Ash tree removal process is flawed

The program to rid the city of ash trees has become a serious nuisance.

The crews converge onto a neighborhood like a swarm of locusts. They pull their trucks up beside each other, blocking the road. There are so many crews in one area that we drove for more than 10 minutes trying to find a street to our house that was not blocked. We finally arrived on our street to find a crew blocking our drive, for more than four hours, and there were so many of their vehicles that there was no place near our house to park. It's a good thing we already had our car out before they arrived so we weren't blocked from an appointment. This situation would be a serious problem for someone with a disability.

I strongly suggest they be required to not block a street and not have any crew within a six-block radius of another crew.

Also, scavengers swoop in to pick up all the large pieces after the city crews pull out. Not once did they knock on the door to see if the homeowner wanted to keep the wood. After all, for the last 40 to 50 years, homeowners in this neighborhood have watered, fertilized and treated the tree for pests. They should get first chance at using the wood. Scavengers should be kept at bay for at least 48 hours so homeowners who work during the day have a chance to collect the wood if they want it.

Carole Horne

Cedar Rapids