Those needing to drive or walk through Greenwood Cemetery should use caution, as tree limbs of various sizes have been broken by this winter's snow storms.
Steve Gross, vice-president of the Greenwood Cemetery Association, urges those who have headstones in the cemetery to take note of any damage that may have taken place due to the falling branches.
"This is the worst winter I can remember in regard to tree damage. Due to the age of the trees in the cemetery, and disease, many of the trees are not sturdy," Gross said.
Gross said he wants people to realize that if a stone in the cemetery is damaged, the damage is generally covered under a homeowner's insurance coverage. However, he advises checking with the insurance carrier for specific details.
Immediate plans call for the removal of the branches that are blocking roadways and removing any trees that may be hazardous to the public.
"Eventually we will replace some of the trees but plan to do so with deciduous trees, which are better adapted. Also, we plan to space the new trees out. This will help prevent the spread of disease, which is one of the reasons we have had to remove so many trees in the last five years. I would say that at least 100 trees have been taken out," Gross said.
The heavy, wet snow of this year, along with the age of many of the trees, and disease, has resulted in downed limbs in all parts of the cemetery.
"We have some memorial trees that can be planted in some of these areas, but we want to make sure we have a plan. We are not looking for trees to be donated at this point. We need to get the damaged and dying trees out and decide what kind of trees and where we want to plant," Gross said.
Each year we spend thousands of dollars on the trees here at the cemetery. Monetary donations to assist with the removal and disposal of the trees can be made to the Greenwood Cemetery Association.
