Dispute centers around urban tree plantings

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Tree advocates and state transportation officials are at odds over whether plantings in urban areas are more beneficial to the environment or more detrimental to road safety.

The Courier-Journal (http://cjky.it/1vNRunj) reports the dispute has come to a head over 17 trees planted near Brownsboro Road in Metro Louisville to curb urban heat.

The newspaper reports the state has ordered the trees, which were put in at public expense, to be removed before Christmas for safety reasons.

Highways department chief district engineer Matt Bullock says if the trees aren’t removed, the state will take them out and charge City of Rolling Fields Commissioner Dan Tafel, who led the project to plant the trees.

Tafel says state rules are being selectively enforced and are too restrictive for urban areas like Louisville.

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Information from: The Courier-Journal, http://www.courier-journal.com

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