Wind-damaged Elm removed from Legislative Grounds in Carson City

A crew from Stay Green Tree Service of Carson City removed a wind-damaged Elm on the Legislative Grounds Friday.

At more than 50 years old, the tree is the oldest on the grounds, although there are older trees on the adjacent Capitol Grounds. It is also home to a large hive of honey bees that live in a hollow about 20-feet above the ground.

A company spokesman said they were well aware of the bees but the tree has suffered too much damage in recent years, including a large crack in its trunk some 30 feet above the ground. She said this past week’s wind storm was the final straw that convinced legislative crews the tree must go.

At the Nevada Appeal’s weather station on the roof of the Mallory Way building, the wind speed on Thursday average more than 25 mph from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with winds above 30 mph from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.