere in Jacksonville, maybe in Florida.

[mbwright]

I have very little faith in the tree trimming ability of JEA, or anyone else.  They do not use certified arborists, and I agree, they do not all speak english.  "line trimming" is not proper trimming.  I live on the northside, and was lucky enough to actually stand guard of my oak trees.  the guy on the ground had to tell the guy in the vbucket not to butcher the tree, which is their normal practice.  I have seen pine trees turned into totem poles and other major problem.  This city can't do anything right.  Not sure if it's COJ or DOT, but they made the crepe myrtles on Alta and 9A, and also Pulaski and 9A into hat racks.  These were very  nice mature trees.  If the proble was visibility, then they should have planted a different variety, and not 2 rows, 4 feet apart.  What a shame.

by the way, the Little Gem magnolias are not small.  estimated size is 40 -50 feet tall, and 15 feet wide.  This is smaller than the standard, but not mini.

[Jumpinjack]

Re. dwarf magnolias. Checked it out and amazingly we are both correct. IFAS seems to be conflicted on the actual size attained by this cultivar. In their publications they say 30-35 feet and next column over they say 50-60 feet. Huh?

But, in case any of you think planting a small tree under the lines will provide beauty, shade and landscaping value, check out the mutilated crepe myrtles, pears, and Drake elms which have also been topped below the low-voltage cable lines.

[mbwright]

This is really a case of planting the correct varieties in the right places.  There are many plants that would be appropriate, but are not used.  For example would you buy a car, just on the fact that it is a car, without knowing what brand, and more importantly what type?  ie, Ford F350 crew cab, 4x4, diesel, or would just motorvehicle be good enough?   Many native plants do well.  If a tree is too big, plant one that will not get as big.  Crepe myrtles are great, because thay do require much care, and can survive the polution, and such.  Just plant the correct type.  They come in many shapes and sizes, from 2 feet to over 30 feet tall.  I think JEA hopes is all of the trees will be die, so they won't have to work. 
I find it truely amazing that 8 years after Riverside was developed, that the trees are now a problem.  It would have been much better to put the lines underground, or through the back yards, not along the street.  This was how it was done in my old neighborhood in Santa Ana, CA, circa 1930.

[Kay]

I think it is way past time that our community (Riverside and Avondale) stand up and say no more tree trimming by JEA!  What has happened to our tree canopy is truly alarming.  It really needs to stop.

[ubben]

Keep your eye on the beautiful old oak tree at the corner of Oak and Margaret Street. I noticed this week that it has an orange ribbon around it, along with most of the trees on the triangle lot being developed by the Orsay/Chew folks. This huge old oak in particular is on the far edge of the property and could be saved and add a lot of beauty and value to the property. Will these people have the sense to keep one of the last mature live oaks in Five Points, or cut it down like thoughtless, short-sided developers? Any ideas how we can save it? Stay tuned.