TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KLIX) The city of Twin Falls will begin to remove trees along the Main Street corridor as part of a downtown renovation project this week.

If weather allows, contract crews will begin to remove 163 trees in front of businesses this Friday and should last to about Feb. 20. The existing trees have begun to push up the sidewalks increasing concern for people who use them and create a problem for wheelchairs and walkers according to the city.

If we had a choice of keeping the trees and retaining safe accessibility to downtown, we would certainly have elected to keep the existing trees,” said Dan Brizee, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Twin Falls Urban Renewal Agency. “But unfortunately when they were planted about 40 years ago, it was understood that they would eventually grow out of their footprint. We plan to replace them with a variety of trees that are full of color and are sustainable in urban areas.”

 

The city plans to replace the old trees with Parkway Maples, Tulip Trees, Newport Plum, and Chanticleer Pear. The new trees are commonly used in urban landscaping for their  heartiness, vivid colors, plus they won't damage the sidewalks.

 

The old trees will be made available to the public and area artist who are interested in using the wood. Contact Nathan Murray, Executive Director of the Twin Falls Urban Renewal Agency, at 208-735-7240.

Here is Bill Colley's interview with officials from Twin Falls about the tree removal project.

The city has asked the public the following:

  • Do not park vehicles on Main Avenue from 10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16 through 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20
  • All businesses and pedestrian access will remain open during the project
  • After removal of the trees, three-foot stumps will remain to prevent tripping hazards on hidden root bulbs
  • The agency will replace existing trees with new trees that are more sustainable in urban environment

HERE IS VIDEO THE CITY OF TWIN FALLS PROVIDED OF DOWNTOWN WHERE TREES WILL BE REMOVED. 

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