By Mike Rego
Local officials recently made the difficult decision to take down a diseased willow tree at Warren Town Beach, which drew the consternation of some. But plans are already in the works to replace the fallen one with at a couple new saplings.
Town Manager Brian Sullivan and Director of Public Works Brian Wheeler, in consultation with tree commission chairman Chuck Staton, chose to fell the sick tree once it was deemed beyond saving and potentially become a spot of bother.
"Brian went out there recently and was able to push a piece of rebar (steel) right through the base," Sullivan said of the tree. "We brought Chuck in and he agreed. It was hazard and could be a huge liability for the town if anything happened."
The toppling of tree was made aware to the larger public when it was referred to by new Warren Tree Warden Matthew Largess at the town council's January 14 meeting , at which he was confirmed for the previously vacant position.
As Wheeler explained, "not only was there a large vertical crack from the base of the tree upwards to about 15 feet, but the center of the trunk was turned into mulch and had very little structure supporting the full size of the tree."
He continued, "We consulted with Chuck Staton and had other arborists examine the tree. We all agreed that the tree needed to come down before it caused serious injury to anyone enjoying the beach."
Wheeler said the town is already in the process of engaging the full commission "to ensure we replant at least two trees, but hopefully three, in this location."