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Tree board approves removal of tree leaning toward deck at East Street; dead trees handled administratively
Summary
Board approved permit to remove a leaning tree that threatens a deck at an East Street property and accepted the applicant’s mitigation plan; members clarified that dead trees can be removed after town verification and do not always require board review.
The Chesapeake Beach Tree Board approved a permit on May 12 to remove a tree leaning toward a deck at a residence on East Street and accepted a mitigation plan that calls for slope stabilization and two small native plantings.
Homeowner (identified in meeting as Miss Schreiber) submitted an application for removal of a single tree near her deck and an amendment addressing several other dead trees on her property. The board and town staff clarified that trimming does not require a permit but that removal of dead trees generally requires verification by the town’s public works or arborist staff; separately submitted dead-tree items may be administratively cleared without full board review if they are verified as dead.
Town planner and zoning administrator Sarah presented a report saying the tree near the deck is developing health issues and a cavity at the base that compromises structural stability. Sarah’s report noted the tree did not appear to be an imminent danger but recommended removal because future decline and potential hazards are likely and cannot be corrected by pruning. Her report also said the parcel is located in the critical area but that removal of a single tree is not regulated there.
Miss Schreiber described prior tree failures on her property and nearby houses and provided photos showing fallen trees and a damaged shed. “I’ve had trees fall on my shed,” she said, and she noted a hollow in the leaning tree’s base. The homeowner also said she planned slope regrading and plantings by a landscaper to stabilize the area after removal.
The board recommended approval with mitigation requiring two small native shrubs for slope stabilization and allowed a six-month time frame to complete work, with seasonal flexibility for planting. A motion to approve was made, seconded, and approved by the board members present (vote recorded as ayes).
During the discussion, contractor and attendee Ryan Billings (from Annapolis) and the board explained the town’s administrative process: if the town inspector or arborist can verify a tree is dead from photos or inspection, the removal can proceed without a board hearing; otherwise, the board will review cases that raise canopy or preservation questions. Board members asked staff to clarify the town website and make the decision matrix and critical-area mapping more accessible to residents.
The board instructed staff to send written recommendations and to work with the homeowner on species selection and slope stabilization.
