Jasper seeks public input on downtown square sidewalk problems.

JASPER, Tenn. - City leaders say 29 Chinese ginkgo trees planted around Jasper's courthouse square in the early 2000s have begun causing trouble.

Some of the trees are pushing up or loosening concrete sidewalk tiles and memorial bricks, creating hazards for pedestrians. The Jasper Board of Mayor and Aldermen last week sought input from citizens and business owners.

"We have some problems down there," Mayor Paul Evans said. "We're going to have to do something."

He said tree sap, leaves, and some trees bearing fruit have caused other problems for store owners.

As the trees' root systems expand, officials said they could breach the drainage tunnels underneath the downtown streets.

"Our streets could actually collapse someday," Evans said. "That's something that we [the board] have to take into consideration when we address this problem."

Evans said Ringgold, Ga., is having the same problem with the same kind of trees. Planted in 1987, those trees have grown up to 55 feet tall with 18-inch diameter trunks.

Some of Jasper's ginkgos have 12-inch trunks, while others are only around 6 inches.

Alderman Paul West said he remembers when the project got under way, and engineers promised former Mayor Billy Simpson that the trees would never be a nuisance.

The improvement project was "not what the town was promised" when the trees were installed, he said.

West said he understands the feelings some have for the trees, but they need to be cut down.

"Get rid of the trees so we don't have to deal with this anymore, because it's a problem that's just going to have to be revisited," he said.

Les Price's family purchased a dedication on the sidewalk years ago, and he said even those engraved bricks can be a hazard when it rains.

"I'm not here to save the trees," he said. "If you [the board] think we need to take the trees out, then take the trees out."

Jimmy Sneed, who moved his business last year to Jasper's courthouse square, suggested creating a beautification committee.

"The town needs a face lift, and I'd love to participate in helping it however I can," he told the board. "I'd like to see the town cleaned up."

Proposals offered at at the meeting included replacing the trees with large concrete flowerpots, sculptures, historical monuments, benches, or smaller evergreen trees.

Whatever action the town takes, the potential cost is not included in this year's budget, and Evans said the town would have to "come up with the money."

"I think the board is in agreement that something needs to be done," he said. "We know what needs to be done to some of them immediately because it's just going to get worse."

Ryan Lewis is based in Marion County. Contact him at ryanlewis34@gmail.com.