Marks from black walnuts run over by cars in the 1600 block of Division Ave. (Baltimore Sun photo by Kim Hairston / August 7, 2008) |
The problem: What can be done about a tree that pelts the neighborhood with walnuts?
The back story: The gravity definitely works in Lutherville.
George Hogan can testify that the forces of nature are in effect in this Baltimore County community, as demonstrated by the black walnuts that fall from a tree adjacent to his property.
The tree has been shedding its nuts since he moved into a home in the 1600 block of Division Ave. 37 years ago. But nearly four decades later, it has grown so tall that now the walnuts rain down with a lot of force, Hogan said. Last year one hit a windshield of a car parked on the street so hard it cracked it, he said.
He called Baltimore County's Bureau of Highways, because the tree was growing on county property. Two workers confirmed it was on county land but told him he could apply for a permit and pay a contractor to remove the offending plant himself.
Watchdog called the county Public Works Department, and spokesman David Fidler confirmed that the tree falls within the county right-of-way. Anyone can put in a work order to remove or trim a tree within the county right-of-way by submitting a work order application along with a $25 application fee, Fidler said.
County workers will only remove trees that meet certain criteria, such as roots that lift up a sidewalk, driveway, curb or gutter by one inch or more. Trees that interfere with utilities, such as water, gas, cable or electric service, or clogging sewer lines can also be removed, he said.
"The department takes down as few trees as it has to to respect the canopy of Baltimore County," Fidler said.
Initially, the tree did not appear to meet these standards, so it seemed that only trimming would be possible, a solution that satisfied Hogan. "I don't want to get rid of the tree," the homeowner said. "I just want to get rid of the walnuts."
But on a second review, county officials decided to remove the tree, which was leaning and would take out power lines if it fell, Fidler said.
Hogan said the workers told him the tree would be removed within six to eight weeks.
Who can fix this: Robert "Tim" Burgess, chief, Baltimore County Bureau of Highways. 410-887-3560.
The back story: The gravity definitely works in Lutherville.
George Hogan can testify that the forces of nature are in effect in this Baltimore County community, as demonstrated by the black walnuts that fall from a tree adjacent to his property.
The tree has been shedding its nuts since he moved into a home in the 1600 block of Division Ave. 37 years ago. But nearly four decades later, it has grown so tall that now the walnuts rain down with a lot of force, Hogan said. Last year one hit a windshield of a car parked on the street so hard it cracked it, he said.
He called Baltimore County's Bureau of Highways, because the tree was growing on county property. Two workers confirmed it was on county land but told him he could apply for a permit and pay a contractor to remove the offending plant himself.
Watchdog called the county Public Works Department, and spokesman David Fidler confirmed that the tree falls within the county right-of-way. Anyone can put in a work order to remove or trim a tree within the county right-of-way by submitting a work order application along with a $25 application fee, Fidler said.
County workers will only remove trees that meet certain criteria, such as roots that lift up a sidewalk, driveway, curb or gutter by one inch or more. Trees that interfere with utilities, such as water, gas, cable or electric service, or clogging sewer lines can also be removed, he said.
"The department takes down as few trees as it has to to respect the canopy of Baltimore County," Fidler said.
Initially, the tree did not appear to meet these standards, so it seemed that only trimming would be possible, a solution that satisfied Hogan. "I don't want to get rid of the tree," the homeowner said. "I just want to get rid of the walnuts."
But on a second review, county officials decided to remove the tree, which was leaning and would take out power lines if it fell, Fidler said.
Hogan said the workers told him the tree would be removed within six to eight weeks.
Who can fix this: Robert "Tim" Burgess, chief, Baltimore County Bureau of Highways. 410-887-3560.
