City evaluates storm-damaged trees

February’s historic winter storm was hard on humans, but it was even harder on trees. Thousands of trees around the Austin region sustained damage, much of it fatal. The city’s thousands of tropical palm trees were particularly hard-hit; up to 90 percent of Austin’s palms were killed by the freeze, according to Public Works’ Forestry Team. Arizona ash, Chinese tallow and non-native pines were also severely impacted. Forestry has been conducting inspections and will be removing any dead trees in the public right of way that pose a danger. According to Lisa Killander, forestry program manager, “the longer palms are left standing, the more difficult they become to remove. Rotting palms are heavy and can snap and fall without warning, creating hazardous conditions for pedestrians, drivers, and property.” Residents can report dead or damaged trees to Austin 311.