The Salem Civic Center is getting new life as the city plants 30 native and ornamental trees starting next month after removing unhealthy trees from Peace Plaza and along Liberty Street. The Civic Center is home to city council chambers and many city offices.
Milan Davis, Salem’s urban forester, said most of the trees that are being replaced are flowering pear trees that have reached the end of their lifespan. He said those trees, which typically live about 25 years, aren’t able to get nutrients and are growing sprouts at the base which create a nuisance.
He said there are also some dead cherry trees on the property that will be replaced.
The trees will be replaced with a mix of northwest native species including Oregon white oak, bigleaf maple, Pacific madrone, deodar cedar, Japanese maple, red horse-chestnut, giant sequoia, American yellowwood, river birch, and black tupelo.
Davis said the new tree plantings will survive longer and provide better habitat for wildlife with larger tree canopy.
“We’re excited to have some new native trees going in around the new library project,” he said.
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