Union Ave Project: Tree Removal Process Underway

SARATOGA SPRINGS —As part of a NYSDOT project to improve the area between East Avenue and Henning Road, invasive trees are being removed. 

Landscape plans from NYSDOT Design-Build Assistant Project Manager Corey Barringer indicate that 11 trees will be removed with an addition of 17 trees and two bushes.

“I walked the entire stretch of the median East of East Ave with DOT Landscapers/Arborists. We discussed the condition of each tree, the species and we determined the required maintenance needs, whether that was pruning or removal etc.,” said City Arborist Steve Lashomb, who is in consultation with the State regarding the project. “No red maples are being removed in the median. There are some Crimson King Maples that have dark red leaves and some of those are getting removed. Crimson Kings are a Norway Maple cultivar which are an invasive species and a threat to the native species in natural areas.”

Later this fall, a detour will be established around this stretch of Union Avenue to allow for milling and repaving, utilizing Henning Road to State Route 29 and East Avenue, according to a statement released by the New York State Department of Transportation. Dates of the detour will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Motorists are also reminded to Move Over a lane, if safely possible, or slow down significantly whenever encountering roadside vehicles displaying red, white, blue, amber or green lights, including maintenance and construction vehicles in work zones.