Disease takes out more than 1,000 ash trees in Munster

Munster has removed nearly diseased of dead trees at a cost of $130,000, and another 319 are headed for the ax.

The Town Council approved a $70,485 contract with Erwin Tree Care of Hobart for removal of the trees.

That will only cover half the number of trees that still need to come down, as more continue to be identified. The council earmarked another $100,000 from its 2014 bond issue and $200,000 from the 2015 budget (gaming funds) to reforest road and park land.

Residents in the Westlakes, Cobblestones, Sommerset and White Oak Estates neighborhoods can expect widespread tree removal this fall, and eventual replacement.

The town plans to begin replacing the trees next year, although the effort is complicated by a lack of trees available from nurseries as well as a harsh winter from which numerous trees did not survive.

A variety of tree species will be planted, albeit further apart than they were before to allow for a better growth spread.