Bristol selectboard eyeing trees; wants to balance safe sidewalks with tree health & beauty
Posted on October 2, 2017 |
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BRISTOL TREE WARDEN David Brynn, above, stands alongside a tree near the corner of Church and Maple streets that has “exceeded the capacity of the site.” The tree’s roots are buckling the sidewalk, branches have been trimmed to make room for power lines and the tree is showing signs of stress. Below left, the roots of this maple tree are now starting to bust up the sidewalk. Like many urban trees, this maple is growing in the green strip between the road and the sidewalk. Below right, the groove in this tree’s trunk shows a weak spot that also indicates that the tree is not in optimal health. Independent photos/Trent Campbell
BRISTOL — The Bristol selectboard is trying to figure out what to do about those trees between the street and the sidewalk in the village that are busting up sidewalks.
Cutting back the roots so the sidewalk can be repaired could end up killing the tree; removing the tree takes out an important Bristol asset.
“Sidewalk trees are a big part of the beauty of Bristol village, as is its walkability” said Bristol selectboard Chair Peter Coffey. “Trees are important. Safe sidewalks are important.”