For several decades, and in some cases, more than a century, trees in the central areas of North Platte have provided a beautiful mixture of the works of nature and those of mankind.
They shade homes, sidewalks and streets.
And they keep growing.
The year, the height and width of trees got an extra boost during the first months of the growing season from plenty of moisture and humidity.
Many trees are overgrown. Branches obscure street signs and views of approaching traffic at intersections. It’s not unusual for tree branches to brush the tops of motor vehicles.
Near 13th and Bailey. Photos by George Lauby
City officials urge residents to trim the trees, and not only that, they are making an effort to make sure the trees are trimmed.
“It’s never really been addressed over the years in a consistent way,” North Platte code compliance officer Lori Hepperly said. “It’s bad in the older areas of town. Probably 70% of the trees in those areas need trimming.”
“This time, we are making a concerted effort,” she said.
Complaints about overgrown trees come from the police as well as the public, from motorists who nearly collided with another car at an intersection and from owners of tall vehicles, such as RVs.
Hepperly responds to complaints. She goes out to take a look at the properties, notes the addresses and sends the owner a letter, giving them 30 days to get the job done.
She’s written more than 100 letters from July 20-Aug. 9.
Typically, the homeowner calls a tree service to do the work.
There are a handful of tree services in North Platte – Tree Medic, Kelley Tree Service, North Platte Tree Care, Weaver Tree Service, Ethan Bokoskie (BOKO), and Blake Baldwin among them.
For the do-it-yourselfer, powered pole saws can be rented at Construction Rental on E. Fourth and at North Platte Hardware at 10th and Jeffers, among other places.
Charlie Weaver at Wever Tree Service says his crew is busy.
“We’ve been working daylight to dark many days,” he said. “There are a lot of trees overhanging the streets. Also, we are taking down a lot of other trees are damaged by the emerald ash borer, as well as pine trees that have died.”
Hepperly expects it will take months, and hundreds more letters, before all the trees are trimmed.
“When property owners cut them voluntarily, it is certainly appreciated,” she said.
Obligation
Tree branches must be at least 16 feet above the surface of the street and alley. And, branches must be eight feet above a sidewalk, according to city ordinances.
Landowners have the responsibility to take care of the trees from the middle of the street to the middle of the alley, city officials say.
Hepperly tells property owners within the city limits of their obligation to prune the trees, so the branches don’t obstruct any streetlamp, street sign, or “clear vision zone” such as intersections and the streets themselves.
Every owner of a tree in the city is obligated to comply.
The city book of ordinances spells out the requirements in “Nuisances, Chapter 91 and Chapter 96.” The ordinances are published on the city website. Look under “Government.”
(This report was first published in the Bulletin’s Aug. 2 print edition.)
Obscured street sign on West 1st St.
Low hanging branches on Ash St.
Partially obscured stop sign
near B & Sycamore.
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