Sarasota, FL:
The City of Sarasota will remove a Cuban Laurel Fig tree on
Orange Avenue, which is growing into a bridge
retaining wall and damaging the northwest side of the
bridge. The removal will occur Mon., October 12, 2009 9 am
– 1pm just south of Mound Street at the Hudson Bayou.
Orange Avenue will be closed to traffic during the removal.
Currently, the bridge damage is minimal and
the bridge is deemed safe for vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
The tree is being removed to prevent further harm
to the retaining wall, where the tree’s extensive root
system is growing. The area has been studied by a consulting
engineer for the Florida Department of Transportation, who
supports the removal. The engineer recommends not planting
large trees within close proximity to the bridge, so the City
will not replant.
The Cuban Laurel Fig, Ficus microcarpa, is known
to reproduce from seeds easily and is listed on the Florida
Exotic Pest Plant Council’s 2009 List of Invasive Plant
Species. The trees can thrive in unusual conditions, including
growing on other plants and even on man-made structures, such
as bridges.
The tree is thought to be between 20 and
30-years-old. It will not be transplanted since it is an invasive
species. One other nearby Cuban Laurel Fig will not be removed
because there are no visible signs that it is intruding on
the retaining wall. Another Category I invasive plant, the
Brazilian Pepper, Schinus terebinthifolius, will
be removed.
During the four hour removal process, detour
signs as well as electronic message boards will be erected
on Orange Avenue, directing motorists to use Osprey Avenue
as an alternative route.
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