Lightning Strike Dooms Tree In Niwot   April 2011

By Bruce Warren
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The large cottonwood tree in front of Legendary Designs at 240 Second Avenue in Niwot will be removed by a county contractor sometime between April 25 and May 6, according to Ted Plank of the Boulder County Transportation Department. 

The tree was struck by lightning in the summer of 2010, causing a spiral scar all the way to the ground.  Since the tree lies within Boulder County road right-of-way, the county has been concerned about the possibility of the tree falling on someone, or on nearby property. 

Plank said, “A county arborist inspected the tree, and determined that, due to damage from the lightning strike, indications of hollow portions in the trunk and the overall age of the tree, it poses a hazard to the public in this area.  The determination has been made to remove the tree.”

Removal of the tree will cause one lane of the street and the sidewalk to be closed.  “The large trunk of the tree will be cut into 3- to 4-foot sections for loading and hauling away,” Plank said.  “ The bulk of the rest of the tree will be chipped.  For those people interested in acquiring portions of the tree for carving, firewood or other uses, the contractor will be happy to load your vehicle, but there are no resources available for hauling or storing of wood.”  Anyone wishing to have some of the wood should contact Plank at 303-441-3962 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it in advance of the project.

“The county is currently investigating planting a new tree in place of the one to be removed,” Plank said.   “Several good candidates have been located, but the county does not have resources to provide water and care for the tree in the first one to two years after planting.  We will require assistance from the Niwot community to provide these resources.”  Anyone interested  in helping should contact Plank as well.   

Plank has heard from several community members who had hoped the tree could be preserved.  “While none of us are happy about the need to remove this tree, it is necessary, and I appreciate your understanding and assistance with making this project move forward as safely and efficiently as possible,” Plank said.