The Shade Tree Committee met eight times in 2003. January, February, March, May, June, October, November and December. In general it was a very good year for tree health.
The contract with Asplundh was extended for another 3 years with a small increase from the Town. They have done an excellent job for us. With adequate money from our budget, 125 new trees were planted in addition to the Pyrus calleryana 'Aristocrat' pears along Concord Avenue. Our practice of planting small, bare-rooted trees insures a success rate of 95%.
Early in the year, we were given, as a gift from the Belmont Garden Club, 65 Pyrus calleryana 'Aristocrat' pears, which were planted in April in the median strip of Concord Avenue. The plan had been to remove the existing trees but after much discussion the trees remained and the pears were planted in the empty spaces. In order to complete the planting, an additional 10 or more Pyrus calleryana 'Aristocrat' pear trees will be added in 2004.
We worked with the Historic District Commission and the Belmont Building Committee on the landscape plan for the Town Hall renovation and the Pleasant Street Reconstruction project.
The Arbor Day planting in late April was at the Butler School. A Pyrus calleryana 'Aristocrat' pear was planted to the right of the entrance (as you entered) and was celebrated by the students, teachers and interested citizens. I would like to see more participation as Tom Walsh, our Tree Warden, provides a warm, intelligent, informative presentation enjoyed by all who attend.
We now have a computer-generated matrix listing all Shade Tree projects associated with building, renovation and road construction, as well as areas needing revitalization; a clear format for future planting.
A considerable amount of time was devoted to exploring our mission for better understanding. This will continue.
We ended the year with our annual gathering at 204 Prospect Street, the home of the Chairperson, to thank members of the Committee and involved members of the Belmont Garden Club.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura M. Simmons, Chairman
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