Tree removal on west side of Crested Butte authorized by the town

Replacement trees required as part of project

[ By Mark Reaman ]

The town of Crested Butte approved the removal of a cluster of nine trees on the property located at Sopris Avenue and Second Street but it was not without some admitted angst. Several people have commented on the trees being cut down at a corner lot on the west side of town.

According to Crested Butte planner II Jessie Earley, the Board of Zoning and Architectural Review (BOZAR) reviewed an addition to the north side of the existing historic home at a May BOZAR meeting. After hearing the facts, Earley said the board approved the tree removal but said it was a difficult decision for the board members and the trees must be replaced before the house can be occupied.

“There was an existing evergreen tree that was planted too close to a southern corner of the building many years ago by the previous owners and was now a concern for insurance purposes. The other eight trees were cottonwoods,” she explained. “Originally, the proposal was for the removal of four of the trees and the Board requested that the property owner get a recommendation from an arborist. The owner did provide this recommendation, which asked for the removal of all eight of the trees. There was concern if some of the trees are removed, there could be a higher potential for failure due to changes in wind loading. Also, the significant excavation on the site had exposed and damaged roots, which also undermined the stability of the trees. It was a very difficult decision for the Board.”

Earley said the property owners will have to replace the trees on the site but they obviously will not be the same height as those that were taken down. “The town code explains that replacement trees shall not be less than two (2) inches in diameter measured at the root collar, and no evergreen tree being less than four (4) feet in height,” she said. “The Board has required that a final landscaping plan, including at least nine trees of these sizes outlined above or larger, be provided for review by the Board and put into place prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.).”