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Somerset council approves multiple tree removals, adds private removal at 5412 Trent Street
Summary
The Somerset Town Council approved recommended removals of several town trees and granted multiple private tree-removal permits, including two birches at 5412 Trent Street, after the town arborist reported decay and hazard risks.
Somerset — The Somerset Town Council voted to remove a series of town-owned trees and approved several private tree-removal permits at its meeting. Town arborist Dr. Feather told the council the town-owned specimens showed extensive decay and posed hazards, and recommended removal.
“Our 5520 Greystone red maple is a 32-inch diameter tree; the center of the tree is dead and it has lots of hollows,” Dr. Feather said, describing the town removals as safety-driven. Council President Barr moved to approve the arborist’s recommendations; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
Council also handled private-permit requests one by one. Dr. Feather described a 23-inch tree of heaven at 4603 Dorsett as an invasive species that “attracts the spotted lanternfly” and recommended treating the tree in July and removing it after it dies to reduce resprouting. The council approved that permit. The council approved additional permits for a nearly dead 19-inch holly at 4708 Dorset, a 34-inch pin oak about 75% dead at 4727 Essex, and a 30-inch magnolia at 5510 Uppingham after the arborist recommended removal in each case.
Applicants spoke for the two birch trees added to the agenda at 5412 Trent Street. The applicant said the birches were overcrowded and one was overhanging the house and likely dead. Dr. Feather described one birch as multi-stem with a 27-inch base and the other at 30 inches with decay at the base, and recommended removal; the council approved the permit.
Several council members asked whether residents would be notified before work and discussed waiving fees for some permits. Councilor Kumar suggested notifying residents so removals were not a surprise; staff agreed to post notices. Where fee questions arose, the council clarified the town’s authority and in at least one case approved a permit with no fee.
The approvals were administrative actions taken after arborist reports; no additional studies or funding allocations were required. Work timelines for specific removals were discussed on a case-by-case basis and will follow standard town permitting and notification practices.
