Board critiques pool site planting plan; raises concerns about proposed 7-inch-caliper replacement tree and mitigation

The tree board reviewed a new planting plan for the Carbondale aquatics site. The plan proposes seven new trees plus one existing tree (eight total), compared with 11 trees previously on the site. Carl provided the plan for review and said he placed the materials on the agenda so members could study them before a fuller discussion.

Several board members welcomed the tree selection and overall layout, but flagged multiple concerns. Board members asked the project team to clarify whether the town or an outside contractor will maintain the denser planting scheme; Carl said he had assessed the trees but had not yet analyzed sidewalk impacts or maintenance responsibility. Members noted potential conflicts with a proposed handicap parking stall and a sidewalk cut on the west side of the property that might require removal of multiple trees and impact a nearby dry well.

A major point of contention was the contractor’s proposed replacement strategy: planting a single 7-inch-caliper tree to compensate for the removed larger tree. A board member noted the town’s ordinance and common state practice encourage 3–3.5 inch caliper trees for new plantings. The board argued that smaller caliper trees establish canopy sooner and that planting multiple 3–3.5 inch trees often yields more canopy over seven years than a single 7-inch specimen. Carl and multiple board members also questioned nursery availability and planting guarantees for 7-inch trees; Carl noted the larger specimen would require a large root ball (discussion referenced a 7-foot root ball and about a 10-foot planting hole diameter for such a caliper) and extended maintenance to ensure establishment.

Members suggested mitigation alternatives: require multiple smaller-caliper trees to be planted (including planting additional trees elsewhere in town if necessary) or require a clear, guaranteed maintenance and feeding plan if a larger specimen is used. Joanne asked that the chinquapin oak proposed for the site be considered for dedication to Vince Urbina for his long service; that suggestion was noted.

Board members also said the tree board had not been involved in the mitigation plan negotiations with the contractor (agenda item 6.2). Several members said they felt the board should have been consulted as the ordinance describes the board as an advisory body to the board of trustees on tree matters; staff confirmed the agreement with the contractor was negotiated between Eric (town project staff) and the contractor and that the mitigation letter was provided for the board’s review. Members asked staff to bring additional documentation and to involve the board earlier in any future mitigation or replacement negotiations.

Ending: The board asked Carl to gather additional documentation about caliper options, nursery availability and a proposed maintenance/guarantee plan for any large-caliper specimen. The board will revisit the aquatics planting plan at the next meeting and expects to discuss mitigation alternatives and placement clarifications (including the location of the surviving oak and spacing of two lindens near the building).