City of Perry responds to concerns over magnolia tree being cut down

PERRY — Social media was booming after a beloved magnolia tree was cut down last week. The tree stood right next to where the former New Perry Hotel once stood, at the corner of Ball Street and Main Street. 

During Monday night’s work session, Councilman Robert Jones asked Community Development Director Joe Duffy how the tree was removed, since the tree was understood to remain on the property. 

Duffy shared that he recently received a request from the developer that included a tree assessment by a state-certified arborist. The site is proposed to be a new Morris Bank building. According to Duffy, the tree was approximately 184 years old, making it a staple in the community. While there was excitement about keeping the tree, an assessment deemed the tree unsalvageable. 

The HHJ obtained the assessment from the city. According to the report, southern magnolia trees typically have an expected lifespan of approximately 80 to 120 years under optimal conditions. It said that based on the size and growth characteristics, the tree was estimated to be well beyond the range. 

“It’s been there a long time and we’re sad to see it go,” Duffy said. 

While the tree could not be saved, Duffy said that there are plans to plant 18 oak trees around the site.

“This is not going to turn into a bald eyesore in our downtown. Obviously it’s with regret that I had to approve this tree shortly after informing the public that it was going to be retained,” he said. “I did not appreciate the timing of that taking place but we have to be responsible for these types of requests.”

The arborist’s report said the tree was in advanced decay, with severe systemic and physiological decline affecting the crown, trunk, and root system. It also said improper historical pruning practices have facilitated decay. The likelihood of impact was high since the tree was located adjacent to a heavily trafficked sidewalk and an active downtown roadway. 

Duffy said this is why the tree was approved for removal. 

Duffy said the city understands concerns and has taken the report very seriously. From a public safety standpoint, and since the tree was deemed unsafe, it became the highest priority to take it down. 

“We understand it’s a sensitive location the community has a lot of nostalgia for. That is all something we take very seriously. We are not pleased to sign off on this but we’re just operating off the best information available,” he said. 

To avoid situations like this in the future, Jones proposed requiring an arborist report at the beginning of a project. Duffy agreed, saying that with the council’s guidance, they can look into proposing a text amendment. 

“I can certainly pledge a higher standard of communication regarding sensitive locations going forward as well,” he said. 

The city also released a statement regarding the situation: 

“At the time of earlier comments, City staff’s understanding was based on the approved site plans, which showed the tree being retained. Following that statement, the City received a certified arborist report indicating the Magnolia tree was in advanced decay, had exceeded its life expectancy, and could not be sustainably preserved regardless of construction activity.

Based on this new, credible information, the City acted in accordance with its adopted tree protection ordinance. The removal was formally approved only after review of the arborist’s findings and with the requirement that the developer comply with all replacement and mitigation measures outlined in City code. A revised landscaping plan, currently under review by the City, proposes numerous new shade trees surrounding the property.”