City of Cortland Awards Contract For Ash Tree and Stump Removal

The City of Cortland Common Council voted during Tuesday’s meeting to authorize Mayor Scott Steve to enter into an agreement with Carter’s Tree Service of Cortland, in the removal of 47 diseased Ash trees and stumps within the City of Cortland. The city was previously awarded a grant from the Department of Environmental Conservation in the amount of $65,000 for the removal of up to 52 diseased Ash Trees in the city and their stumps. The grant also allows for the planting of new trees, not ash, by the Department of Public Works.

Carter’s Tree Service of Cortland submitted a bid well-below the grant amount, which the council says will now allow for the planting of more new trees within the City of Cortland. Carter’s bid came in at $27,500.

With the grant funding and bid now awarded, Carter’s will begin the removal of the trees. Councilmember Lane asked if this included a number of trees on Broadway, which Mayor Steve confirmed. The city had to wait until the grant funding was in place and the month of November due to endangered bats possibly living in the trees during the Spring and Summer months.

Steve noted the city will be allowed to next year plant a lot of trees. The city, each year, offers a selection of types of trees residents can request to be planted in their front yard in the grass area between the street and sidewalk. More information on the tree planting program may be found at CortlandNY.gov.