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Arborist: about two dozen hazardous trees at Hamlin Park; board schedules moratorium hearing
Summary
A level‑1 risk assessment of Hamlin Park found roughly 25–27 trees recommended for removal and multiple high‑risk specimens; trustees scheduled a May 19 public hearing to consider a temporary moratorium on non‑emergency utility trimming after public concern about utility crews and wildlife habitat.
The village arborist reported a level‑1 risk assessment of Hamlin Park on April 21 that identified roughly 25–27 trees as candidates for removal and additional trees rated “high risk” because of dead wood and structural defects. The arborist said the assessment was clear enough to prioritize hazardous removals, and that many high‑risk trees could be reduced to a lower risk through targeted pruning.
The arborist said the assessment—conducted by contractor Bridal Tree and verified on site—tagged trees to make referencing easier, and noted the inventory covers roughly 60 park trees. He described the village’s process for escalating concerns: a level‑2 assessment uses diagnostic tools such as resistographs and a level‑3 assessment can include climbing, drones or bucket trucks for a closer inspection. He recommended addressing the identified hazards now and re‑evaluating the park in a year for liability reasons.
Public comments and habitat concerns: Residents welcomed a swift assessment but asked the board to consider preserving “snag” trees that provide owl and other wildlife habitat, where feasible. Nancy Smith, a Hamlin Park resident active on tree issues, asked the board to pursue a temporary moratorium on non‑emergency trimming by utilities and to apply consistent standards to third‑party contractors involved with utility work. Jennifer Brazil, a member of the village tree board, asked that the arborist’s care-and-risk plan be shared with the tree board before removals begin.
Board action: Trustees scheduled a public hearing for May 19 to consider a temporary moratorium on non‑emergency tree trimming by utilities, as requested by residents. Village staff and the Department of Public Works indicated they will provide the risk assessment and coordinate with the village tree board so members can review mitigation plans and pruning options before removals begin.
Technical and implementation details: The arborist said primary candidates for removal are trees with decay at the base or major canopy failure; many other trees showed deadwood that could be pruned down to 1–2 inch diameter branches to reduce risk. Some pruning tasks will require contractors with higher reach equipment because the village’s bucket truck may not reach the tallest canopy work. The arborist and tree board recommended evaluating any snag‑retention options on a tree‑by‑tree basis with a 360‑degree inspection to determine acceptable risk.
Next steps: The village will post the contractor’s care-and-risk assessment for review and will hold the May 19 hearing on a proposed moratorium. Trustees said they want factual sourcing for any historical text proposed for a memorial plaque at Hamlin Park before the village approves installation.
