Six Trees Cut Down on Waterson Street

Six Bradford Pear trees that were recently cut down on Waterson Street, near a Westfield municipal parking lot and adjacent to Holy Trinity School, will be replaced with Dogwood trees, according to Westfield Department of Public Works Superintendent Claude Shaffer.

Shaffer said the trees were "dropping branches on cars" and he'd received a "couple of complaints." 

"We went out there and determined that the trees were dying and in bad shape," Shaffer said. "There are two trees on the ends that are in good shape so we let them stay. Bradford Pears might be nice for your backyard but they're not a good choice for a public right of way or near a parking lot. When the branches are heavy with snow, they tend to snap."

Shaffer said the town has ordered 20 new Dogwood trees; six will replace the Bradford Pears that came down on Waterson Street.

"We hope to plant the new trees over the next couple of weeks," said Shaffer. "We need to get a smaller stump grinder. They'll probably go in shortly after Labor Day."

Other new trees will be planted in front of residents' homes throughout the town and several will replace the earlier this year. 

Shaffer said he has been waiting to find out if electrical work that was taking place under the sidewalk on Quimby Street has been completed. He cited that and buckling sidewalks as the reason for the trees' removal in late May. 

"I have to find out if the electrician finished the work under the sidewalk. I know they were waiting on permits. As soon as that's done, we're ready to go. We have the trees," said Shaffer.