‘We didn't have a choice’

A landmark tree, 108 years old, was cut down April 22 at the corner of South Market and East Van Dorn because it was diseased and had become a hazard.

Bob Lomenick, owner of Tyson Drugs in downtown Holly Springs, said he and the city have been watching the tree for awhile.

"I hate that particular tree had to be cut down, but we had to act," Lomenick said. "We didn't have a choice. It was for safety reasons."

He said, according to information he received, the tree was planted in 1912.

Rodney and Kenny Stanford, a father and son team with Brewer's Tree Service in Nettleton, took down the huge tree on Wednesday morning of last week.

"They told me it had a lot of hollow places ­ that it was damaged and definitely needed to come down," Lomenick said.

Some called to complain about the historic tree's removal but the City of Holly Springs had it taken down due to the potential danger. The removal was not connected with the city's green space project.

Alderman Mark Miller said the board of aldermen ordered the tree be cut down because it was a safety hazard. The mayor and board did not want the tree to fall on someone or destroy the Tyson Drugs building. Will Denton, public works director with the city, said the tree

was inspected about a month and half ago by Dr. John Kushla with Mississippi State who determined it was in jeopardy of falling.

"We are not going to take a tree down unless there is a hazard," Denton said. "We take no pleasure in cutting an old tree down, but when it becomes a potential hazard to pedestrians, the city would have become liable."

Another large oak by the former law office on South Market Street is also going to be taken down for the same reason.