I'm not convinced the trees were dying or posed an inordinate risk to property. (UPDATE: 7/21/14--The City was convinced). Limbs weakened from age or rot can and should be removed before removing an entire tree.
Any number of contractors, out to make several thousand dollars, will tell you a tree "should be removed." The question is whether the City's arborist made that determination and whether it was a sound one.
The most recent tree removed had an apparently healthy trunk--not one hollowed out by age or riddled with disease. The foliage was still lush. (UPDATE: 7/21/14--As to the tree below, the property owner said a recent storm downed half of the tree. He supported the tree's removal and said the City will plant new live oaks. As to the other tree, I'm informed there was visible rot hollowing the trunk, although the property owner isn't happy about the tree's removal. Yet another neighbor informed me that branches and trees downed in storms have damaged parked cars, nearly hit walkers, and, during the 2004 hurricanes, uprooted water pipes.)
This scene has repeated, more recently, on North Park Avenue near Pennsylvania Avenue and on Webster next to the golf course.
More communication with citizens as to which trees require removal and why is in order.
