City of Watervliet to remove trees damaging sidewalks and buildings downtown on North Main Street

The City of Watervliet, Public Works Department, and contracted professional tree removal services will begin removing 22 trees located on N. Main Street between E. Saint Joseph and Butternut streets. The work is scheduled to start on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 at 9 p.m. and is expected to be completed by October 16, weather permitting.

The decision to remove the trees follows a comprehensive assessment by the city and lengthy discussions during two regular city council meetings and one public hearing. The tree root systems have caused significant and irreparable damage to the public sidewalks creating a major tripping hazard for pedestrians and accessibility issues for residents. The city understands the value of our downtown tree canopy and the aesthetic benefits mature trees provide, however, public safety is our top priority.

The tree roots have severely buckled the sidewalks, and the damage has become too extensive to repair without also removing the trees. The upper branches of the trees are causing damage to windows, window screens and the siding of several businesses. These trees have been trimmed back significantly every few years but due to their current size and maturity they grow back against the buildings quickly.

The overall work will be done in stages, starting with cutting down the trees and removing the roots. Secondly, the sidewalks will be repaired in order of the worst damaged first and a decision will be made to replace the trees and what species of tree will be used. The new trees will be selected from a species list known for having non-invasive root systems and having a shape that does not touch buildings which will mitigate the risk of future sidewalk and building damage.

It should be noted that of the people who attended the public hearing and other city commission meetings, all were in favor of replacing the trees or at least retaining some green areas in the downtown district.

Residents are advised to seek alternate routes and use caution when traveling in the project area.

Residents are asked to park vehicles away from the curb and avoid the work area during project hours and stay clear of the work zone to ensure the safety of both residents and crew members.

For more information or questions about the project, residents can contact the City Manager at 269-201-7508 or tsutherland@watervliet.org.