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Village tree committee urges protections, launches heritage‑tree registry
Summary
Beverly Sherrard told the Board the village needs a stronger canopy and cited data showing Larchmont's tree cover is lower than neighboring areas; the presentation described planting, pruning, the 2021 tree law and a new heritage‑tree registry of 19 remarkable trees.
Beverly Sherrard, chairman of the Village Tree Committee, told the Board of Trustees that large, mature trees are an essential part of the village’s infrastructure and character and urged continued support for planting, pruning and enforcement of the village tree law. "They absorb rainwater, and they reduce the risk of flooding," Sherrard said during a 40‑minute presentation, which included a canopy analysis showing that "Larchmont...drops to about a 32% cover."
The committee described a multi‑pronged program that has planted about 1,300 village trees since 2011, uses gator‑style watering bags to improve young‑tree survival, and performs pruning to improve safety and tree longevity. Sherrard also highlighted a 2021 local law that expanded protections to large private trees and added permit and replanting requirements. "People need permits now to take the large ones down," she said.
The committee unveiled a new Heritage Tree Hunt and a registry listing an initial class of 19 remarkable trees proposed for official recognition, including the Tompkins Farm Oak and an American elm on South Berry Avenue. The registry is intended to raise public awareness, not to add additional regulatory restrictions beyond the 2021 tree law.
Trustees and staff discussed enforcement and communication. Staff and trustees said the village needs clearer notice when private‑tree removal permits are issued and better weekend enforcement because illegal removals are often reported on Saturdays. One trustee proposed a laminated tag or lawn notice tied to a permitted removal so neighbors can tell whether a removal is authorized. The manager’s office said it will explore complaint‑tracking options and consider assigning staff or overtime police coverage to enable weekend response.
The Board agreed to add the presentation slides to meeting backup materials so the public has access to the registry and to work with the tree committee on improved permit notices and a shared tracking document between DPW and volunteers. The committee also requested the Board consider officially recognizing the registry through a future trustee action; no formal vote was taken at the work session.
