Answer Woman: Why were trees removed from downtown Asheville's Patton Avenue?

ASHEVILLE - Today's burning question is about trees removed along Patton Avenue in downtown. While we're at it, what's going on with UNC Asheville's extensive roadway work on campus? Have other questions for our staff? Email Executive Editor Karen Chávez at KChavez@citizentimes.com and your question could appear in an upcoming column.

Question: I noticed that all the large trees on Patton Avenue downtown, in front of the First Citizens Bank, have been removed for some sort of construction. It really changed the landscape view of the street. What is happening there, and will the trees be replaced?

Answer: What's happening is a full sidewalk replacement of both sides of Patton between Coxe and Asheland avenues. It's intended to create accessibility improvements, which is needed to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards — issues caused, in part, by warped pavement and heaving tree roots.

Included in the scope of the sidewalk project is the replacement of noncompliant curb ramps, plus tree removal and replanting, Public Works Director Greg Shuler told Asheville City Council in October.

At that same meeting, council approved the use of $300,000 worth of federal grant funds for the project.

The city's streets division staff, a branch of the Public Works Department, said April 19 via email that construction began March 12, but the original April completion timeline had to be adjusted. The streets division anticipates about two to three more weeks to complete work on the south side of Patton, in front of First Citizens, before crews switch to the north side for about six weeks.

While removal of 18 trees and replacement of 17 was the original scope of the project, an additional tree was removed on the south side "due to space constraints and the need to meet ADA compliance," the city said April 19, meaning all but two trees will be replaced.

"The south side affords a bit more room for tree canopy growth, so we’re taking advantage of that by planting Little Leaf Lindens there as they develop a larger canopy," said the email from the street team. "The staff remains hopeful the south side trees can be planted in April. If that doesn’t happen, the trees will be planted in the fall to take advantage of the better planting conditions than summer months."

In October, we reported that some of the street trees had "outlived their lifespan," Shuler said. Replacement trees, he said, would be installed in larger grates to improve overall tree health. Trees will also be planted lower to prevent roots and tree trunks from heaving the surrounding sidewalks and grates.

More: Vermont Avenue trees come down to make way for sidewalks; West Asheville neighbors mourn

"We understand the concern over the removal of trees, however, those identified for removal were determined to be the wrong variety for an urban environment," the city said. "For instance, many had outgrown the original 'tree pits,' their roots causing pavement disruptions, which is not only an ADA challenge but a trip hazard to any user."

The new plantings will be a combination of ginkgos, black gum trees and little leaf lindens, more appropriate species for the setting, they said.

Question: The street leading to UNC Asheville’s campus has been closed for some time to double the width of the paved road. I observed that officials commenced the process by cutting down a magnificent grove of mature evergreen trees, either firs or hemlocks. What is the process by which government officials must defend these actions that take away the beauty of our city and add to a better environment?

Answer: UNCA embarked on a roadway improvement project last year. It's impacted traffic patterns, parking, bus and shuttle routes, pedestrian travel and more.

"We are essentially working to redo the majority of University Heights. In the process, we discovered aging water and sewer lines, so the project timeline was extended. We are now in phase two of the project, UNCA spokesperson Michael Strysick said via email April 18.

An October update on the project posted to the university's website said, "in order to improve the infrastructure, grading, and drainage work in this area, the 39 non-native spruce trees along the entrance road will need to be removed."

There were plans to replace the non-native Norwegian spruce trees with white oaks.

"The east side of University Heights will also be improved, meaning 15 aging white pine trees, growing very close to the road, will be removed," the site said. "These trees will be replaced with other native trees and shrubs that will enhance the main campus entrance. The overall intent is to plant more trees than are removed by the construction and to do so with native species."

Another April update said a large tree that suffered severe damage near Owen Hall would need to be removed.

As for oversight, the city employs both an arborist and an urban forester. The city is in the process of developing its Urban Forestry Master Plan, the overarching aim of which is to increase urban tree canopy. Asheville also has a Tree Protection Ordinance, which asks developers to consider the tree canopy and require that they keep a portion of the trees in place, plant new trees or pay a fee in lieu of keeping the trees.

More: Meet Asheville's 1st urban forester. How will the city grow its tree canopy?

More: Asheville City Council authorizes $300K for downtown Patton Ave. sidewalk replacement

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Sarah Honosky is the city government reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. News Tips? Email shonosky@citizentimes.com or message on Twitter at @slhonosky. Please support local, daily journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Answer Woman: Trees removed on Patton Avenue in downtown Asheville