Ben Hanby Park tree damaged and removed

The large maple tree that anchored the corner of Ben Hanby Park at Vine and East College in Uptown Westerville was removed when arborists discovered dangerous flaws in the tree when trimming limbs damaged by a recent storm.

Matthew Ulrey, Westerville Parks and Urban Forest Manager, said it was a tough decision to cut down the tree.

"I never like to remove our mature trees," Ulrey said in an email.

"The tree had been damaged in one of our many storms a few weeks ago. When we were there pruning out the damage our guys noticed a significant flaw in a large limb that was directly over the bench and other flaws in the structure as well.

"Because of the risk of this tree and the possible significance should the tree fail when someone was there, we decided it was time for the tree to be removed," Hhe continued.

There are plans to replace the tree this fall.

"Something that will hopefully provide the same feel in the space for future generations," Ulrey said.