Montreat tree board to ask town manager, consider council review after neighbor concerns over Chestnut Project

At its April 14 meeting the Tadamon Treats Tree Board discussed a proposed Chestnut Project Planning Program and agreed to take the proposal to Town Manager Savannah for budget and maintenance review, and to consider informing the town council to manage neighbors’ expectations. The chair presented a written message from Peggy McDonald outlining what would be planted and how it would be managed.

Board members said neighbors had complained that newly planted chestnuts could grow tall and block views. "We ought to bring it back before the town anyway," said Commissioner Blake, arguing that involving the council would reduce blowback and help with public relations. Members noted the planting plan described trees that would reach roughly 20 feet and discussed maintenance arrangements such as mowing limits and protective mulch rings around saplings so mowers would not damage them.

Why it matters: The board must balance reforestation and restoration goals with neighbors’ concerns and the town’s maintenance capacity. Members repeatedly flagged that maintenance (mowing, watering, long-term care) would be a town budget decision. Savannah, the town manager, will need to confirm whether public-works budgets and schedules can accommodate the proposed maintenance tasks if the project proceeds.

Speakers debated two practical points: whether the town council must formally approve plantings on town green space and how maintenance would be assigned. One member said the ordinance text suggests the council’s approval is not required, but that "in the spirit of public relations" the board should involve the council so residents feel included. The board also discussed asking Savannah whether the town could commit to mowing only the area necessary to protect the chestnuts rather than maintaining the entire adjacent plot.

Board next steps include the chair meeting with Savannah to clarify maintenance and budget implications and reporting back to the tree board before the next scheduled agenda. Speaker 1 said she would speak with Savannah and hoped to have a clearer plan by the May 12 meeting.

The board did not vote to adopt the Chestnut Project at this meeting; members recorded plans to follow up with Savannah and, if appropriate, brief the town council.