Tree removal

Two Public Works employees remove a metal grate from around a tree stump along Harbor Way near North Boat Harbor yesterday. According to Borough Manager Steve Giesbrecht, four trees along Harbor Way were removed in anticipation of Petersburg Indian Association possibly replacing the sidewalk in the future. Tribal Transportation Program Roads Director Susan Harai did not immediately respond to the Pilot's request for an interview. The trees were getting too big and their roots were beginning to push up against the sidewalk, causing an uneven walking surface. The trees were cut down to their stumps on Tuesday. D&D Contractors will remove the stumps, according to Giesbrecht. Benches and planter boxes may be added along the walkway after concrete is poured where the trees were planted. "They were pretty trees, and it was a nice idea, but the roots were just killing the sidewalks there, and we're not going to be able to afford to keep replacing sidewalks all the time," said Giesbrecht.