A pair of local trees have been identified as among the biggest in the state of Michigan.
John and Lillian Christophersen of Sidney won the prize for the largest tree entered from Montcalm County in ReLeaf Michigan’s Big Tree Hunt. The tree they found is a red oak at 200 inches in circumference. Michael Thelen of Westphalia won the prize for the largest tree entered from Ionia County. He found a swamp white oak at 221 inches in circumference.
The trees in downtown Edmore are pretty, especially in autumn.
However, they also cover up multiple business signs, they are scattered in clusters throughout the downtown leaving many wide-open gaps and the roots of some of the trees are now growing into the sewer system.
In reviewing a request to remove a single tree from the city’s historic downtown district, officials are asking more time and thought be given to such a decision.
During Tuesday’s meeting of the Greenville City Council, City Manager George Bosanic presented a recommendation from the Greenville Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to remove a locust tree within the city right-of-way in front of Flo’s Pizzeria Ristorante & Sports Bar on S. Lafayette Street (M-91).
A battle is heating up in this northern Ionia County community of around 2,300 people between the township supervisor and at least a handful of residents.
The flashpoint is trees — 10 of them — on the grounds of the Otisco Township Hall, located at 9663 W. Button Road.. Supervisor Desmond Pike wants to trim some, and cut down others.