Mentor OKs limited removal of American Sweetgum trees

Oct. 5—After lengthy discussions at the last three meetings and a work session, Mentor City Council has passed an ordinance requiring permits for the removal of street tree species defined as undesirable, including the American Sweetgum.

The ordinance, which was amended to limit the number of permits allowed for removal to 15 per calendar year, was passed by a 5-2 vote. Those residents who are granted permits must absorb the cost of removal of the tree, grinding of the stump and planting a new tree.

The city can also take into consideration size, species and location of the new tree to replace the American Sweetgum.

The ordinance received readings at the Sept. 6 and Sept. 20 council meetings and was voted on and passed on Oct. 4.

Several residents on North Palmerston Road, Silvermound Drive and Aster Drive have come forward to complain about the American Sweetgum trees on their property and some of the issues resulting from the trees not being allowed to be removed.

While all parties agree the trees are visually appealing, some residents have said people in the area have been injured because of the fruit fallen from the tree, sometimes referred to as "monkeyballs." Other complaints include time-consuming and constant clean-up, sewer issues and the roots damaging sidewalks.

According to city arborists, there are approximately 286 American Sweetgum trees in Mentor.

At the Oct. 4 meeting, one resident of North Palmerston did speak in opposition to passing the ordinance while three others spoke in support. However, there is still some concern on how the permits would be issued because of the limitation of 15 per calendar year.

Over the course of the past three meetings, several representatives of the Mentor Tree Commission spoke in opposition to the ordinance.

Councilman Mark Freeman, who was the strongest voice in support of the ordinance, said listening to experts is important, but so is listening to the residents who have to deal with the trees annually.

"We have to be responsive to our residents, and while arborists matter and their opinion matters, so do the residents," Freeman said.

The council also made it clear that they are pro-trees in general and the city planted 200 new trees in the spring and another 150 will be planted in the fall.