On Jan. 21, Spokane County began work to remove the decades-old black locust trees on the south side of the Liberty Lake Golf Course on E. Sprague Avenue.

This action was driven by public safety concerns about the trees on Sprague, where the black locusts had entered the typical 50- to 75-year lifespan of this species of tree.  Following up on contacts from residents in that area, the city arborist inspected the black locust trees in the public right-of-way adjacent to Liberty Lake Golf Course.  There was hazardous deadwood in the canopies of many trees. Several of these dead limbs were overhanging the roadway and pedestrian areas, creating a real risk to drivers, cyclists, and people walking along Sprague, particularly during periods of high wind. 

Following this inspection, city code enforcement staff issued a letter to the property owner, Spokane County Parks, Recreation and Golf, to address deadwood 3 inches and larger that may pose a threat to public safety. From there, Spokane County staff consulted with its Risk Management Division and a certified arborist contractor to evaluate pruning or removal options. 

Factoring in the cost and timing of future road plans, it was decided that the best option was to remove the trees as a collaborative effort between the City of Liberty Lake and Spokane County. This approach provides a permanent safety solution and avoids repeated future closures, disruptions, and costs associated with ongoing trimming.  

This timing also aligns with the city’s planned reconstruction of Sprague Avenue in the 2030 timeframe. Contingent on available funding, that project will replace one of the most deteriorated roadway sections in the city and install new stormwater infrastructure. 

The existing black locust trees would need to be removed for that eventual construction due to the extent of the root disturbance that would be in the new roadway and stormwater swales. Removing the trees in advance, now, allows the work to be completed more efficiently and safely when that project begins. 

As part of the future Sprague Avenue project and to improve that corridor, new street trees will be planted along the entire north side of the roadway from Molter Road to the city boundary. These trees will be selected and placed to thrive in the new environment and provide lasting canopy and beauty for the neighborhood.  (See the computer-generated image of the potential future look of E. Sprague Avenue that appears with this posting.)

More immediately:  Spokane County will be increasing the height of the netting at the Liberty Lake Golf Course driving range this year to help protect nearby homes from golf balls hit out from the site.