by Frank Schroth (updated @ 12:47pm)

At last night’s meeting of the Selectmen Kris Hodlin, Chair of the Library Board of Trustees, informed the board of a unanimous vote of the trustees to have two ailing trees on the library grounds removed due to concerns for public safety. The trees are the copper beech that greets visitors to the lot and a sugar maple that is to the right of the old entrance as you face the building.

Ms. Hodlin was joined at the table by Will Adamczyck the library’s director. She reviewed for the selectmen the chronology of events and measures taken that led the trustees to make what she characterized as a “very difficult” decision. The trustees formed a subcommittee to study the issue after the Milton DPW expressed concern about limbs falling on the grounds and possibly Canton Avenue. Hodlin noted that George Ackerman, a licensed arborist whose services were retained during the renovation of the library, stated that the trees were in decline then and should be taken down. They were not. The trustees at the time decided to keep the trees and take measures such as special irrigation  and pruning to save them.

The trees however have continued to decline due to stress of construction and loss of ground to parking. Hodlin said that members of the board had appeared before the Conservation Commission to discuss the issue and had obtained a recent assessment of the trees from Doug Hunt, another certified arborist. He recommended that the trees be removed and, Hodlin stated, the Conservation Commission agrees.

A full chronology as supplied by the board can be found at the bottom of this post.

The trustees took their vote Monday (8/11) and also hosted a public forum during that session. James Mullen spoke and expressed concerns about the timing citing the fact that many people were out of town this time of year and will be surprised to see the tree come down. He recommended deferring the vote and perhaps having a small committee appointed. The public forum Monday was the second forum to be held. The first was last March. The forums had been advertised in local media, the library’s web site, and inside the library.

Selectmen Hurley asked if there would be any trees planted in their stead. Hodlin replied there would be and that the trustees would discuss with the Conservation Commission and be inviting public input regarding the types of trees and their placement.

[NOTE: I am a member of the Milton Library Board of Trustees and served on the Planting & Grounds subcommittee]

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from The Milton LIbrary Board of Trustees

Chronology Concerning the Removal of Trees at the Library

• April 2008 – The Library Building Committee hired Arborist George Ackerson, member of the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Tree Wardens’ and Foresters’ Association, to assess the health of trees prior to Library construction. In his report he stated:

• “The 48-inch diameter European beech appeared to be declining over a long period of time”
• Concerning the sugar maple, “Fifty percent of the crown of the tree over the side-walk is dead.”
• “I recommend that all trees (in question) be removed”

• 2008-2009 – A decision was made to retain the trees. The trees were maintained and special water systems were installed during construction to help feed and improve the copper beech. Parts of the sugar maple were pruned.
• 2013 – The trees were visibly declining. Town department heads voiced safety concerns to the Library Board of Trustees.

• The Library reviewed the history of the beech and maple
• The Library discussed safety concerns with members of the DPW

• January – March 2014 – The Library solicited public comment on the trees. Outreach included press releases, social media postings, and signage at the Library.
• March 2014 – the Library Trustees held a public forum to discuss the removal of the trees.
• April 2014 – The Library met with the Conservation Commission to discuss removal of trees.

• Conservation Commission suggested soliciting another expert opinion

• June 2014 – Arborist Doug Hunt provided the following assessments:

• “The first, a large Copper Beech Tree located in the center of the parking lot, needs to be removed…Also, there is a large amount of deadwood within the canopy of the tree, which not only points to further decline and root damage, but also presents potential safety hazards to both cars and pedestrians.”
• The second, a large Sugar Maple Tree at the front of the parking lot on Canton Avenue, should also be removed…Because this tree is in such a high trafficked area and is completely unbalanced, it also poses a serious safety threat to both cars and pedestrians.”

• June 2014 – The Library requested the opinion of Milton Tree Warden, Branch Lane, who wrote:

• “I have read Doug Hunt’s evaluation letter regarding the two trees on Library grounds. I wish it weren’t so but I have to agree with his assessments and conclusions that the two trees are now becoming hazardous do to their declining health and should be removed.”

• July 2014 – After reviewing expert opinions, taking into account safety concerns, and listening to comments from residents and Library users, the Planning & Planting subcommittee of the Library Board of Trustees made a recommendation to the Trustees that remove the copper beech and sugar maple.
• August 2014 – The Library Board of Trustees adopted the recommendation of the Planning & Planting committee and voted to remove the trees.
• August 2014 – The trees will be professionally removed.

• The Trustees are investigating ways to reuse the wood from these trees within our community.

• Fall 2014 – The Library will plant trees on Library grounds and/or on town owned land in order to preserve Milton’s rural character and heritage. This will be done using feedback from Milton residents.

The Library Trustees recognize the sensitivity involved in removing any natural resource. They have viewed these trees as treasured assets and done everything practical to preserve them. However, after mounting safety concerns and careful deliberation the Library has decided that removal is the only course of action.

Respectfully submitted,

William L. Adamczyk

Director