The Cloud Does Have a Silver Lining

The removal of a number of trees during the past week has been traumatic for so many of us, that it is hard to remain philosophical regarding the future of our Main Street. However, we are fortunate to have some beautiful, mature trees near Main still standing - like those in front of the Masonic Temple and the Presbyterian Church. Thanks to the efforts of the late, great Dr. Ray Hoffman, the memory tree in front of Subway will be preserved, as will the Charter Oak in front of Rick's on Main and the Northrup Knox Memorial Tree by HSBC. The Knox tree will be moved to a safer location and re-planted in 2010. While approximately 80 trees will be removed to make way for the reconstruction, the plans call for 190 new plantings!

This illustration shows the construction of the new tree pits for the commercial sections where no grassy tree lawn exists. Pits will be filled with a special "Urban Soil Mix" and covered with reclaimed brick that is being removed from under the viaduct. The new trees will be small - which believe it or not is actually better than planting a larger tree. Smaller trees lose fewer roots when they are dug, and therefore establish more quickly and often catch up to and even outgrow larger trees within a few years. These trees will be protected by iron tree guards to prevent damage to the trunk which can effect longevity, and watered regularly until they are well established.

The Tree Board welcomes your questions, comments and concerns. You can email the Board directly at TreesPleaseEA@Yahoo.com. Issues of general interest will be posted on this blog - and names will be withheld to protect your privacy.

Tree Work Begins on Main Street

On Friday, June 6th, the landscape contractor began tree work in preparation for the Main Street Reconstruction project. Trees that were removed were either dying, or are in the direct line of one of the utilities to be replaced. Other trees have been pruned and fertilized to boost their health and help them survive the stresses of the construction process. Protective fencing has been erected around trees to be preserved to help prevent construction damage.

The most dramatic transformation is occurring in the area from Elm/Riley to Pine/Olean Streets, or the main commercial district in the East end. The reason for this is that the entire area will be excavated for utility work. During this process new tree pits will be constructed. The design used for the pits will be far superior to what we formerly had. The old pits were not large enough to accommodate the root structure of a healthy tree. In addition, it was difficult for water to reach the roots. This resulted in trees which were stressed, declining or dead. New pits will not only be larger, with dirt areas connecting beneath the sidewalk creating a larger root-growth area, they will be filled with special soil. This soil was developed to allow easier root growth and maximum water retention, resulting in healthier trees and less sidewalk buckling. The tops will be paved with bricks, which will allow more water to reach the root systems. In addition, the new trees will be watered regularly. This will give them the best chance to grow into healthy specimens. In time, this area will be a true showcase for our village, lined with healthy, vibrant trees.

Although many trees are being removed, in the spring following the reconstruction the DOT will be planting numerous new trees, resulting in over 160 trees lining 20A from Olean Street to the Post Office!