The Public Works Department is in receipt of the "Right-of-Way Maintenance" issue at "16 E University Ave, Gainesville 32601, United States". We have created service request #16529 to be investigated by our Operations Division. If you would like to speak directly with someone in this office, please call 352-334-5070. Thank you for using 311GNV to bring this issue to the city’s attention!

What’s the status on this issue?

Is anything planned for this tree well?
The stump has sprouted.

See?

Hello, I am now in the process of trying to procure an appropriate grate before I proceed with tree planting in this location. My plan is to have the stump ground, plant another bluff oak (Quercus austrina), and have a new grate installed.

You may want to look at how the trees were replaced the last time, about 2017, I think. Because there is an electrical conduit directly under those trees, about 2 or 3 feet down (I think it is for power for the street lights), the crew used a water jet and vacuum truck to loosen and remove the soil so they could hand cut the roots of the holly trees without damaging any lines. Those trees were probably 9” diameter.
And thanks for the update.

Would it be possible to put up a realistic looking cardboard tree instead? That way there wont be as much damage when the next car drives up over the curb and hits it. Disney has done this really well on their properties.

Bo, Dinseyfied Gainesville usually only happens west of 34th St., where it seems more acceptable. In my 20 years of close observation of this block, this is the only tree I recall that was taken out by a car, and there are 5 tree wells on the block. That car also took out a light pole, btw.

DD, thanks for the information. I can foresee this being a larger job than I originally thought given the underground utilities in the area and also being in such a high-traffic location. I will definitely do some research into how this job was performed in the past and try to speak with those who were involved.

Bo, thank you for the suggestion, however that is not an option we offer. Accidents happen, but that spot should be able to support a real tree. I tried to find some information on these "cardboard trees" you mentioned, but couldn't find anything specific. There are numerous benefits offered by real trees, such as air purification and stormwater control, that are not offered by model trees. Other benefits of urban trees are that they assist with controlling urban traffic speeds as well as creating a safer walking environment for pedestrians by creating a distinct barrier between the motorist's environment and that of the pedestrians. If it became an issue where a particular tree was continuously being hit by cars, then we would consider not putting a tree back in that location and/or looking at other contributing factors.

Good morning! This tree will be replanted with a Bluff Oak during this year's planting season -- likely in January. For further updates, please call the Urban Forestry Division at 352-393-8171 or at urbanforestry@cityofgainesville.org. Thank you!