Bishop Hill leaders consider fate of cemetery trees

BISHOP HILL, Ill. (AP) - The Illinois village of Bishop Hill is considering how to care for a group of old arborvitae (AHR'-bohr VEYE'-tee) trees lining a pathway to a historic cemetery. Village leaders are pondering whether to preserve the trees, including one that is the biggest of its type in the state.

A tree trimmer recommended removing the trees when downed limbs blocked the path. Bishop Hill Mayor Mike Funke says he has rejected the complete removal of the trees.

State arborist Shane Kaiser tells the (Moline) Dispatch the cemetery has the state's largest arborvitae. He says although large old trees can pose safety problems, he hopes village leaders will think about it before they cut it down.

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Information from: The Dispatch, http://www.qconline.com