South Avenue plantings reported healthy overall; two replacements, remaining trees monitored

Public works staff updated the Town Conservation Commission on Sept. 11 about the South Avenue street-tree project, saying most trees are establishing well while several remain on a watch list.

The staff member reported crews had identified six trees that were suffering; two have been replaced and four are under observation. "We had about 6 that were suffering, 2 that got replaced, 4 that we're looking at. We had 1 that had to be taken out, during the Aquarion water work," the staff member said. The removed tree was reinstalled elsewhere but is not thriving; staff said if that specimen fails the contractor (Aquarion) will replace it.

The public-works representative said some trees flowered and overall public feedback has been positive. Staff agreed to provide commissioners with the as-built planting plan required by the state, which lists species and planting locations, so members can identify tree varieties along the street.

Commissioners requested the species list and an explicit as-built plan; staff said the information exists in the record of the board of selectmen purchase and the parks department's project files and will be circulated.