Blaine Street Tree Removal

Update as of 04/02/2024: In response to concerns from the community about the removal of the gazebo in Memorial Park, Public Works Director Russ Thomas sought alternative options. Moving the gazebo risks destruction of the structure due to dry rot. It may be possible to replace some of the post sections in the structure, and Russ Thomas is looking into this option. Further updates will be shared as they develop.

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The City of Newberg has spent the last several years monitoring the condition of several Coastal Redwood trees that were planted in residential areas and have consistently caused damage to underground water systems, foundations of buildings, and the pavement around homes. There are several known Redwoods throughout the Willamette Valley area that are thought to have been planted around 80 years ago. These trees are not native to the area and consistently cause problems that cost lots of money to fix. 

Within recent years, the City has set out to identify trees that are causing significant damage and/or create a safety hazard to remove them. This is a common practice in most cities. A Redwood tree and two Oak trees located in the property adjacent to Memorial park, between Hancock St and Blaine St, have been examined by an arborist along with our Public Works Maintenance team to determine the best course of action going forward with these trees.

Following public comment given at two City Council meetings held in February, the City recognizes that there is some concern in the community surrounding the removal of these trees, particularly the Redwood. Answers to frequently asked questions and relevant topics are provided below. Public Works Maintenance Superintendent Preston Langliers also presented relevant information and data to the City Council on February 20, 2024, concerning the tree removal. That presentation can be found at the bottom of the page. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Public Works Maintenance at 503-537-1234 or send an email to maintenance@newbergoregon.gov.

FAQ Regarding Blaine Street Tree Removal 

Last Updated 2/29/2024

Q: Which trees are being removed and where are they located?

A: Three trees in the Public Safety Building property adjacent to Memorial Park are being removed. Two trees on the western side of the property directly next to Blaine Street are being removed. One of these trees is a Coastal Redwood which is encroaching on a stormwater system directly beside it. It’s causing damage to the pipes that will eventually result in catastrophic failure of the system and significant flooding in the downtown area.

Due to the Redwood’s expansive root system, an Oak neighboring the tree will also have to be removed. An arborist who surveyed the trees recommended this removal because the Redwood has parasitic roots that fuse with the root systems of trees nearby. This has likely happened with the neighboring Oak tree, so removing the Redwood would result in the death of the Oak, creating a safety concern.

The third tree is on the eastern side of the park near Hancock Street. It is another Oak which is leaning significantly. This tree was damaged at an unknown time by a lightning strike, causing the tree to begin to rot from the inside. It is a hazard to anyone in the area should the tree fall. It is being removed as a precaution. This tree also overhangs the power lines that feed the park buildings. The Arborist believes it is just a matter of time before this tree falls and strongly recommends removal to prevent damage to the surrounding structures, power poles, and lines, and prevent potential injuries.

Currently, there are no power outages planned for the tree removal. However, the City and PGE will notify the affected customers if this changes. 

Q: Is the Gazebo in the park also being removed? Why?

A: Yes, the Gazebo on the northeastern end of the park is going to be removed. It has dry rot and is not structurally sound. The safest option is to remove it.

Update as of 04/02/2024: In response to concerns from the community about the removal of the gazebo in Memorial Park, Public Works Director Russ Thomas sought alternative options. Moving the gazebo risks destruction of the structure due to dry rot. It may be possible to replace some of the post sections in the structure, and Russ Thomas is looking into this option. Further updates will be shared as they develop.

Q: What will happen to the Veterans Memorial and plants surrounding the Gazebo?

A: Our Public Works Director has personally promised to relocate the rhododendrons surrounding the Gazebo. The Veterans Memorial at this location will likely be moved and included in the other Veterans Memorial located in the park.

Q: I’ve heard that the Gazebo and trees are being removed so the Public Safety Building can expand its parking lot. Is this true?

A: This is not true. These three events are unrelated to each other and the decision to make any of these changes is in partnership with the Chehalem Parks and Recreation District (CPRD) who leases Memorial Park from the City of Newberg and maintains the property. The City has had survey work done in this area to clarify property lines to avoid any development onto park land. Any development that would occur would only expand out to the area that is already part of the Public Safety Building property.

Q: I’m concerned about the environmental impact of removing trees. What does the City do to remediate this?

A: The City of Newberg recognizes that removal of trees directly impacts air quality and quality of life in any municipality. This is not a unique problem to our City. Oregon as a state is well known for our breathtaking nature and commitment to caring for green spaces. The City has specific requirements for maintenance of street trees and new developments always see several new trees planted. Within recent years, the City has also planted hundreds of native Willamette Pines in the Corral Creek reservoir area.

In the park, the City plans to help CPRD replace each removed tree with several new ones. We have also heard concerns about the amount of shade in the park and are working to source trees that will thrive in the specific conditions of the park while providing adequate shade and aesthetic quality to the property.