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Selectmen approve $54,545 tree purchase to replant South Avenue
Summary
The Board of Selectmen approved a contract with Zeno Nurseries Inc. to buy roughly 50 trees for the South Avenue relief project; DPW and the Beautification League will oversee planting and first-year irrigation.
The New Canaan Board of Selectmen on March 25 approved purchase and planting of about 50 trees along South Avenue, awarding the low bid to Zeno Nurseries Inc. (Hardscrabble Farms) and authorizing a 10% contingency for a total of $54,545.
Why it matters: South Avenue is a town gateway; the tree project aims to reestablish street canopy lost to age and drought, add species diversity and improve the corridor’s appearance. Planting will take place under an encroachment permit with the state and a town maintenance agreement.
What the board approved and why: The Department of Public Works, in partnership with the New Canaan Beautification League, brought a vendor recommendation after field staking and review with Keith Simpson Associates and the town tree warden. The low bid was $49,005.45; the DPW added a 10% contingency to allow for substitutions or larger specimens if the state arborist requires them. The DPW said funds are available in the FY25 tree budget and that the ARPA-designated funds used for the project have been reclassified into the general fund but will be tracked separately for reimbursement to the DPW account.
Planting, maintenance and neighbor outreach: Staff said DPW crews will plant and provide first-year irrigation and warranty compliance for the nursery-provided trees; residents will be asked to “adopt” trees in front of their properties after the establishment period. Stakes have been placed at the chosen locations and some neighbors have already raised site-specific concerns; DPW addressed those on a case-by-case basis.
“It's the right tree in the right place,” the presenter said, noting the list was vetted by the town tree warden and the state arborist. The board approved the purchase unanimously.
Next steps: DPW expects to receive the encroachment permit from the state this week and will attempt to start planting in early April to coincide with dogwood bloom. Staff said the town will set up a distinct project code so the ARPA funds cannot be spent elsewhere.
Provenance: Project discussion began when Beautification League volunteers presented the plan (transcript 742.3 onward) and the motion and vote appear near 1256.225 in the transcript.
