The Ames City Council decided on Tuesday to remove 17 ash trees of the 120 trees that line Main St.

Removing the trees is the latest attempt by the city to combat a bird problem in the downtown area. Several birds roost in the large shade trees.

“The choice of ash as a tree was not a very good one to begin with,” said Ron Bartlett, owner of Cyclone Barber on Main St.

Many business owners in the downtown area are pleased with the city council’s plan to act. Previously, owners have complained about the bird nuisance downtown, and how it affected their businesses. Another concern was possible health problems brought on by the bird droppings.

“If you stand outside of my building in the morning, you can just smell the bird droppings,” said Roy Fatland, owner of Roy’s TV on Main St.

Elimination of the trees will begin this winter on Main St., from Duff Ave. to Grand Ave. The project is set to be completed this spring.