To the editor:

Three historic trees are about to be chopped down in south Warren.

It has come to my attention that the new property owner of 933 Main Street, on the corner of tree-lined Maple Street, plans to cut down two 100-year-old spruce trees and a large rhododendron.

The house on this property was built c. 1870, and the spruces were likely planted soon after. Anyone who drives through south Warren knows the rhododendron, which explodes into pink blossoms each spring.

Does a new property owner have the moral right to come into a neighborhood and destroy three majestic trees, thereby changing the entire character of the neighborhood?

As a URI Master Gardener, I am reaching out to the owner to offer my services gratis to develop a landscape plan that will include removing dead branches from the spruce trees and pruning the rhododendron to a reasonable size. Aside from their inherent beauty, trees like these help cut down on heating and cooling expenses and enhance property value.

I invite comment from the property owner and other concerned residents to reach out to me at 401-252-1570, or by email at mmm10@caa.columbia.edu

Michelle Murray
41 Dyer Street