Forest Square, also known as the Tree Streets, in Brattleboro was once a very desirable part of town to live. The area was given its name due to the ample number of trees, the streets are named after trees, and the streets were planted with large shade trees lining the sidewalks and roads.
The very largest trees in the neighborhood today were likely planted in the 1860s by Brattleboro’s Share Tree Association. There was a concerted effort to plant new trees to provide shade for future residents, since much of the town was being cleared of trees as people cut them for wood.
The shade trees grew up together and became quite large and doing all the things trees do – provide shade, homes for birds, food for squirrels, places to play and climb for children.
A few fell during the hurricane in the 1930’s, but otherwise they held strong for over a century.
As I type this, another one of these large trees is being cut down. I say another because in the 15 plus years we’ve lived here, it seems to be an annual event to cut large, old tress down. The large stumps around the neighborhood are evidence of what has been lost.
Many of these were still healthy, but insurance companies and tree services can lean heavily on homeowners to get rid of the dangerous beasts. It could fall on you or your house!
The giant oak being cut today is likely 140-160 years old. Unlike many of the others, this tree has been slowly dying for the last decade. It still manages to create leaves and acorns – our squirrels have used it as a primary food source for years – but it gets weaker each year, and the potential to drop branches on people walking by has increased.
We noticed it dying years ago and let one of it’s children grow. It’s now a 15 foot small oak tree, large enough for small birds to land on branches.
This is not the norm, though. There is no requirement for anyone to replace the tree they’ve cut down. The big trees come down, but new trees aren’t planted to take their place.
Forest Square is looking like Stump Square. The Tree Streets are becoming the Stump Streets.
Habitat is vanishing. Take the squirrels, for example. Today they lose their grocery store, and a safe way to cross over the street. We loose shade and protection from wind and rain, and the street looks a little less appealling.
A revised tree ordinance that requires permits and the replacement of cut trees would help mitigate the loss of trees in Brattleboro. Fees for cutting large diameter trees could be steep. A healthy town canopy could be a goal.
Each of these tree-cutting decisions is an individual decision. The cumulative effect, however, has been rather devastating. It appears we no longer value shade trees lining our streets. Do we?
The Replacements
Remembering all the fuss when trees were taken out of the Prospect Hill cemetery several years ago, I got curious, looked around on the internet and found:
The Brattleboro Code, section 14-34 states, (excerpts)
“For every non-hazardous Public Shade Tree taken down, a tree or trees shall be planted equal to the total caliper of inches taken.”
“…planting need not be done at the site of the take-down, but shall be carried out in accordance with the needs of the most current version of the Streetscape Master Plan.”
“The Tree Advisory Board may advise the Tree Warden as to where the new tree or trees shall be planted.”
I could not find anything online regarding a “Streetscape Master Plan”. Perhaps the Tree Advisory Board or the Town Tree Warden would have more info.
Trees in town
Chris, it’s not just your neighborhood! I took a stroll down Sunny Acres a week or two ago and a row of pines had been removed from the front edge of a homeowner’s lawn. True, one can now see a little body of water on the far side of the property, but it was still a shock.
My neighbors just removed two large trees that were growing into their foundation. One was probably dying, but the other was not. She said it was a hard decision to take down the healthy tree, but it was damaging the house.
I’ve notice it’s happening on other streets too, so I’m glad you were able to let a little oak grow.
Another week, another tree
The stump for the last week’s tree was ground up. The tree folks came at 8:30 on Sunday evening to clean it all up. As everyone knows, the only way to get sawdust out of a lawn is with an electric blower! Vroom! (There is still sawdust, and no replacement tree was planted.)
This morning an different tree company arrived fresh and early to trim away more of the pesky tree streets. This annoying trees are everywhere!
...our commitment to protect trees with which we reside
“The Brattleboro Tree Advisory Board . . . created this walking tour of “Treasured Trees” as part of our commitment to protecting and promoting respect for the trees with which we reside. The community was asked to nominate trees they considered to be extraordinary or fascinating, and to tell us why. The response was overwhelming, and the Board had the difficult task of choosing which trees to include in this guide. We hope that, as you look at each tree, you will pause to reflect on the importance of trees in your life, and in the life of our community.”
http://www.brattleboro.org/index.asp?SEC=22CB0B45-B605-42BA-823E-3CB153FA6304&Type=B_BASIC
replacement trees
That was a great project.
I remember nominating one big, older tree on our street (not included in the map) that has a berry bush growing up in the branches. A bird or squirrel must have dropped some berry seeds in just the right place and it took root.
That reminds me… I should check to see if it’s putting out berry leaves again this year.
…
I think a town-wide goal of shade trees along the streets would be good to reinvigorate. There are substantial stretches of no-shade sidewalks that get kinda uncomfortable in the heat of summer. Quite a few sidewalks have lost shade in the last decade.
Here’s how Tacoma Park, MD does it.
“The City of Takoma Park requires at least one of three types of tree permits when individuals seek to remove a tree or perform work that impacts a tree within the boundaries of Takoma Park.
-Tree Impact Assessment. A tree impact assessment is needed before performing pruning of live branches, regrading, or construction work that impacts urban forest trees.
-Tree Protection Plan Agreement. Construction or other activities which may damage a tree’s roots or affect its water supply require a Tree Protection Plan Agreement.
-Tree Removal Permit. Whenever an urban forest tree is to be removed a Tree Removal Permit is required. Tree Removal Permits are granted through the Tree Removal Application process.”
If someone wants to remove a tree:
“Whenever an urban forest tree (a tree with a diameter greater than 7 ⅝ inches at 4.5 feet above ground) is to be removed, a Tree Removal Permit is required. If the tree is dead or hazardous no replacement plantings will be required, and a waiver will be issued. If the tree is alive the Arborist determines the value of the tree (according to guidelines outlined in City Code). The size of the tree removed determines the number of replacement trees that will be required. There is a 15 day comment period and the property owner must agree to plant replacements or pay a fee before the permit will be issued.”
Dear Prudence
I grew up on a small farm. When we crossed the street we stepped into deep between two rivers that took us to the riverside cliffs on an old Indian trail.
I don’t need much to advise caution and prudence when taking down community trees.
I'm giving a stump speech.
Ahh, to wake to the sound of tree trucks assembling, then the sound of chainsaws and stump grinders. Such a peaceful and relaxing day in the tree streets of Forest Square.
This time around trees along Water Lane, very close to the woodlands, are being taken down. If you use that path into the woods you probably had appreciated their shade.
The town wants income, and we need some rules before the area is clear cut. Tree Cutting Permits!