Nutley Street Tree Removal Requires Lane Closures In Vienna

Vienna VA

06 April, 2022

4:42 PM

Description

VIENNA, VA — Work to remove invasive trees along Nutley Street and replace them with native species started Wednesday, according to the Town of Vienna. The tree removal requires lane closures from Wednesday to Friday. According to the town government, the median along Nutley Street has 27 invasive Callery pear trees. Callery pear trees have existed with other trees along the Nutley Street medians for decades but are considered invasive. The spread of its seeds has reduced tree diversity in the region, and the Bradford variety can fall apart during severe storms, the town government says. The native tree species that will take their place are Black Gum, Honey Locust, and Willow Oak trees. Jeremy Edwards, park maintenance superintendent for the town's parks and recreation, said in a town video that two native species will produce vibrant fall colors, and the Willow Oak will grow quickly. The time for the native trees to grow and replace the existing tree canopy will take an estimated 15 to 20 years. "The native trees that are being planted will actually far exceed the eventual size of the Callery pears," said Edwards. There are six medians on Nutley Street between Maple Avenue and Interstate 66. In the spring, 14 Callery pear trees will be removed and replaced with native species. The remaining 13 Callery pear trees will be removed and replaced in the fall. To accommodate the tree removal, the inside northbound and southbound lanes (next to the median with the trees), will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. Work is weather permitting. The tree removal has been funded by the town and a $20,000 anonymous donation. Check back for future project updates on the Nutley Street Median Tree Project web page.