EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 After questions from residents over the removal of 14 trees at Album Park last week, the City of El Paso’s Parks and Recreation Department says the work is part of a long-term effort to keep city parks safe while replacing aging trees with species better suited for the Borderland’s climate.<\/p>\n
The department says the 14 trees removed at the East El Paso park were mulberry trees that had reached the end of their lifespan and had become safety hazards.<\/p>\n
We cut down 14 trees because they’re mulberry trees that are aging out,” said Emigdio Gonzalez, assistant director of the City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department. “They’ve been here long enough that they’re nearing the end of their lifespan. As a result, they have no more leaf cover, and they become a hazard in high-wind situations, so we take them down because they’re no longer viable.<\/p>\n
Last week, the tree removals prompted concern from residents who questioned why mature trees were being cut down.<\/p>\n
At the time, the city said the trees were dead, and District 7 City Representative Lily Lim\u00f3n Rocha said she had requested additional information from the Parks and Recreation Department about the decision.<\/p>\n
Gonzalez said the city plans to replace every tree that was removed on a two-to-one basis.<\/p>\n
Instead of planting more mulberry trees, the department says it plans to plant 28 new trees after November, when cooler temperatures improve growing conditions.<\/p>\n
The replacement trees will include native or heat-tolerant species chosen for their ability to withstand El Paso’s desert climate.<\/p>\n
“They’ll be other species that provide more biodiversity and have a better chance of surviving the conditions we experience,” Gonzalez said.<\/p>\n
According to Gonzalez, Parks and Recreation selects tree species that are more tolerant of heat, drought and disease while also providing shade and visual diversity in city parks.<\/p>\n
He said extreme summer temperatures present ongoing challenges for maintaining trees, but crews use several methods to help plants survive.<\/p>\n
“The heat is hard to fight off,” Gonzalez said. “We can do certain things to make sure there’s adequate moisture in the soil, that we water correctly, that we fertilize and feed correctly to give trees a chance to be fully leafed out… and stay healthy over time.”<\/p>\n
Gonzalez said tree maintenance extends well beyond planting season. <\/p>\n
Crews routinely inspect trees throughout the year, remove dead limbs that could become hazards, monitor irrigation systems and plan years in advance to replace aging trees before significant shade is lost.<\/p>\n
He added that the department is also taking a proactive approach by planting replacement trees before existing mature trees decline, helping preserve shade for future park visitors.<\/p>\n
The work is not limited to Album Park.<\/p>\n
Gonzalez said Parks and Recreation evaluates trees throughout the city’s park system, including larger parks such as Memorial Park and neighborhood parks, to identify maintenance needs and address potential safety concerns.<\/p>\n
“Tree care is an ongoing yearly process,” Gonzalez said. “We’ll do that as we discover issues in our parks.”<\/p>\n
The department encourages residents who have concerns about trees or other park conditions to report them through the City of El Paso Parks and Recreation website, where staff review and respond to public reports.<\/p>\n
The city expects the new trees at Album Park to be planted after November, when cooler weather gives them a better opportunity to establish roots before next summer.<\/p>\n
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