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Town of Lexington
Lexington Tree Committee Minutes
August 13, 2015
A meeting of the Lexington Tree Committee was held on August 15, 2015, 7:30-9:30 a.m. at the
Samuel Hadley Public Services Building, Room 125. A quorum of five was present.
Members Present: Chris Filadoro, (Public Grounds Superintendent, Tree Warden), John Frey
(chair), Karen Longeteig, Gerry Paul, Anne Senning, Nancy Sofen, Suzanne Barry (Selectman
Liaison)
Members Absent: Jewel Kuljian, Jim Wood
The meeting acted on the following items:
1. Anne Senning was appointed as scribe:
The minutes of the meeting of July 9, 2015, were
approved with a minor correction.
2.Tree Bylaw 203 Grove St:
Chris Filadoro, Tree Warden had reviewed the property; a large
number of trees had been removed from the center of the lot, but not within the area covered by
the Tree Bylaw.
Tree Bylaw Review:
Gerry Paul will secure the tree bylaws of Wellesley, Newton and
Brookline to compare to the Lexington Tree Bylaw, with the objective to improve the town
Bylaw.
3. White Oak at 524 Concord Ave:
Chris Filadoro, Tree Warden discussed the option of saving
the tree with the current homeowner. The Lexington Tree Warden and homeowner are to meet
annually to review the status of the tree in accordance with accepted Town pruning and
maintenance practices. Chris Filadoro will draft a letter to this effect to be reviewed by Town
Counsel. On approval, the letter will be signed by the homeowner and Chris Filadoro, Tree
Warden, representing the Town of Lexington.
4. Spring 2015 Tree Planting:
Chris Filadoro, Tree Warden reported that all 70 setback and
street trees have been planted. Eight of ten 2014 setback redbuds planted in spring 2014 died and
needed to be replaced.
The committee discussed various ways to publicize the setback tree program, including through
the PTA President’s Council. Jewel Kuljian, key member of the Tree Committee setback
planting program was not present for this discussion, so no decisions were made.
Chris Filadoro reported that in his opinion bare root planting has worked successfully for the past
two years. He and his staff have been able to plant 130 trees annually, planting 65 trees each in
spring and fall seasons using a contractor to excavate heavily compacted areas. He tries to
complete spring planting as early as possible, but spring demands are numerous. Fall planting is
done after dormancy. One staff member using the water truck waters newly planted trees for two
seasons.
Chris Filadoro reported that the WWI memorial for 3 men which was located on private property
near Somerset Rd will be relocated to the park where Somerset Rd splits between #11 and #23,
commonly known as ‘The Banana’.
5. The Tree Committee Web Page Update/revision
. The current Tree Committee Web Page
was discussed, in particular the fact that two versions of the Tree Management Manual are both
posted at different places on the site. In addition the task descriptions of the tree committee
members are out of date. Nancy Sofen agreed to meet with Donna Hooper and Candy
McLaughlin of the Information Technology Department about all issues pertaining to the Tree
Committee Web Page. She will ask for any additional help as needed.
6. Tree Management Manual:
Anne Senning reported that the Tree Management Manual will need a fourth edition. Chris
Filadoro, Tree Warden stated that there are approximately 75% of the 500 printed copies of the
third edition remaining. The committee discussed decreasing the size of the next print run and
the increased use of the on line manual. Suzanne Barry, Selectman Liaison suggested
considering an in house printer.
7. Tree Inventory:
The Tree Committee discussed the completion of the tree inventory in precincts 7, 8 and 9, using
the current software as a first step to upgrading the Town Tree Inventory. Karen Longeteig will
contact David Rines, Massachusetts Certified Arborist of Rines ArborWorks, LLC, who is both
familiar with tree identification and GIC. Chris Filadoro, Tree Warden stated that once precincts
7, 8 and 9 have been completed capital grants could be secured to complete a full town tree
inventory.
8. Lincoln Park sign for Nell Walker striped maple grove:
Anne Senning reported that she
and David Williams of the Lincoln Park sub committee of the Lincoln Park committee are
working on getting the sign established.
9.Watering:#4Spring 2015 Tree Planting:
Discussion incorporated in
There was no remote participation. The meeting was not recorded.
Respectfully submitted, Anne Senning, Scribe
Next regular meeting: September 10, 2015 7:30 a.m. at Samuel Hadley Public Services
Building, Room 125