To update my last post, the pending tree removal requests are now on the city website here
Besides, removals, Marc has also posted the list of open pruning requests. This will be useful, because unlike removals, which have the metal tags, trees on this list are not marked in any way. But now if you see a tree you are worried about, you can see if it’s already made the pruning request list. (That’s not to say it might not have gotten worse since first being reported.)
Keep in mind that it’s not just dead trees that may be hazardous. A tree could have a full canopy, but a structural defect, like this crack developing in an ash tree (which got removed last year as a result). If you spot anything like this, report it! More eyes are better than fewer.
Julia — Have we tried to examine the rate trees are added to this list? There’s probably 250+ trees on the list — so if the city approved a contractor to remove everything in a summer (or two) — could the existing staff kept up with new additions? (I realize the money involved must be large — just inquiring about the run-rate and current staffing)
Arg. The tree that I put on the list on 2009 isn’t there! How frustrating!
Whoops – found it. Too many addresses! I hope by 2015 the tree is pruned. Eegads. I hope it doesn’t fall by then.
Newton Mom, whew, glad you found it. But that’s another nice thing about being able to see the list — you can make sure a tree you called about is there.
Hoss, recent experience has been about 500 added to the removal list each year. More than that are lost, but some snap near the base, like in Waban during that microburst a couple years ago, or uproot totally, like one of the lindens in front of the West Newton Armory, so they’re a cleanup operation more than a bucket truck-type removal. And some trees die before they get very big so don’t need heavy equipment to remove.
Marc does project getting caught up with removals, I think some time in 2013, and with pruning some time after that, I forget what year. I’m not sure what percent of the crew’s time will be devoted to removals. It will probably be a pretty high percent initially, but just like airport screeners need breaks to stay attentive, I think it’s probably better from a safety perspective for tree workers to not just do one removal after another, day in day out, but mix in other work for a mental break. Plus, there will be hazardous limbs to prune which will be a higher priority than smaller dead trees or tall stumps that don’t have any limbs left to drop.
That micro burst was incredible. I think the most violent, damaging weather situation I’ve ever experienced up front and close. Which makes me pretty fortunate, I think .
I think the expected completion of the back log is 2015, which seems like a long time, especially since they haven’t hired any tree people yet.
Julia, just quick praise for your informative in-depth unbiased updates on the tree situation in Newton. As one who notices and appreciates your efforts, I always stop and read what you have to write. thanks.