‘I’m concerned’: Removal of 29 Goodhue Boulevard trees appealed to Lincoln City Council

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Lincoln City Council heard an appeal on Monday from someone who is trying to put a stop to the removal of some trees on Goodhue Boulevard.

This comes after the Nebraska Capitol Environs Commission recently voted to remove and replace 29 of the trees due to their age and safety concerns.

Neighbors say the century-old trees are more than just shade; they’re part of the fabric of the community.

“Lincoln has been called the tree city, and Arbor Day was even founded in Nebraska,” said Mary Roseberry-Brown, who owns a few properties along Goodhue.

But for Roseberry-Brown, these trees are vital during the high temperatures.

“I’m concerned about it,” she said. “I live right here, I walk up and down, and especially this summer, I’ve been really appreciating the shade. I always walk on the side where the shade is.”

The trees set for removal are from A to F streets, averaging about five to six per block.

Kevin Aylward, who takes his dog for walks up and down Goodhue, said although the trees will be missed, it’s time for some of them to be taken care of.

“I think it’s time they trim them up good, but they’re beyond that probably,” he said. “So the ones that need to come down, it’s too bad, but every day I walk up Goodhue after a storm, there’s a crushed car.”

He said his house at 125 years old, so the trees must be even older.

Caden Stroemer also thinks the trees are a concern because of the damage they cause during severe weather.

“If they’re going to keep falling on the powerlines like they have been, they have to go,” he said. “Plus, I won’t complain about not having to rake leaves.”

The city council will make a decision about the appeal on Aug. 25.