2011-07-20-TREE-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Lexington Tree Committee Meeting July 20, 2011 A special Tree Committee meeting was scheduled to discuss the process of fall tree planting and a procedure to out -plant tree nursery backup. Present: David Pinsonneault(Operations Director and Tree Warden), Chris Filadoro (Superintendent of Public Grounds), Deb Mauger(Selectmen liaison), John Frey(Chair), Jewel Kuljian, Gerry Paul, Anne Senning, Nell Walker, and Jim Wood. Absent: Karen Longeteig. 1.Jewel Kuljian was appointed as scribe. The minutes of the July 14, 2011 meeting were approved with the understanding that Anne Senning will add the configuration of the spring tree planting in the streets, parks, and the new Setback Agreement Program to the minutes. 2.Plan Fall Tree Planting. Continue last meeting's discussion and develop a procedure to out -plant tree nursery backlog. Jim expressed concern about the 1 1/2" caliper trees ready to be out - planted. If the trees are left in the bags the roots will continue to girdle. He suggested members of the Tree Committee (Jim, Gerry and John) plant the 20 setback trees in the front yards of homeowners starting from Labor Day to mid - October. With this plan the remainder of the trees could be planted by the DPW staff. Dave stated sixty - five trees per season is a manageable number to plant and maintain. He would like the DPW staff to plant the 20 setback program trees for each season, "It is good for our Program." He prefers to contract the planting of the street trees. He has the funding to do this. He wants to have a good result in the end and pay attention to watering. To catch up it is suggested we do a total of 65 trees in the fall of 2011, 65 trees in the spring of 2012, and 65 in the fall of 2012. Identification of planting sites will be important. Perhaps some root pruning in the nursery could be considered. Dave noted that he appreciates all the work being done by the Tree Committee. Tree Committee members can continue to work with the DPW staff when planting takes place. A future discussion at a Tree Committee meeting is to decide how many trees to plant in the tree nursery in the spring. Meeting adjourned. Next regular scheduled meeting: Thursday August 11, 2011, 7:30 a.m. At 201 Bedford St., Room 125.