By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–If you drove by the Henry County Courtsquare over the weekend, you saw a sight you’d never seen before.
With the trees that have graced the square removed, you can now get a clear view of the courthouse and its architecture and although sad to see the decades-old trees removed, most onlookers have tried to find the positive in the situation by noting how beautiful the courthouse is. The courthouse was built in 1896 and was building was designed by Chattanooga architect Reuben Harrison Hunt in the Richardsonian Romanesque style.
The trees on the north and west side are being removed, with most of the work by H & B Tree Service of Paris completed over the weekend. Workers said they still have one more tree on the west side to remove next weekend.
The state arborists’ office were consulted on the health of the trees and it was their determination which trees must be removed for public safety.
County officials said they regret this, but it is for the safety of citizens. The trees were examined by the expert and his opinion was that the trees were unsafe to the public. According to county officials, the expert said the trees are unhealthy even though they appear healthy from the outside.
The walkways on the north side also will be replaced as a safety issue. Several people have fallen on the loose and crooked bricks in recent weeks.
The little gardens at three of the four corners have been removed in the last couple of weeks, too, which county officials have said will help visibility of cars and pedestrians.
Photo: The public is getting a whole new look at the Henry County Courthouse with the tree removal. Shannon McFarlin.