An investigation has found that dozens of cottonwood trees at a condominium complex in Aspen were poisoned by an herbicide that city officials say shouldn't have been used in the area.
The Aspen Daily News reports that city forester Ben Carlsen says 36 trees at the complex have tested positive for herbicide poisoning. The city isn't sure how the trees were poisoned or who could have been responsible for the damage. The case has been handed over to the police department for further investigation.
Officials tested the soil earlier this month after the trees appeared to have died quickly and unnaturally.
The trees will remain at the complex until next spring to see if they have potential for growth, but Carlsen says it's likely many will be removed.
