Committee discusses Broad Street tree pruning, contractor quotes and funding options

Members of the Bridgewater Tree Committee discussed urgent maintenance needs for trees along Broad Street and agreed to seek cost estimates before committing funds.

Committee member Brian Cole described the trees as looking “in really sad shape” and urged pruning, stump grinding and targeted removals where ash trees are failing. “We need somebody to get out and go through and prune all those trees right down from the square to the railroad tracks,” Cole said, and recommended a certified arborist he has worked with in East Bridgewater.

Members noted the town’s highway department lacks funds to perform the work and that the committee has limited discretionary money; one member said the committee has about $18,000 in its account but it was unclear how much is available for this scope. The transcript includes a reference that a state representative has two grants (one described as $25,000 and another as $50,000) for the Common; members agreed to ask whether some grant funds could be used for tree work.

Rather than deciding on a contractor immediately, the committee directed Brian and staff to obtain multiple quotes for pruning and stump work and to consult Paul (highway department) about any available budget. No final contracting decision or funding allocation was made; members agreed to revisit the issue after getting estimates.

Why it matters: Several street trees were described as damaged, containing dead wood, or having limbs broken by contractors; remediation (pruning, stump removal or replacement) affects downtown appearance, public safety near sidewalks and long‑term tree survival.

Next steps: Committee members will solicit contractor quotes, check existing committee funds and clarify the nature and eligibility of referenced grants, then report estimates at the next meeting.