2019-Lexington Tree Committee Recommendations for Tree Planting

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LOCATION PREPARATION • Soil removed from the planting hole shall be replaced with good quality topsoil similar in texture to the existing soil. • If a sidewalk is being replaced, sand-based structural soil under sidewalk should be considered. • The Tree Warden/Forestry Division will explore and may use appropriate technology (tree grates, etc.) as warranted to prevent or mitigate soil compaction in heavily traveled areas. SPECIES and ORDERING • The Tree Warden/ Forestry Division shall arrange for the planting of trees species from the master list provided by the Tree Committee. o Trees maybe ordered by the Town or by the contractor who will plant them. o Bare root trees are preferred when trees can be planted quickly(within one week) after delivery. o Contractors shall guarantee the trees' survival for 1 year. • Risk shall be mitigated for pest host trees or those in decline due to climate change,with consideration for the existing insect or pest situation in surrounding communities. o No sugar maples shall be planted o No ash trees (EAB hosts) shall be planted o ALB host trees shall be planted only when there is a compelling reason to do so, and shall be limited to a maximum of 20% of the trees planted in a given year. o Monocultures shall be avoided by planting 2 or 3 species in an area,unless a particular visual effect is necessary. WATERING and CARE • Watering shall be a major focus of the tree planting process,for up to 5 years. o Newly planted trees shall be watered for a minimum of 2 years, and longer in drought conditions. •The Tree Warden /Forestry Division shall ensure that the planting contractor,town or residents are assigned responsibility for watering trees. • It is recommended that salt-laden snow should not be piled on or near trees. MONITORING • The Tree Warden/Forestry Division shall monitor recently (within prior 5 years) planted trees and takes action if required (watering,pruning suckers and low branches,removing stakes, replacement, etc.) SURVIVAL RATES AND REPORTING • Archival records shall be kept of locations and species of trees planted, removed and replanted, and of survival rates. • This information shall be reported on a regular basis to the Tree Committee,and summary statistics will be included in the Town's Annual Report. 2