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Tree committee backs experimental injections to try to save common’s beech trees, asks town manager review
Summary
The Bridgewater Tree Committee unanimously recommended that licensed committee member Brian be authorized to buy materials and perform an experimental injection treatment on six beech trees on the town common, subject to town-manager approval and courtesy notification of the Bridgewater Improvement Association; members noted the treatment is labeled but not guaranteed to save the trees.
The Bridgewater Tree Committee voted to recommend that licensed committee member Brian purchase materials and proceed with an injection treatment intended to slow or prevent beech leaf disease in six beach (beech) trees on the town common, subject to approval by the town manager and courtesy notification of the Bridgewater Improvement Association (BIA).
Committee members heard that the product Brian cited is labeled for this use, which allows application, but that the treatment is experimental and efficacy is not guaranteed. "It's entirely experimental," Brian said, adding that the material is EPA‑labeled for the injection method and that "there's no guarantee at all." He offered to perform the injections himself and said materials would cost under $500; his labor would not be charged to the committee.
Members repeatedly raised questions about who carries responsibility and insurance for pesticide application. Josh, speaking for staff, said the committee's role is advisory to the town manager and recommended routing recommendations to the town manager or DPW for a quick determination. "If he doesn't feel that's the committee's responsibility... he'll deny it," Josh said, describing the usual process for committee‑initiated spending.
After discussion about timing—the injections must be done while trees are transpiring—the committee adopted a motion that (1) authorizes Brian to purchase materials and perform the injections, (2) sends the recommendation to the town manager for formal approval, and (3) requires that the BIA be notified as a courtesy. The motion passed by voice vote with all members in favor.
Next steps: Brian will send specifications, the invoice and safety data sheets to staff for the town‑manager review; staff will relay the committee's recommendation and the materials/specifications to the town manager and DPW. The committee asked that the town council clerk be included in notifications so there is a paper trail.
