LOCAL

Trees recently planted in Louisville's Beechmont neighborhood vandalized

Mary Ramsey
Louisville Courier Journal
Trees planted along South Third Street in Louisville's Beechmont neighborhood were vandalized.

A collection of trees planted in Louisville's Beechmont neighborhood were vandalized over the weekend, Metro Council's Majority Caucus said in a statement Monday.

Officials said 18 of 35 trees along the 4800 and 4900 blocks of South Third Street were damaged. Pictures show trees snapped and roots torn from the ground.

The trees were planted in March as part of the Louisville Grows program, which works to improve the city's "urban tree canopy."  Each tree costs about $245, Monday's statement said, so repairing and replacing the damaged trees could cost thousands. 

More local headlines:Norton Healthcare and Baptist Health announce staff-wide COVID-19 vaccine requirements

Metro Councilwoman Nicole George, D-21, called the vandalism "hurtful" in a post on her Facebook page.

Trees planted along South Third Street in Louisville's Beechmont neighborhood were vandalized.

"It isn't about the trees, which can be replaced," she wrote, "it's about what the trees symbolized to neighbors (i.e. investment, connection, and sweat equity) that makes me sad."

George encouraged folks to donate time and money to Louisville Grows in response to the incident.

Reach reporter Mary Ramsey at mramsey@gannett.com, and follow her on Twitter @mcolleen1996. Support strong local journalism in our community by subscribing to The Courier Journal today.