Many of you have reached out to us in recent weeks with concerns about all of the street trees that were tagged for removal. We met with City Forestry, the final arbiter of street tree removal, and they assured us that most of those trees were marked in error. They assured us that they prefer to trim trees whenever possible; removal is only approved for health and safety hazards. They then asked us to share the message below from Duquesne Light. Note that if a tree on private property is slated for removal, the homeowner has the right to refuse that removal. Dear Residents of Highland Park, Many of you may have noted a large amount of City street trees “slated for removal” being marked, or have received door hangers and other communications to the effect that your street tree will be removed. Please rest assured that these markings were done in error by an overzealous subcontractor of DLC, and there will not be a mass removal of trees in your neighborhood. Any trees that were marked the DLC would like to remove will be submitted to the City Forestry Division, and their removal will be authorized only if it is in the public interest to do so (health and safety hazards only). Additionally, if you have received a notification that a tree on private property has been slated for removal, you have the right as the homeowner to refuse the removal of the tree. Please be advised that if you do approve of the removal, DLC contractors will not remove large debris, only the material that will fit into their chippers. Any remaining material will be cut into handling lengths and left on site. If you have additional questions or concerns, or would like to make sure that your tree is not removed, please reach out to Cory Mack at DLC. Cory Mack Supervisor, Vegetation Management 412-393-2060 cmack@duqlight.com ____________________ Michael P. Kelley, MNR Utility Coordination Arborist ISA Certified Arborist #PD-2741A Work cell: (412) 508-3903 michael.kelley@pittsburghpa.gov -- Click here to visit our website <https://hpccpgh.org/>