A large but damaged, decaying tree in the Crabapple area is coming down in the coming days – a necessary, albeit unfortunate, move being made in the interests of public safety.

This mature Water Oak sits along Mayfield Road, by the Baldwin Road intersection and adjacent to Mayfield Park and the Lakeside at Crabapple neighborhood. It is in the City’s right of way, making it Milton’s responsibility.

People can expect potential moderate delays in the next few days during the removal process, including intermittent single-lane closures in this area. So please plan trips accordingly and consider taking alternate routes if possible. (At a later date, crews may return to remove the Oak’s stump and perform additional grading work.)

A major section of this tree’s canopy fell onto Mayfield Road in early September, affecting a nearby powerline and causing a temporary closure of that downtown Milton road. Thankfully no one was hurt and the impact was minimal. However, an inspection revealed significant decay around where the tree split, prompting City Arborist Sandra Dewitt to recommend removing the entire tree to protect drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

While Milton treasures its trees and regrets needing to remove this one, we’re committed to having a robust tree canopy. During Milton’s Arbor Day celebration, which takes place every February, the City plans to plant new trees in this same area to honor the lost Oak.

November through February, in fact, is the best time to plant a tree in our part of the state. That is something that the City strongly encourages, in fact, through its Plant! Milton initiative. Learn more -- including examples of native trees and answers to tree-related questions – at www.miltonga.gov/PlantMilton.