Tree Planting and Management Plan

For Adair County Courthouse

Kirksville, MO

Objectives

  • Locate and evaluate existing trees. Recommend replacements for all ash, which are susceptible to Emerald Ash Borer.
  • Create a balanced distribution of trees on the grounds.
  • Maintain space required for monuments, light standards and other features.
  • Increase diversity of tree species. Use mainly natives.
  • Suggest management for new trees.

Existing Trees

Existing courthouse trees consist of thirteen large growing ash, pin oak, tulip poplar, and bald cypress, with 8 to 30-inch trunk diameter, and one lower growing redbud. The ash are susceptible to Emerald Ash Borer, which has been found in Adair County, and are not high quality specimens. Two pin oaks on the south side of the courthouse near Washington Street are crowded by two larger adjacent oaks. The remainder of the trees are in good to excellent condition. Several trees have dead branches.