MAGNA, Utah (KUTV) — A Magna woman is asking local officials to reconsider their approach to tree removals after a massive tree in her front yard was cut down despite her objections.
Sabrina Weber said the tree provided shade, attracted hummingbirds and had long been part of family gatherings, where its branches were even used to hang piñatas.
“My tree was removed, and the city has not replaced it, like I asked, and they did a horrible job,” Weber said.
MORE: Unsettling accusations made against Magna’s ‘nicest guy’ mayor
Alexander said she was first notified April 26 that the tree would be removed. Three days later, it was gone.
According to a certified arborist report provided by the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District, the tree had grown into the public right of way, was obscuring a streetlight and had begun lifting the sidewalk.
The report also cited dead branches and a potential rot pocket where three limbs came together.
MSD said the tree was considered high risk and was removed as part of Magna’s tree removal project, which is intended to address deteriorating trees that could pose risks to public safety or city infrastructure.
Weber, however, questions whether removing the entire tree was necessary.
“The paperwork saying it says that it could fall over any time because it was sick, but it wasn’t,” Weber said. “It was a solid tree. We had piñatas; my kids would climb in it.”
Weber said she was not given an opportunity to address the concerns herself before the tree was removed.
“This was just a quick snap of a finger,” she said. “It went, bye.”
Months later, the tree trunk has been covered by a patch of sod. The section of sidewalk that had been raised by the tree’s roots has also not yet been repaired.
Weber said she is not the only Magna resident asking whether trees removed through the project will be replaced.
“It’s not just me who’s asked for a tree replacement,” she said. “It’s multiple people on the other streets that had their trees removed. They asked for another tree.”
Weber has taken on the role of Magna’s “Lorax,” a reference to the Dr. Seuss character known for speaking for the trees.
She said her concern goes beyond the tree that once stood in her own yard.
“My grandma and grandpa would always say, ‘You take care of your earth. It’ll take care of you,’” Alexander said.
Alexander said she would even be willing to plant a replacement tree herself if officials provided one.
“Give it to us, and we’ll put it somewhere else in our yard,” she said. “But at least be a good person and a good mayor and a good council and replace everyone’s trees.”
2News asked the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District why the raised sidewalk has not yet been repaired, whether Alexander was given options to mitigate the concerns before the tree was removed, and whether replacement trees are being considered for residents affected by the project.
The district had not responded as of publication.
_____