Work to replace more than 50 autumn flame maple trees along President Clinton Avenue will begin Sunday at midnight with minor traffic disruption expected, the City of Little Rock Parks and Recreation Department announced today.

Originally planted in 1997, the 57 trees were a River Market beautification project. However, it was later determined that the trees are susceptible to sunscald, a condition that splits the bark of the tree, leaving it exposed to insects and disease. Currently, 23 trees are dead or dying; 18 have been recently replaced; eight tree wells remain empty; and eight trees are healthy.

“After consultation and much deliberation, it was determined by the city Parks Department and the River Market Design Review Committee that the maple trees will be replaced with presidential gold ginkgo trees,” said John Eckart, Parks and Recreation Department Director.

When planted, the trees will be initially 10 to 12 feet tall and will mature to a height of 50 feet and their leaves turn from green to brilliant gold during the fall months, Eckhart said.

The work will happen daily beginning at midnight and ending at 6 a.m. until all the trees have been replaced. Bemis Tree Farm of Little Rock won the bid to do the work with a contract award of $40,200, Eckart said.