Towering silver maple trees planted around 60 years ago near the intersection of Fifth Street and Garden Avenue were removed on Monday due to their poor condition and because they were conflicting with power lines.

The trees were previously approved for removal by the city’s urban forestry committee due to their deteriorating condition. Avista removed the trees and chipped the smaller limbs and the Parks and Recreation Department hauled off the larger branches.

Due to the overhead utility lines at this location Avista has had to prune the trees over the years to maintain safe clearance from the wires. In the spring, the abutting property owner will replace the trees with a species that, at a mature size, will not be in conflict with the power lines.

Proper selection and placement of trees in and around overhead utilities can eliminate potential public safety hazards and reduce expenses for utilities and their customers, said Coeur d’Alene urban forester Katie Kosanke.

To learn what trees are approved for certain locations, visit cdair.org/parks. Avista also has information at avistautilities.com, keyword search vegetation management. Be sure not to just look up but to look down as well. Call 811 for an underground utility check before planting trees or doing any digging, as required by law.

Information, 769-2266.

Photo: Mat Eby with Asplundh tree trimming service prunes branches near downtown Coeur d’Alene.