Swampscott board OKs tree removals

SWAMPSCOTT – An independent arborist hired by the town agreed 10 of 11 trees National Grid wanted to remove should be taken down.At its meeting Tuesday evening the Board of Selectmen voted to allow National Grid to remove 10 of the 11 trees.National Grid recently surveyed trees along one of its main power lines in town and determined 11 of the approximately 100 trees examined needed to be removed because the trees are a hazard.National Grid removes the diseased trees at no cost to the town and it has a grant program, which would allow some funds to replace some of the trees. According to National Grid, three certified arborists looked at the trees and determined the trees pose a hazard because the trees have cavities and internal decay.Earlier this month the Board of Selectmen postponed making a decision on whether it would allow National Grid to remove the trees so it could hire an independent arborist to evaluate the trees slated for removal.Certified Arborist Richard Grant of Leahy Landscaping, who examined the trees at the request of the town, told the selectmen he agrees the trees should be removed with the exception of the 28-inch maple in front of 50 Franklin Ave., which he said he believes is viable.Grant said the other trees have structural defect and decay, which makes them a hazard.The selectmen discussed the issue at length and had some reservations about allowing the trees to be removed. But Department of Public Works Director Gino Cresta pointed out four certified arborists have recommended the trees come down and it could be a liability issue if the town does not allow them to be taken down.The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to allow National Grid to remove the nine trees on Stetson Avenue and one on Essex Street. The selectmen did not approve removing the tree in front of 50 Franklin Ave.