Norwalk tree advisory committee flags high mortality in recent plantings; staff orders immediate removals and replacements

Norwalk city staff told the Tree Advisory Committee on Aug. 26 that many trees planted in spring 2024 have low survivability and must be removed and replaced under contractor guarantees.

The committee heard that “in the last 2 months, unfortunately, we're seeing a significantly lower survivability in our trees that were planted, particularly in the 2024 in the spring of of this past year,” said Sarah, a city staff member. She said contractors were instructed that “dead trees need to be removed ASAP,” especially at schools, and that surviving trees remain under contract warranty: “All trees are still under guarantee. They will be required to be replaced, you know, per our contract.”

Why it matters: Committee members pressed staff for immediate follow-up because many failing trees are in recently planted streetscapes and at school sites where visibility and safety are higher. Committee members also pressed for documentation so replacement claims are preserved before guarantee periods lapse.

What staff said about causes and next steps: Sarah said watering appears to be the major factor, noting “through our watering report, there was minimal watering May through early July.” She said staff is communicating with contractors — identified in the meeting as Olmstead, Minutemen and others — to determine whether the problem is watering capacity or other causes, and that any required replacements will be handled under existing contracts. Paul, a city staff member, confirmed staff is maintaining GIS records tracking the plantings, mortality and guarantee dates.

Committee concerns and context: Committee members asked whether planting technique or soil preparation made a difference; Sarah said one contractor’s planting quality appeared strong during on-site observation, and that dieback patterns suggested a watering problem rather than consistent planting error. The committee also emphasized the need to document at-risk trees now so vendors cannot later claim issues developed outside the guarantee window.

Discussion vs. formal action: This meeting included discussion and direction to vendors and staff to document and remove dead trees and to replace guaranteed stock. There was no new procurement action, budget vote or ordinance change recorded during the meeting.

Next steps: Staff said they will continue communications with contractors, document mortality in GIS, and ensure replacements are made per contract. The committee requested earlier inspections so replacements can be pursued before guarantees expire.