Wallingford tree replacement process continues

Published: August 29, 2014 | Last Modified: August 29, 2014 01:25AM

By Andrew Ragali Record-Journal staff

WALLINGFORD The second phase of downtown tree removal and replacement is underway.

On Tuesday, Public Works Director Henry McCully, the towns tree warden, placed removal notices on 38 pear and oak trees lining Center Street from Route 5 to North Main and South Main streets. They were planted as part of the towns streetscape improvement program in the mid-1990s.

Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr. said the trees are scheduled to be removed and replaced this fall because theyve gotten too large for the setting.

Sidewalks along Center Street and openings where trees emerge from the sidewalk are too small to allow the trees to continue growing, he said, especially where the buildings are too close.

By planting smaller trees, the town looks to avoid sidewalk issues, free up pedestrian space and keep the downtown area looking aesthetically attractive, Dickinson said.

The town removed 28 Callery pear trees on Quinnipiac Street this spring, replacing them with the same species. Dickinson has said the town plans on replacing trees along Center Street and North Main and South Main streets over the next two years as part of a tree planting program. McCully could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Downtown trees are not meant to be permanent, Dickinson said. They are meant to be replaced every 10 or 15 years. These are ornamental trees. They cant stay here for 30 or 40 years.

Center Street is Route 150, a state highway, unlike Quinnipiac Street. According to state statute and local ordinance, the tree warden is responsible for the care of trees on all public roads and grounds except those along state highways.

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Wallingford tree replacement process continues