Familiar tree line to be removed from Libertyville landscape
Libertyville officials have approved the removal of a familiar tree line that has stood for generations west of Butterfield Road.
An estimated 2,500 trees deemed to be hazardous on 40 acres owned by the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago are expected to be felled this fall. They were part of a nursery and source of trees planted throughout St. Mary of the Lake Seminary and at Pine Meadow Golf Club.
The nursery was abandoned about 40 years ago. The trees were examined as the Archdiocese prepared to sell the land for development.
"In connection with the potential sale of this property, it was discovered that a significant number of trees which were planted in the `50s as part of a nursery have become dangerous hazard on the property and need to be removed," Douglas Wambach, an attorney representing the owner told the village board this week.
What would be the largest new subdivision in 20 years has been proposed by Roanoke Development Group for the site. That 148-home community to be known as Oak Trails, is under village review.
However, Wambach said the owner can't wait for the village to take final action on the development plan because of potential liability.
"The Archdiocese desires to remove these trees regardless of the future development," he said. "This tree issue is something that is significant and needs to be taken care of."
Every tree was examined and the results reviewed by an expert hired by the village but paid for by the developer. The expert, Chuck Stewart of Urban Forest Management, this spring identified 38 trees that did not meet village rules for removal but otherwise concurred with the analysis.
The village's advisory Appearance Review Commission also recommended removal. Trees that meet the standard don't have to be replaced.
According to information provided by Stewart, dead, dying and damaged trees, including Norway maple, black cherry, box elder and Siberian elm are prevalent and of low quality. Invasive species are prominent on portions of the old nursery, he added.
"Even the native woods are seriously degraded," he reported.
Targeted trees have grown tall and straight with no foliage on the lower portions and are susceptible to storm damage, according to Stewart.
"Most of them just have the leaves at the top," noted Mayor Terry Weppler, who said he changed his mind about removing them after walking the site and talking with experts.
The permit is ready to be picked up and tree removal is expected to begin this fall. A required Illinois Department of Natural Resources review said trees should not be removed between April 1 and Oct. 14 to avoid affecting the state and federally endangered northern long-eared bat.
As for the development, traffic and the number of school-age children were issues at an initial public hearing in September and the session was continued to Nov. 14.