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Historic District Commission discusses tree inventory, species diversification and possible state-funded dedication
Summary
Bedford conservation staff and commissioners said state foresters and UNH extension offered a free tree assessment to inventory street trees and help plan species replacement; the commission discussed diversifying maples and pursuing a state community forest program tree dedication.
The Bedford Historic District Commission discussed a community tree assessment and efforts to diversify the town’s street-tree species after a recent walk-through with state foresters and the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension.
Kathleen Ports, the town conservation planner, told the commission the foresters offered to perform a free tree assessment that would categorize trees by size class and help the town plan replacements for aging maples. “They are available to do a free tree assessment… they would identify trees by size class. So that would give you a sense of the different size categories of trees we have, which would help us sort of plan for replacement,” Ports said.
Commissioners noted the town has many mature maples and should diversify species to reduce the risk of losing legacy trees to pests or disease. Ports said the state community forest program could pay for a tree dedication to mark the town’s 275th anniversary and that the program could support planting on municipal property. “The tree dedication would be paid for… by the state community forest program,” Ports said.
The foresters also advised against planting species that conflict with utilities, driveways or sight lines and suggested targeting municipal sites for early replacements. Ports said the foresters could inventory trees in the public right of way and up to 10 feet onto abutting properties for assessment without a need to trespass; owners who wanted an on-site assessment could provide access.
Commissioners discussed outreach options if the town accepts an inventory, including a mailed guidance sheet or website resources about what homeowners must do before removing larger trees (permission is required for trees over 15 inches diameter on specified properties). They also discussed short educational ideas—mapping recommended species, combining outreach with Heritage events, and making available lists of recommended replacement species.
No formal action was taken; commissioners asked staff to talk to town officials about whether the municipal right-of-way inventory is feasible and to follow up on potential state funding for a dedication tree and replacement plantings.
