By JIMMY LAWTON

OGDENSBURG – City council added maple trees to the list of allowable trees to be purchased for residents by the city.

The amendment to the city’s new city tree code, passed unanimously despite a warning from the city’s arborist that the city’s high number of maple trees makes its tree population vulnerable to disease.

The tree code establishes a list of more than 50 trees that the city may purchase and plant for residents in privately owned property in the city’s right of way between roads and sidewalks.

The code was required as part of a grant received by the city

City planner Andrea Smith said maples were not included on that because 49 percent of the city’s existing tree population is maple. This means if a disease that is specific to maple trees were to hit the city, it could looks nearly half of its total tree population.

Councilor Michael Morley said he understood the risk, but added that Ogdensburg is known as the maple city and said residents should have the option to request a maple tree.

After some debate, the board agreed and the measure passed unanimously.

Also debated regarding the tree code was a section that identified who is responsible for maintaining the trees.

Councilors agreed to trim trees that presented safety concerns and obstructed the sidewalk, but left residents responsible for routine trimming and maintenance.