Cleveland to replace dying trees

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

Cleveland is trying to figure out why trees planted along a major thoroughfare two years ago are dying off.

Sixty-four dead trees will be cut down this week so they can be replaced along Euclid Avenue from Public Square at the heart of downtown to University Circle, about 5 miles to the east.

Some 1,500 trees were planted as part of a $200 million avenue overhaul that was completed in October 2008. City parks and recreation director Michael Cox says he suspects trees have succumbed to harsh environmental factors including vehicle exhaust, road and sidewalk salt and tall buildings that block out sunlight and intensify the wind.

Cox says the city is exploring whether the gingko, zelkova and maple trees that were used are hardy-enough species.

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