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Planning board requires six replacement trees after unauthorized removal of town shade tree at 154 Turnpike Road
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Summary
After hearing that a public shade tree was removed without following scenic‑road procedures, the planning board required mitigation: six replacement trees of roughly 3‑inch caliper to be donated or planted and coordinated with DPW. Members emphasized the removal was the responsibility of the party that cut the tree because it was town‑owned.
The Southborough Planning Board concluded on April 27 that the unauthorized removal of a town‑owned public shade tree at 154 Turnpike Road requires mitigation by replacement. The board directed that the responsible party provide six 3‑inch caliper trees (or an agreed equivalent) to be planted in locations coordinated with the DPW.
The issue was contentious in places: developers’ representatives and residents disputed the species and size reported in different inventories, and an arborist’s earlier town inventory had listed a different species for the same location. DPW staff said the tree the town removed or that was removed without process was in decline and would have been on the DPW’s removal list. Still, several board members and residents emphasized that because the tree was public shade tree on a scenic road it was not the property owner’s unilateral decision to cut it down. One member said the town will seek replacement to restore public canopy and recommended planting mid‑sized native species where feasible.
Board action: The planning board made and approved an amended motion requiring replacement plantings (six 3‑inch caliper trees) coordinated with the town’s street‑tree list and DPW. The motion passed on a recorded vote.
Next steps: DPW and planning staff will coordinate the species selection and planting locations; the board expects DPW to oversee the planting and monitor survival. If the responsible party fails to comply, the board and town staff will pursue remedies under local ordinance.
