Franklin considering options to remove 147 dead trees

FRANKLIN, Ind. (AP) – The city of Franklin is trying to decide how it can cover the hefty cost of removing nearly 150 trees killed by an invasive beetle.

Franklin Parks and Recreation Director Chip Orner tells the (Franklin) Daily Journal that 147 trees need to be removed from Province Park and Greenlawn Cemetery over the next few months. He says about 90 percent of the trees were killed by the emerald ash borer.

City Council members suggested that all 147 trees be taken down at the same time. But Orner says he’s not sure if the city can afford the $300,000 cost.

A councilman proposed hiring part-time tree experts and renting equipment to save money.

Orner has started planting 30 trees as he waits for the dead ones to come down.