Like many tree programs, Meridian’s Community Forestry program deals with a lot of “waste” wood. Much of the wood removed from the declining mature trees in our urban forests can be used numerous craftsman projects.

Meridian’s City Arborist, Matt Perkins, reclaimed the lumber from a silver maple the city removed in 2017. The maple was planted in Meridian’s Centennial Park in 1936. The tree provided shade and improved air quality for Meridian citizens for over 80 years.

 The maple was removed due to an overall decline in health. Matt and his team made picnic tables for the city’s fire stations instead of sending the tree’s lumber to the landfill.