Downtown Moses Lake trees will cost $5,300 each to plant

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake is moving ahead with a plan to replace 30 downtown trees at an estimated cost of $160,000. That’s more than $5,300 a tree.

Municipal Services Director Gary Harer explained to the city council recently that the job is expensive because crews have to remove and replace pavers and culverts and fix any damage to electrical and irrigation systems under the sidewalk.

The Columbia Basin Herald reported the trees must be removed because roots are lifting up sections of sidewalk, creating a hazard.

So why plant new trees and continue the problem?

The city has about 200 trees for beautification. Councilman Dick Dean said without them Moses Lake could be a flat, wind-swept desert oasis.

The council voted to put the project out for bids.